Before the First World War, all three prairie provinces began construction of massive legislative and government buildings as symbols of their growth, maturity and potential. Here the work crew assembled on the steps of the partially completed Manitoba Legislative Building graphically demonstrates the importance of public works to the local economy. Large government contracts provided work for many men for extended periods of time. A measure of stability was thus provided to the construction industry and governments came to set the standard of wages and working conditions in the area, particularly in smaller communities. Rapid urbanization before 1913 also saw considerable municipal money expended on labour in street, sewer and water line construction.
