March 4th, 1904
To the Editor of the Limerick Echo,
Dear Sir,
We write to bring to the attention of the workers in Limerick the position of affairs regarding emigration to Canada, as decided by the Winnipeg Trades and Labour Council. It has come to our notice that a considerable number of people are contemplating emigrating to Canada this year, and we feel it is our duty to provide them with important information.
In terms of skilled labour, there is currently an excess of artisans in Canada, surpassing the demand for such skills. Conversely, the unskilled labour market in towns is heavily saturated. The advertisements appearing in Limerick papers seeking artisans are largely from firms engaged in disputes with their employees or associated with the Manufacturers Association. The objective of this organization is to create a surplus in the labour market, thus lowering wages or preventing workers from securing fair increases in line with rising living costs and rents. They also aim to lengthen working hours and undermine trade unions through the promotion of the “open shop” system. The Manufacturers Association is particularly active at present, and Limerick workers should carefully consider the implications before becoming pawns in their scheme. Furthermore, the Association is striving to promote female and child labour. During the recent session of the Manitoba Parliament, they successfully attacked the Factories Act, resulting in longer working hours and lower age limits for children. These actions will undoubtedly diminish the standard of living.
The previous session of the Dominion Parliament witnessed vigorous assaults on trade unions. Manufacturers understand that an oversaturated labour market works to their advantage. Therefore, those intending to pursue farming in Canada should heed our advice. Unless one possesses substantial capital, achieving success in farming is currently highly challenging. Last year, officials in the Department of Immigration in Winnipeg strongly urged immigrants with less than £100 not to embark on independent farming ventures, and even this figure may be too low. Starting with £100 is insufficient unless the person possesses the experience and is prepared to work extremely hard for several years. Farm work in Canada is more arduous, with longer hours compared to Irish farms, due to the shorter growing season. City-dwellers may find the monotonous rural life unappealing, often leaving for cities after one season. We strongly recommend that city residents considering farming in Canada spends a year experiencing farm life in their home country first. If, after that time, they remain committed to the idea, then by all means, they should proceed. The experience gained will prove invaluable if they decide to start their own farm, and they can command higher wages if they choose to work as hired labour for a period.
Regarding unskilled farm labour, last year’s influx of immigrants caused wages to drop by 30 to 40 per cent. In many cases, young boys and men received minimal or no remuneration except for room and board during the early part of the season. While we, the labourers of Canada, are eager for the country to grow and prosper, we recognize that such growth must occur naturally and not be forced. During times of economic slowdown, it is the newcomers who suffer the most. Therefore, we advise our fellow labourers in other countries to carefully consider the consequences before leaving their homes and establishing associations to come to Canada.
Yours sincerely,
Harry Albert, President
John G. Morgan, Secretary
James T. Stott, Statistician
This circular has been submitted to and wholeheartedly endorsed by the following organizations:
- Calgary, N.W.T. Trades & Labour Council
- Hamilton, Ont., Trades and Labour Council
- London, Ont., Trades and Labour Council
- Ottawa, Ont., Trades and Labour Council,
Limerick Echo – Tuesday 29 March 1904
