Being the good son of his father, Jean-Paul St-Laurent, federal representative from Temiscouata, had promised not to open his mouth in the House of Commons. And there, at least, he has remained dumb.
It was in Toronto that he spoke in public for the first time since his election. The occasion was a get-together of the Liberal Association of York-Scarborough, and at this meeting the representative from Temiscouata said, among other things:
Most Canadians seem to believe that Social Crédit serves no usefulness whatsoever in the field of politics. I think it would be to the benefit of Canadian politics if Social Credit were to disappear from the national scene. (L'Action Catholique of March 12.) Dear daddy's boy, you are only 43 years old. You can still live a good many more years. But you'll be dead long before Social Credit will!'
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500 MILES FOR $4.90 This was a Social Credit price; a gift. Mr. Lamontagne of Sarnia was anxious to drive our two missioners, Henri- Louis Lapierre and Louis-Philippe Bouchard, from Sarnia to Lafontaine. The distance is 250 miles. For the auto, from and back to Sarnia, it was 500 miles. In Ontario, as in Quebec, the movement rolls forward supported by the devotion and'financial assistance of Crediters.
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VISITORS WITH YOU? One Friday evening in January, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Parent, Crediters of Sarnia, Ont., who were entertaining two visitors, Mr. and Mrs. Zepherin Remillard of St-Joseph Man., took the occasion to organize a Social Credit evening at their house. Some twenty people were present. Social Credit's well-known missioner, Louis-Philippe Bouchard, delivered a deeply appreciated talk on Social Credit and the growth of the movement in six provinces. And there was still time for lots of Social Credit songs and good fellowship.
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He stands up and makes himself heard
From Malartic (Abitibi-East):
We had a good turnout last evening at the meeting of the municipal Council. A good deal of time was spent answering requests for financial aid. Every association is in financial straits. Some ask a grant of $100, others $200 and some, even, $500.
At the moment, our mayor, Clement Bourque, is stretched out on his back or stomach on some sunny beach in Florida or California. He's not worrying too much about us. Not that it matters too much because at the next session we're going to be in rare form to meet him; we'll all be right on hand to receive him.
At the council's last session for the month of January the secretary read a letter from the Institute of Political Action, signed by Jean Grenier. Last evening, during the reading of the minutes of this session, the secretary read a few words from the letter. But nothing further was said about it.
I said to myself, they're going to try and let this motion die. But since I am neither deaf, dumb nor blind I didn't wait for the adjournment of the meeting to do something about it. I knew that I had backing-up, but even if I had been alone I would have gotten to my feet. I said:
"Mr. Acting-Mayor, Councillors, according to the report of the minutes there is certainly a letter of the Institute of Political Action lying there on the table. You are not discussing it. Is it because you are not interested in it? Well I, for my part, am interested in it. "I want this letter discussed here at the Council table. You have discussed and voted for any number of insignificant measures. But this one, which is completely superior to all of them, you try to pass over.
The resolution was read. I noticed that something was missing. So I asked: "Is this the original resolution sent in by the Institute of Political Action?"
The manager said that he had made a change in it at the request of the mayor after the last session. The mayor had said to him: "If no one brings it up it won't pass. If someone brings it up then make the change in it."
I said that I did not accept the change. I wanted the motion as originally stated...
The objection was raised that this motion had been incorporated into the Hamel resolution in the Legislative Assembly and that Duplessis had ruled it out of order.
I answered that Mr. Duplessis was not running things here even if he did take his orders from the big financiers. He is our prime minister for the purpose of serving us. And if the municipal councillors had any idea of how to exert pressure he would certainly come around to acceding to their demands.
Finally the original motion, as set down by the Institute of Political Action, was adopted by the Council.
Georges FERLAND
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FROM LAURIER (MANITOBA) "I conducted a very successful meeting yesterday at Laurier. Some forty people were present. The meeting was opened by the parish priest who was most anxious to be there in person. During the meeting 7 new subscriptions were taken; most of those present had already subscribed. A Social Credit Unit was set up here; J.-Alphonse Bouchard will be the animator at the meetings of the Unit, to be held every Thursday evening, at the home of his brother, Philippe Bouchard. I have likewise set up a Unit at St-Rose-du-Lac; its reunions will be held every Wednesday evening at the home of Achille Plamondon who will also act as its animator. Social Credit is taking root in Manitoba."
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Wolves...! Sheep's clothing...?
The lawyer, Louis Robichaud, provincial representative from the constituency of Kent, New Brunswick, likes neither Social Credit nor its journal, Vers Demain. He vehemently denounced both before the Legislative Assembly in Fredericton.
"The lawyer, Louis Robichaud, deputy from Kent, yesterday exhorted the people of New Brunswick to be on their guard against false political prophets who appear in sheep's clothing but are, in reality, ravening wolves. After belaboring these demagogues who stir up trouble in provincial politics, the representative from Kent turned upon the architects of Social Credit and upon their newspaper, Vers Demain. He stigmatized the movement as revolutionary and he reproved the Hon. Edgar Fournier and the representative from Madawaska, Lucien Fortin, for having extended some courtesy to this breed." (L'Évangéline of February 25).
The representative from Kent is incapable of any esteem for Social Credit. But we would appreciate it very much if he would give us a description of the sheep's clothing with which Crediters are supposed to disguise themselves; would he also tell us about the activities of those "ravening wolves" which are, according to him, Crediters. And since Crediters are revolutionaries why doesn't he reveal against whom or what they are revolting?
Social Credit is continuing to make progress in the county of Kent.
The following resolution was unanimously adopted at a regular meeting of the Social Credit Center of Montreal:
The Social Credit Center of Montreal expresses its opposition to a new national census.
Since the law stipulates that the census should be taken every ten years, why should it be necessary to hold one at the end of only five years?
Where is the Canadian government to find the millions of dollars to finance a new census when it cannot find the money to double family allowances?
Furthermore, there is reason to fear that the new census is only an excuse for a nationwide registration with a view to military conscription, forced labor or some other like purpose. These different types of conscription are diametrically opposed to the spirit of democracy. Our civilization, in making progress, should guarantee the security and liberty of its citizens rather than be constantly seeking, to enumerate and regiment them through census'and registrations.
On every side we hear complaints about the government's stinginess towards invalids who are unable to earn their own living.
Mr. and Mrs. Lottinville, of Sarnia, live in a modest dwelling paid for by the earnings of the husband and the economy the two exercised during the time Mr. Lottinville was able to work. But he has been an invalid for eight years and during all this time he hasn't had a cent of salary. When he finally managed a year ago to get a pension of $40.00 a month, all their savings had been spent. His wife is a semi-invalid and in need of an operation; but how can they even dream of an operation with only $40.00 a month to support the two? Even as is, they have to deprive themselves of nourishment and many things that are essential to living.
Hasn't Canada a sufficiently large quantity of produce to offer so that people in need can have at least enough for a decent subsistence? The trouble is, we are long on production but short on financing. And the government takes the part of the financiers who are short-changing us instead of pushing our abundant production to circulation. And the reason? The governent considers high finance more sacred than the human individual which is a crime that cries to heaven!
AT THE SOCIAL CREDIT UNIT
On the occasion of Gerard Mercier's visit to the Crediters'Unit in Chicoutimi, February 21, the mayor of this important city was on hand to welcome him and the other Crediters with these words:
You people are sluggers and bulldogs, he told them; and victory goes to those who know how to hit hard and hang on. Last year at your congress I was a witness of the enthusiasm born of the strength of your convictions. But I also remarked the discipline that prevails in your movement, a discipline that in no way dampens your cheerfulness or cramps your qualities as individuals. It was an impressive sight - such order in a multitude of thousands and thousands of people! When Mr. Even visits Chicoutimi I will consider it an honour to invite him to sign Chicoutimi's golden book. The mayor spoke out against the financiers who exploit our natural resources without any consideration whatsoever for the common welfare. He remarked that in our province our natural wealth is given into the hands of spoliators for next to nothing, while in the province of Alberta the government exacts royalties which go into the purses of the people.
The mayor gave his assurances that he would miss no opportunity to help push our demands. "At the city hall there are still some who try to ridicule Social Credit. But these good fellows who laugh without knowing what they're laughing at, will learn to take you more seriously because your movement is gaining ground."
The mayor remained for the duration of the assembly up to the time the hat was passed, when he donated $5.00.
He also expressed his regret that the well-educated class did not frequent our meetings. It is unfortunate, he said, that our educated folks often use their education for selfish ends rather than in the service of the people. Then he went on to say:
"There are numerous movements which serve no purpose but to entertain their members; they come to nothing. Yet their members have the nerve to try and ridicule your organization, saying that it is a movement of unimportant people which will end up exactly nowhere. But, more and more, they are being forced to admit that your undertaking is going ahead, that it is making important gains on all sides."
Local Body work, favorable field
QUITE IN LINE WITH OUR POLICY
From the New Zealand Social Credit Association's News-Letter No. 27:
"I had a most interesting visitor this week - Alderman J. W. Wale, of Leicester (England). "Mr. Wale has been a member of his city council for many years and has also been Lord Mayor. He told me that for many years he has had a growing conviction that the Labour Party, of which he had been a member, was on wrong lines; that more and more he had come to believe that the trouble lay in the monetary system, but he could not see what could be done about it. Fortunately whilst in Tauranga (New Zealand), he struck Social Crediters, and one of them, Mr. Ralfe, told him to call when he reached Wellington. Even the little he had heard and what I was able to tell him, fitted in with his own ideas as to what was wrong and what should be done to right it. He took away a collection of literature, and quite a large part of his trip is going to be spent studying it.
"His first hand information about the increasing financial difficulties in all local body work, shows that everywhere the problem is the same and gives support to the belief stated so many times by our member, Mr. Newbery of Norfolk Island, that the breakdown will come through the local bodies. Year by year the position is getting more and more impossible. Increasing areas to service and no or insufficient money to do it. Rates cannot be increased much further and people are getting restive.
"Local Body work offers a field where the harvest is ripe, and Social Crediters would be well advised to get into that field. I don't say that it will be easy, Alderman Wale does not see his fellow Councillors falling on his neck as their deliverer from financial bondage, but he does hope that when he has grounded himself in the philosophy and proposals of Social Credit, he may be able to let in a little light on Council problems."
DOROTHY GRAHAM, National Sec'y.
Speaking in the House of Commons, February 7, Van Horne, Conservative Member for Restigouche-Madawaska, said:
"My grievance is invalids pension. It has got to the point in this country that unless a person possesses certificates from several doctors stating that the only reason he is alive is that he cannot afford to be buried, he cannot get the invalids'pension.
"I am convinced that the only body in Canada which is so fully, completely and permanently disabled that it can no longer act and can no longer move, is the body politic of the present Liberal government. They do not need any certificate at all to get a pension...
"In my county, about 2 per cent of the people entitled to invalids'pensions are getting them. It has become a problem of the utmost importance. The Department must take action to establish honest and just measures by which those people who are prevented from earning a living because of sickness should get these pensions. It is now nothing more than a means of propaganda fostered by the Liberal propaganda machine to get votes.
"The Minister of National Health and Welfare (Mr. Martin) and the Department hide behind all sorts of excuses and say that the provinces have something to do with it. The provinces come back and say that the Department uses dictatorial methods in establishing the policies that must be followed with regards to invalids'pensions. The Minister of National Health and Welfare will probably say that something may be done in the very distant future, but we want something done now to give these pensions to the people who deserve them.
"In my opinion, the government shirks its duty and is irresponsible in its attitude to the people by continuing to state that we have invalids'pensions when in fact invalid's pensions are not available to the people who should get them."
INTERVENTION OF SOCIAL CREDITERS
For the past two years Mr. F., of Pointe-aux-Trembles, has been living in two rooms with his wife and four children. To make it a little more adequate it was deemed necessary to enlarge the house. But Mr. F. forgot to ask the city hall for a permit. In November he received orders to demolish the part he added. The municipal law invoked in this case allows only 48 hours after notice; and if the demolition procedure is not completed in this time the city carries out the orders at the expense of the proprietor.
A Social Crediter from Pointe-aux-Trembles, André Claveau, decided to intervene and was supported by another Crediter, Gérard Tremblay. They requested an extension of time, until next June. At that time Mr. F. hopes to have sufficient money to build a house.
Our two Crediters first went to see Alderman Marcel Langlois who refused to get involved over "broken pottery". The Creditor asked him to do so "for the love of God". The alderman considered this an insult; they were trying to intimidate him, he thought, as he showed them the door.
They then went to see Alderman Besabrais. The latter phoned the mayor, then said that he could do nothing.
The two Crediters then went to see the mayor, Jean Langelier. The mayor said that he would consult the city engineer first.
On Monday Mr. Claveau phoned the mayor to find out what he had decided. The mayor said that the answer was "No." No extension. The good Samaritans, together with a liberal organiser, went to see their Provincial member. They reminded the member that the Social Credit movement is increasing in strength and asked him to intervene in favour of Mr. F.. The member answered: "Forget about Social Credit; I'll look after the matter.'
The next day the matter was settled; the extension was granted by the same mayor who had refused it.
N. D. L. R.
Regulations, like laws, are not made to crush human beings, to sacrifice a family to even a legal text. And wherever "Social Credit Councils" are founded and developed, one of their functions will be to look after these local cases, to intervene when necessary, to protect a human being, a family, against the brutality of bureaucracy or against administrative decisions, even if the latter are grafted upon established regulations.
In this special issue of the journal, MICHAEL, the reader will discover who are the true rulers of the world. We discuss that the current monetary system is a mechanism to control populations. The reader will come to understand that "crises" are created and that when governments attempt to get out of the grip of financial tyranny wars are waged.
An Efficient Financial System, written by Louis Even, is for the reader who has some understanding of the Douglas Social Credit monetary reform principles. Technical aspects and applications are discussed in short chapters dedicated to the three propositions, how equilibrium between prices and purchasing power can be achieved, the financing of private and public production, how a Social Dividend would be financed, and, finally, what would become of taxes under a Douglas Social Credit economy. Study this publication to better grasp the practical application of Douglas' work. 
Reflections of African bishops and priests after our weeks of study in Rougemont, Canada, on Economic Democracy, 2008-2018
The Social Dividend is one of three principles that comprise the Social Credit monetary reform which is the topic of this booklet. The Social Dividend is an income granted to each citizen from cradle to grave, with- out condition, regardless of employment status.
Economic Democracy is a book to explain Social Credit in lessons presented in logical order so it may be easier to the reader to grab the main principles of Social Credit rapidly and somehow easily.
In This Age of Plenty deals with Social Credit, but it does not exhaust the topic. Social Credit principles address social and political matters, as well as, or even more so, than economics and will put civilization on a new course.
From Debt to Prosperity outlines briefly the economic analysis and constructive proposals known as Social Credit.
Rougemont Quebec Monthly Meetings
Every 4th Sunday of every month, a monthly meeting is held in Rougemont.
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