Friends of the Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion Veteran’s Rehabilitation Fund Pamphlet

After many Canadian volunteers in the Spanish Civil War returned home, the Friends of the Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion (FMPB) began seeking donations to help fund the rehabilitation of the veterans. Part of this effort involved creating publicity, like this pamphlet, that explained what these volunteers had done overseas, highlighted their injuries, and asked for donations. The rhetoric of this pamphlet framed the veteran’s experiences in Spain through a nationalistic lens. Throughout the brochure, language like “It was all for Canada” alongside stories of volunteers humming “O Canada” as they enlisted is used. There was also an emphasis on the veteran's involvement in the fight against fascism. This framing was very purposeful and speaks to the treatment of the veterans of the Spanish Civil War upon their return to Canada.           

The Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion, also known as the Mac-Paps, was formed in 1937 and was named for the two Canadians, William Lyon Mackenzie and Louis-Joseph Papineau, one Anglophone and one Francophone, who led rebellions against the structure of British colonial rule in 1837. The FMPB was created to be the public face of the volunteers, holding rallies and fundraising events. It also acted as a front for the recruiting effort because the number of volunteers stretched beyond the Communist Party of Canada's (the primary recruiter of volunteers) resources. Ultimately, about 1700 Canadians volunteered to fight for the Republican cause.  

Those veterans who survived the war received a mixed reception upon their return. Since the Canadian Foreign Enlistment Act of 1937 had outlawed Canadian participation in the Spanish Civil War, they were officially criminals in the eyes of the government. While the decision was ultimately made not to prosecute the volunteers and allow them to return home, many remained on Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) watchlists and were not received warmly by the government. This reception explains the nationalistic rhetoric in the pamphlet. The FMPB attempted to frame the veteran's service as “pro-Canadian” in order to counter the government’s position.  

When World War II broke out, several veterans of Spain enlisted despite the CPC’s initial stance that Canadians should stay out of the war. Many saw it as a continuation of their fight against fascism. The government was inconsistent in allowing Spanish Civil War veterans to enlist. Some enlistment offices rejected veterans, but other former Mac-Paps joined with no issue. Once the Cold War began and anti-communist sentiment rose, the veterans continually came up against the Canadian government. RCMP surveillance continued until the 1980s, and the government regarded the formation of the organization the Veterans of the Mackenzie-Papineau Battalion and their activities as suspect. The government blocked their campaign for non-profit status in 1970. On May 20, 1980 the organization sent a letter to the government asking that the Mac-Paps be recognized for their “contribution to Canada” and to the fight against fascism. The veterans continued organizing throughout this time, hosting social and political events, and some even traveled to Spain for the 50th reunion of the International Brigades.