Ration Book

G.B. Watt Fonds - [1946?]

Canada practiced rationing from 1942 to 1947. It began with sugar, but soon extended to beer, wine, and spirits, tea and coffee, butter, and meat. Rationing in Canada was relatively mild compared to England, where the policy lasted from 1940 to 1954. And while Canadians were allotted eight ounces of butter per person per week, for example, Britons received only two ounces of butter and four ounces of margarine. Although legally ration coupons were supposed to be removed only by the store clerk or delivery boy, they were quietly shared among friends and relatives. This book belonged to editor Arthur Balmer Watt, husband of Gertrude Balmer Watt (1879–1963). Gertrude was a journalist and antique dealer, and a charter member of the Canadian Women’s Press Club. Her fonds are in the University of Alberta Archives.