As to the advantages of temperance in the training of the armed forces and of its benefits to the members of the forces themselves, there can be no doubt in the world.
William Lyon Mackenzie King

Conscription if necessary, but not necessarily conscription.
William Lyon Mackenzie King

Each year, therefore, a dollar spent on alcoholic beverages has purchased a smaller quantity.
William Lyon Mackenzie King

Every hour of useful work is precious.
William Lyon Mackenzie King

Far more has been accomplished for the welfare and progress of mankind by preventing bad actions than by doing good ones.
William Lyon Mackenzie King

Few would venture to deny the advantages of temperance in increasing the efficiency of a nation at war.
William Lyon Mackenzie King

For one cause or another, it has become necessary to impose restrictions upon the use of many commodities, including not a few of the necessities of life.
William Lyon Mackenzie King

Fortunately, the Canadian people in all their habits, are essentially a temperate people.
William Lyon Mackenzie King

From the outset of the war, the Canadian people have clearly shown that it is their desire to help in every way to make Canada's war effort as effective as possible.
William Lyon Mackenzie King

I really believe my greatest service is in the many unwise steps I prevent.
William Lyon Mackenzie King


I would not wish to imply that most industrial accidents are due to intemperance. But, certainly, temperance has never failed to reduce their number.
William Lyon Mackenzie King

If I am outspoken of the dangers of intemperance to members of our armed forces, it is because we are all especially concerned for the welfare of those who are risking their lives in the cause of freedom.
William Lyon Mackenzie King

If the military might of Germany and Japan are ultimately to be crushed, the United Nations, one and all, must definitely and urgently strive toward a total war effort.
William Lyon Mackenzie King

In the twelve months immediately preceding the outbreak; of war, the quantity of spirits, both domestic and imported released for sale in Canada, amounted to over three and a half million proof gallons.
William Lyon Mackenzie King

It is what we prevent, rather than what we do that counts most in Government.
William Lyon Mackenzie King

Just when we most need to be clearheaded, in order to face the hard facts before us, there is all too frequently a very real inclination to give way to dangerous tendencies merely as an escape from realities.
William Lyon Mackenzie King

Let it be remembered, too, that at a time of war, nearly every one is under great strain.
William Lyon Mackenzie King

No one will deny that the excessive use of alcohol and alcoholic beverages would do more than any other single factor to make impossible a total war effort.
William Lyon Mackenzie King

Nor do we begin to have a clear appreciation of what the increase in consumption of alcoholic beverages in wartime means in increased risk, and in loss of efficiency to the fighting and working forces of the country.
William Lyon Mackenzie King

On behalf of the federal government, I wish now publicly to appeal to the provinces to lend their co-operation in furthering our country's war effort by effecting at as early a date as may be possible this much needed restriction.
William Lyon Mackenzie King