What was the primary goal of the War Measures Act?

The primary goal of the War Measures Act was to provide the Canadian government with special powers during wartime emergencies. Enacted during World War I and later used in World War II, the act allowed the government to respond rapidly to perceived threats to national security. This included measures such as the detention of individuals without charges, control over transportation, and censorship of the press. The act was seen as necessary for maintaining order and security during times of significant national crisis.

In the context of the other options, the War Measures Act was not focused on promoting international trade, resolving labor disputes, or establishing a national police force. While those elements may relate to governance and public order, they do not encapsulate the primary purpose of the War Measures Act, which was strictly about increasing governmental powers in times of emergency to ensure public safety and security.