Civic Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba — Canada’s Prairie Region (North America)
Abraham Albert Heaps
(1885-1954)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2022
1. Abraham Albert Heaps Marker
This labour leader and politician fought for the interests of workers and advocated on behalf of the Jewish community. One of the more moderate leaders of the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919, Heaps pushed for workers’ rights while seeking a peaceful resolution to the dispute. As the Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North (1925–1940), he battled anti-Semitism and struggled for the reform of Canada’s immigration policy and the admission of Jewish refugees. Most notably, in Parliament, he was a tireless champion for measures such as old age pensions and unemployment insurance.
Dirigeant ouvrier et politicien, Abraham Albert Heaps lutta pour les intérêts des travailleurs et se fit le défenseur de la communauté juive. Un des leaders modérés de la grève générale de Winnipeg de 1919, il plaida pour les droits des travailleurs tout en cherchant une solution pacifique au conflit. Député fédéral de Winnipeg Nord (1925-1940), il combattit l'antisémitisme et lutta pour une réforme de la politique d'immigration et l'admission de réfugiés juifs. Au parlement,
this page online
Erected by Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada and Parks Canada/Commission des lieux et monuments historiques du Canada et Parcs Canada.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Government & Politics • Immigration • Labor Unions. In addition, it is included in the Canada, Historic Sites and Monuments Board series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1919.
Location. 49° 53.986′ N, 97° 8.382′ W. Marker is in Winnipeg, Manitoba. It is in Civic Centre. Marker is on King Street (Manitoba Route 42) just north of William Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located along the walkway on the west side of Winnipeg City Hall. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 510 Main Street, Winnipeg MB R3B 1B9, Canada. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. First Salvation Army Meeting West of the Great Lakes (here, next to this marker); Old City Hall (a few steps from this marker); The Exchange District / L'Arrondissement de la Bourse (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); First Headquarters • International Brotherhood of Magicians (about 90 meters
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 16, 2022
2. Abraham Albert Heaps Marker
Also see . . .
1. Abraham Albert Heaps.
An impoverished English Jew who immigrated to Canada in 1911, Heaps, an upholsterer, became a distinguished parliamentarian as member for Winnipeg North from 1925-40. He first gained prominence in Winnipeg as a self-taught statistician for the local Trades and Labor Council, a labour alderman and a leader of the Winnipeg General Strike. Heaps's tireless efforts as the most credible economic critic in the Commons during the 1920s and 1930s contributed to the passage of vital though limited social legislation by Liberal and Conservative governments. His most keenly felt failures were his unheeded warnings in the 1930s about the dangers of fascism and his desperate lobbying on behalf of anti-Nazi refugees.(Submitted on January 23, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
2. Memorable Manitobans: Abraham Albert Heaps.
Heaps was a member of the Social Democratic Party and a pacifist, opposing conscription in 1917. During the Winnipeg General Strike of 1919 he supervised the commissariat for the strike committee, and in council advocated banning all parades. He was arrested on 17 June 1919 and charged with seditious conspiracy. He conducted his own defence and was found innocent on all counts on 28 March 1920, after a masterful address to the jury.(Submitted on January 23, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
3. Abraham Albert Heaps • National Historic Person.
Played a key parliamentary role in the introduction of social welfare legislation that supported core Canadian values.(Submitted on January 23, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 23, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 71 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 23, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
