What was the name of the speech by PM Mackenzie King regarding the government's stance on the Great Depression?

• A. Five cent speech
• B. Full Support Speech
• C. Economic Aid Speech
• D. Provincial Responsibility Speech

Answer: (A)

The speech given by Prime Minister Mackenzie King that is commonly referred to as the "Five Cent Speech" is significant because it encapsulates the government's response during a critical time of economic hardship known as the Great Depression. In this address, King stated that he would not provide financial aid to provinces that proposed to give direct relief to the unemployed, famously remarking that he would not give a "five cent piece" to anyone who did not support the Liberals. This position was interpreted as a lack of commitment to help Canadians suffering during the economic downturn, which ultimately led to a decline in support for him and the Liberal Party.

This speech is pivotal in understanding Canada's political climate during the Great Depression, illustrating the tensions between federal and provincial responsibilities in economic crisis management. The other options do not align as closely with King's specific message, nor do they reflect the historical impact of his address in the context of the Great Depression response.