April 5th, 1932 Parallels in History?

“The Past Is Your Lesson, The Present Is your Engine and The Future Is Your Motivation.” Given the current situation in Newfoundland and Labrador, I do not think anyone, could have drawn up a better day for us to learn from than today.

It was on this day in 1932, in the midst of the Great Depression and motivated by rooting out corruption in public office, 2000 Newfoundlanders set out to protest at the Colonial Building. At first this was to present a petition, demanding an investigation into the corruption charges facing Prime Minister Squires. These allegations which had been brought to light by finance minister Peter John Cashin, who had resigned sighting widespread corruption in the administration, and falsification of minutes to hide payments made to the corrupted leader using public funds.

There had been weeks of protests leading up to this day, mostly seeking change and answers, due to dissatisfaction with the maladministration of the Government at the time. After waiting hours for a response to the petition, this peaceful protest, which had grown to somewhere between 3500-10000 depending on which source you use, turned into a riot.

In the aftermath of this riot and the civil actions taken by the people of Newfoundland. The Prime Minister had little choice but to resign, and call for new elections. This election led to the United Newfoundland Party winning most of the seats. This newly elected government was later dissolved, in 1934 in favor of the Commission of Government which remained in place until Confederation.

If the past is our lesson, what can we take from this? I think we can take several things. I feel the most important thing is that people, when they come together, can effect change. Here in Newfoundland and Labrador today, we face many of the same issues, that faced the people in 1932. Massive debt which threatens the future of our home, and the livelihood of its people, perceived corruption, or maladministration in multiple sections of our Government.

We must take these lessons from the past, let them be our driving force toward building a future for Newfoundland and Labrador. The people in 1932 did not allow these problems to stand, we should not either. As we make our way out of the pandemic, is it time to consider adapting something from our past to help steer the way towards the future?

Think about the installation of a civilian oversight into governance, one which would have to approve of government spending. An independent body to ensure both spending and enacted policy are carried out, in the best interest of the province and its people and an investigative body to act as a safe guard against malfeasance.

If the future is our motivation, and we want Newfoundland and Labrador to survive for generations, we as the people must act. Demand better from our elected officials, watch over them and make sure that follow through honestly and transparently. If they do not, we will find another remedy.