Fonds F4022 - Canadian Federation on Alcohol Problems fonds

The Canadian Temperance Federation and its successor the Canadian Federation on Alcohol Problems have gone through several important transitions in their history, reflecting the changes in the general public’s response to alcohol. When the Canadian Prohibition Federation was organized in 1923 to coordinate the work of the provincial anti-alcohol forces, its main purpose was to convince the federal government to reinstate dominion-wide prohibition. By 1928, when the name was changed to the Canadian Temperance Foundation, it came to realize that national prohibition was no longer feasible. It therefore placed greater stress on encouraging individuals not to drink.

Constitutional changes in 1943, 1952, and 1955 all reflected an increased stress on research and education to convince individuals of the dangers of alcohol. The Canadian Temperance Federation during this period was quite successful in many of its temperance campaigns and at least played a significant role in limiting the spread of alcohol.

By the 1960s, cigarettes and drugs were added to the concerns of the organization, reflecting the greater awareness of the harmfulness of these substances. In 1962, the Canadian Temperance Federation changed its name to the Canadian Federation on Alcohol Problems and during the sixties and on into the seventies, has constantly re-evaluated its function and methods. Essentially, however, it has maintained its focus on education to improve the public’s awareness.

Both the Canadian Temperance Federation and its success the Canadian Federation on Alcohol Problems work as umbrella organizations coordinating provincial anti-alcohol groups. It also brings in speakers and organizes annual conventions to illustrate the work across the country. Churches and other anti-alcohol organizations are also active in the C.F.A.P. and join in putting pressure on the federal government to support temperance measures.