With casualties exceeding enlistments, Prime Minister Robert Borden announces compulsory military duty, or conscription. Liberals under Sir Wilfrid Laurier split on the issue, with English members in favour and French opposed. Bill passes Aug. 28. Mont Blanc, a French munitions ship, explodes in Halifax Harbour, killing more than 1,000 people and destroying homes of another 6,000. Almost 3,000 tonnes of explosive materials were set off in the blast.
Canadian women win right to vote in federal elections.
At 11 a.m., armistice takes effect, four years after First World War began. Canada has lost 60,000 troops over course of the war. Former prime minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier dies. General strike begins in Winnipeg in support of striking workers in building and metal trades. Eight leaders of Winnipeg general strike are arrested, along with four Europeans whose arrest lends credence to suggestions strike is a conspiracy to bring Bolshevik-style revolution to Canada.