The majority of Canadian women, including feminists, joined eagerly in the war effort. At home, canteens, knitting, and fund-raising were typical activities, especially for the more well-to-do. Such women were also frequently active in the recruiting drives. Politicians such as Prime Minister Robert Borden used gratitude for such contributions as a rationale for giving women the vote. Such patriotic justification made surrender to the long-time advocates of suffrage somewhat easier for many of the more recalcitrant politicians.
