REFORM IN CANADA

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 87, 7 January 1935, Page 7

REFORM IN CANADA

Mr. Bennett Throws Light

on Policy INSURANCE AND PENSIONS By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright. (Received January 6, 6.20 p.m.) Ottawa, January 4. Contributory unemployment insurance, a remodelled old age pensions scheme, health, sickness and accident insurance, amended income-tax laws to correct the inequality of wealth distribution, minimum wage laws, maximum hours of work and further legislation in the interests of farmers were promised by Mr. R. B. Bennett, Prime Minister, as part of the reform policy in a second series of addresses. ' Ringing up' the curtain oil the general election campaign, Mr. R. B. Bennett, Prime Minister, on January 2 announced that the Government would go to the people on a programme of reform which, he believed, would bring prosperity auil security against future depressions. “The time has come to change • the ■economic system,” he said. “In my mind reforms, mean Government intervention, control, and regulation to end laissez f'aire. Reform heralds certain recovery. There can be no permanent recovery without reform. I raise the issue squarely and nail the flag of progress to the masthead. I summon the power of the State to its support. “If we cannot abolish the dole we should abolish the system. Since taking office the Government’s policies have been determined bj- the critical nature of circumstances. We had first to save the ship and guide it into less troubled waters.

“The economic system will be examined without prejudice of any sort. We neither hate nor love it. If it has failed we must change it.” He said 'there was ample time for the electorate to study the proposals which would be outlined specifically in later addresses. Rumour places the probable election date at any time from April to October, with a late date probable.