The Canadian Patriotic Fund
The Canadian Patriotic Fund was established to provide adequate support and comfort to wives and other dependants of those men who had volunteered their services to their country. The Governor General of Canada was President and the Minister of Finance was Treasurer.
The Fund’s administration was centralized in Ottawa, with branches established in every major centre of enlistment across the country. Volunteers in the communities distributed the funds and cared for affected families.
While the government established the Fund, it was supported initially by public donations and by grants from municipal organizations. Poster campaigns, often originating in local areas, encouraged people to contribute to the Fund.
Pay issued to an enlisted man was considered enough for that individual but did not include enough to support their family. A monthly separation allowance was provided to the wife of an enlisted man sent overseas, which, like the man’s pay, depended on rank. In cases of hardship, it was necessary to provide additional support based on the number of eligible dependants.
A schedule of payments was established, and the Patriotic Fund initially granted each wife or dependant mother $5 to $10 per month. A scale was set for the provision of support for children, linked to their age. This amount provided from the Fund was modified as the war progressed.
Back to: Chapter 02
Victory Bonds
Next up: Chapter 04
Increasing Production
Looking for more records?
Search our collection