In 1911 Laurier thought that free trade with the U.S.A on many products was a good political move. Little did he know that this reciprocity would cost him his glory in the next election. While he was making the decision of trade, Laurier did not consider how this would effect many Canadian workers. Companies viewed free trade as the beginning of the end for their industries because it would lead to bankruptcies and unemployment. Laurier had good intentions, he tried to help answer the question that was raised, as to why to buy expensive items from central Canada when you can get the same item cheaper from the U.S.A. His intentions were to help out the Western provinces. Many of Laurier’s decisions involved the thought of the satisfaction of the French and the English, this was later seen during the Boer War.
When the British Empire asked Canada for the help in fighting the Boers, Prime Minister Wilfred Laurier was faced with a difficult decision to formulate. Many of the French people did not feel that Canada needed to take part in a war that did not concern them. In the other hand many of the English people wanted to prove their loyalty to Britain by sending troop. This is when Laurier thought of a brilliant plan to please both groups, this was to only send volunteers to fight. This was excellent in the case that, since the French opposed fighting, they were then not obligated to fight only if they chose to join the army with their will. A lot of thought was taken into this decision which was intended so that neither the French nor the English felt their thoughts and wants were not taken into consideration. His decision sharpened the controversy between the two nationality groups regarding Canada's proper responsibilities to Britain in the future.
Before the 1900’s, Canada did not have an established navy like the British. It was only until 1910 the Naval Act was passed by the Canadian Parliament. This was only brought up into action because the British asked Canada for contributions to the British Navy. Once again, it was up to Sir Wilfrid Laurier to look for a compromise that would benefit everyone. The French did not agree to this, but the English wanted to be loyal to the British. This was the reason why the Naval Act was created, this act created a Canadian navy that would defend Canadian shores and this navy could only be used to help the British navy only if the Canadian Parliament approved. He used great strategies so that it was fifty fifty thought between the English and the French.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier had the longest unbroken term of office of any Canadian prime minister. He spent much of his time in office trying to balance the interests of the French and English in Canada. Laurier was reasonable and known for his ability to compromise. His belief that Canada would become a great country equal to Britain helped him to succeed in many of his elections, his number one priority was the Canadian people. Throughout his time in office he was faced with many decisions to make, whether it was about the Boer War, the Naval Act or Reciprocity, the outcome of these decisions helped shape Canada as a nation. Next time you hear of the name Sir Wilfrid Laurier, remember he was a men of honor and passion to see the Canadian people pleased and to see Canada as a prosperous country as Britain was.
