What was the primary purpose of the Canadian War Measures Act during World War I?

The Canadian War Measures Act was primarily enacted to grant the government extraordinary powers during times of war. This included the ability to restrict the rights and freedoms of citizens to ensure national security and maintain order. During World War I, the government utilized this act to limit certain civil liberties, such as freedom of speech and assembly, aimed at minimizing dissent and managing public opinion regarding the war effort.

This approach was deemed necessary to mobilize the nation fully for the war, manage wartime fears, and control potential opposition to the war. For instance, various measures such as censorship of the press and the internment of certain ethnic groups labeled as "enemy aliens" were implemented under the authority of this act. This focus on national security and wartime efficiency directly aligns with the primary purpose of the War Measures Act during this period.