William Lyon Mackenzie King

“Nor do we begin to have a clear appreciation of what the increase in consumption of alcoholic beverages in wartime means in increased risk, and in loss of efficiency to the fighting and working forces of the country.”

“The greatly increased consumption of alcoholic beverages is very largely a direct result of the increased purchasing power created by wartime expenditures.”

“There can be little doubt that absence from work, and inefficient work, are frequently due to intemperance.”

“On behalf of the federal government, I wish now publicly to appeal to the provinces to lend their co-operation in furthering our country's war effort by effecting at as early a date as may be possible this much needed restriction.”

“In the twelve months immediately preceding the outbreak; of war, the quantity of spirits, both domestic and imported released for sale in Canada, amounted to over three and a half million proof gallons.”

“Every hour of useful work is precious.”

“When gasoline and rubber are rationed, electric power and transport facilities are becoming increasingly scarce, and manpower shortages are developing, it is difficult for people to understand their increased use for other than the most vital needs of war.”

“Usury once in control will wreck the nation.”

“Where there is little or no public opinion, there is likely to be bad government, which sooner or later becomes autocratic government.”

“It is what we prevent, rather than what we do that counts most in Government.”

“Regardless of what one's attitude towards prohibition may be, temperance is something against which, at a time of war, no reasonable protest can be made.”

“For one cause or another, it has become necessary to impose restrictions upon the use of many commodities, including not a few of the necessities of life.”

“The increased consumption of alcoholic beverages in Canada since the outbreak of war is one evidence of this.”

“I would not wish to imply that most industrial accidents are due to intemperance. But, certainly, temperance has never failed to reduce their number.”

“From the outset of the war, the Canadian people have clearly shown that it is their desire to help in every way to make Canada's war effort as effective as possible.”

“Government, in the last analysis, is organized opinion. Where there is little or no public opinion, there is likely to be bad government.”

“If the military might of Germany and Japan are ultimately to be crushed, the United Nations, one and all, must definitely and urgently strive toward a total war effort.”

“Let it be remembered, too, that at a time of war, nearly every one is under great strain.”

“Just when we most need to be clearheaded, in order to face the hard facts before us, there is all too frequently a very real inclination to give way to dangerous tendencies merely as an escape from realities.”

“If I am outspoken of the dangers of intemperance to members of our armed forces, it is because we are all especially concerned for the welfare of those who are risking their lives in the cause of freedom.”