ON THIS DAY

September 29, 1898 – Canada held its first national referendum, asking whether the country was in favour of the prohibition of alcohol. Only in Québec did the majority vote against prohibition. However, the overall results were tight, with 51.3 per cent in favour of prohibition and 48.7 per cent opposed. In light of the close outcome, Prime Minister Laurier did not feel the need to uphold the results and alcohol continued to flow freely.