In August 1914, Canada entered World War I, a challenging period for the residents of Edmonton and Alberta. Thousands of men enlisted in the army and went to the front, leaving a labor shortage in various industries. During the war, women stepped into numerous roles, opening new opportunities for themselves. Learn more about the contributions of Edmonton women to the war effort, both on the home front and abroad, at edmonton-yes.com.
Filling the Labor Shortage
Women of all ages engaged in fundraising for the Canadian Red Cross, worked in manufacturing, and served as nurses. While most women’s participation was limited to the home front, they took on roles left vacant by nearly 50,000 Alberta men sent overseas. In Edmonton, women worked on farms, became administrative clerks, and even bus drivers. Many took up positions in clerical and banking sectors, opportunities previously unavailable to them before the war.
Between 1914 and 1918, the demand for labor pushed employers to hire women. Initially seen as temporary replacements, women proved their capabilities, breaking stereotypes. The Canadian government hired 1,325 women for civilian roles, including clerks and typists, and 1,200 women joined the Royal Canadian Air Force for technical work. By 1918, 750 women were employed as mechanics, demonstrating that wartime necessity expanded opportunities and challenged traditional gender roles.
Many Edmonton women entered the workforce to express their patriotism, improving their financial standing and narrowing wage inequalities. Their active participation in public life extended to politics, leading to their right to vote and stand for parliamentary elections. This milestone significantly enhanced political awareness among Alberta’s women.
In 1917, Louise McKinney and Roberta MacAdams became the first women elected to Alberta’s legislative assembly. The surge in women joining the workforce and engaging in social movements laid the groundwork for future recognition and rights.
Nurses on the Frontlines and at Home
Numerous women served as nurses during the war. Among them, 3,141 women joined the Canadian Army Medical Corps. Edmonton women were among those who went abroad to care for wounded soldiers. Nicknamed “Bluebirds” or “Angels of Mercy,” these nurses worked tirelessly on the battlefields, providing critical care.
After basic first-aid training, nurses assisted doctors in hospitals, prepared meals, and cleaned. Around 2,000 women served as nurses on the frontlines, including approximately nine Edmonton women who provided medical aid overseas.
World War I transformed military medical services, moving units closer to the front lines to expedite care. This placed women in areas of intense combat, exposing them to the dangers of enemy fire, air raids, diseases, and harsh conditions. Despite these challenges, they returned home proud of their contributions to the war effort.
Women’s Community Activities During the War
During World War I, women supported numerous initiatives, volunteering with the Red Cross to aid the war effort on the home front. They raised funds, distributed gifts to soldiers’ children, prepared care packages, and sewed clothing for troops. Their selfless efforts provided crucial support to those in need.
Conclusion
The women of Edmonton and Alberta made substantial contributions to the victory in World War I. Their courage, determination, and resilience not only supported the war effort but also paved the way for greater social and political rights. Their legacy remains a testament to the strength and capability of women in the face of adversity.