What was a common reaction among Canadians in response to fears of nuclear war during the Cold War?

During the Cold War, the pervasive fear of nuclear war led many Canadians to take practical measures to prepare for the possibility of an emergency. One common reaction was to stockpile canned food and bottled water. This practice stemmed from the belief that if a nuclear attack occurred, access to resources would be severely limited, and having a reserve of non-perishable food and clean water would be essential for survival.

This response reflects the general anxiety of the time, where people wanted to feel a sense of control amidst uncertainty. By preparing in this way, individuals aimed to ensure their families would be equipped to deal with the aftermath of a potential disaster. Communities and governments also encouraged such preparations through public campaigns about civil defense.

The other options, while they may represent various reactions to societal issues or personal safety concerns, do not specifically encapsulate the widespread and practical nature of the immediate fear of nuclear conflict that characterized this period. Investing in bomb shelters, although a strategy adopted by some, did not capture the broader, more accessible response of merely stockpiling essentials.