r/AskACanadian • u/tuttifruttidurutti • 3d ago

Have you heard of the CCF?

The Cooperative Commonwealth Federation, to be clear. I have a degree in Canadian history and my parents were Canadian historians so I really have no idea what an average Canadian knows. The CCF played an important part in shaping the Canadian state and its social policies for decades, and its successor is still around today. But do you know who they were?

And, bonus round, where in the country are you from?

51 Upvotes

88% Upvoted

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43

u/Gizmuth 3d ago

Didn't they start out in Saskatchewan and essentially became what is the NDP today?

13

u/Julianalexidor 3d ago

I learned about the CCF in high school Canadian history.

9

u/Neat-Ad-8987 3d ago

I live in Saskatchewan. Everybody except very young children knows about the CCF and its role.

8

u/Aethelflaed_ Manitoba 3d ago

Yes, but I'm also a Canadian historian.

10

u/Halichoeres_bivittat 3d ago

I grew up in Toronto and knew (presumably learned in school) that they were the precursor to the NDP. I believe that Tommy Douglas was its leader when it became the NDP.

9

u/Sufficient-Wind9058 3d ago

A call goes out to Canada

It comes from out the soil—

Come and join the ranks through all the land

To fight for those who toil

Come on farmer, soldier, labourer,

From the mine and factory,

And side by side we'll swell the tide—

C.C.F. to Victory.

3

u/Public_Neck_3768 3d ago

Saskatchewan and yes they were pre ndp

5

u/adv_biker 3d ago

Pre-NDP

2

u/davedavebobave13 3d ago

Yes but I’m 62 and lived in Saskatchewan with politically active parents until I was 21

3

u/TorontoRider 3d ago

Yes, I think my mother was a member in fact. She's in her 90s now and still a filthy lefty. :-)

I'm an RCAF brat, so am from all over. Mom's from Ontario originally but grew up in a strong union household.

3

u/Dartmouth-Hermit 3d ago

Have you read about them contesting the leadership of the industrial unions with the Communists in the 30’s and 40’s? Pretty interesting labour history.

3

u/snow_big_deal 3d ago

Yes, this is part of standard high school history class.

1

u/HistorianPeter 3d ago

I teach history at a uni. I’m shocked by how many of my students have never heard of the CCF.

1

u/froot_loop_dingus_ Alberta 3d ago

Yes, it was the precursor to the NDP

2

u/Puzzleheaded_Bee4361 3d ago

My father ran for nomination as a CCF candidate in around 1960 or so. He gave me a book about the founder, J.S. Woodsworth, to read.

1

u/pirfle 3d ago

Yes, grew up in Saskatchewan 

1

u/Advanced-Leopard3363 3d ago

Yes but I have a poli sci degree.