The Workers' Educational Association of Canada

The Workers' Educational Association of Canada (WEA Canada) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational opportunities to working people. It is part of the International Federation of Workers' Educational Associations (IFWEA).

History

The Workers' Educational Association in Canada was inspired by the British Workers' Educational Association, which was founded in 1903 by Albert Mansbridge. The Canadian iteration began in 1918, with its formal founding in Toronto. It was established by university professors and trade unionists who sought to emulate the British model by offering non-credit evening classes for working individuals[1][4].

Programs and Impact

During its heyday in the 1930s and 1940s, the WEA offered courses on economics, current events, labour history, and collective bargaining[1]. The organization received funding from various sources, including provincial and federal governments, the Carnegie Foundation, and the labour movement. Its innovative approach to labour education served as a model for future trade union educational programs[4].

Decline and Legacy

The WEA in Canada faced significant challenges in the early 1950s, leading to its decline. Competing adult education programs and political pressures, including allegations of communist domination, contributed to this decline[1][4]. Despite its eventual disintegration, the WEA Canada's impact on the Canadian labour movement remains significant. Its pioneering efforts in labour education have influenced subsequent initiatives in trade union learning[5].

Connection to International Efforts

The Workers' Educational Association of Canada is a member of the International Federation of Workers' Educational Associations, highlighting its commitment to global collaboration in workers' education[3].