The Laurier years were a prolonged period of growth and prosperity. The spectacular immigration onto the Prairies led to the creation of the new provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan in 1905. Canadian industry boomed, and two new transcontinental railways were begun. Laurier was optimistic about Canada's future. He expected a population of 60 million by the year 2000.
Laurier's government was more than happy to take credit for all the good things that happened to the economy, especially the growth of the West. In the long run, however, its railway policy was ruled a disaster, since more railways were built than the nation would ever need. And the growth of the West led the government to negotiate a "reciprocity" deal with the United States for lower rates on natural products, such as farm produce. When Laurier took freer trade with the Americans to the people in 1911, however, the electorate rejected him. Too much cooperation with the United States, many Canadians feared, might mean the end of their country.
Narrated by: Mary Lou Finlay
Graphics in order of appearance: Wagon Train NA C-011553; Massey Harris poster AGCO Ltd.; CNR Workers NA C-57025; 20th Century Private Collection; North-West Irrigation Company Notman Photographic Archives, McCord Museum of Canadian History, Montréal; Laurier cartoon Bengough /NA: Johnny Canuck cartoon, Toronto Public Library; Laurier, 1904 NA C-2616
