Grant MacNeil Interview: CCF MP, MLA, IWA
Charles Grant MacNeil (1890-1976) was a veteran of the First World War. Upon his return to Canada, MacNeil became secretary of the Great War Veterans Association and advocated for other returning soldiers. He was elected in 1935 as Member of Parliament for Vancouver North representing the CCF (Co-operative Commonwealth Federation). Defeated in the 1940 federal election, MacNeil was then elected Member of the Legislative Assembly (CCF) representing Vancouver-Burrard in 1941. Later, he held various positions with the International Woodworkers of America (IWA) including Director of Public Relations and Editor of the BC Lumber Worker. This interview is part of our Oral History Collection.
The interview begins with the1938 Blubber Bay strike, and goes on to detail the various unions in the woods prior to creation of the International Woodworkers of America, anti-Oriental sentiment in the labor movement, and the political affiliations of labor leaders. He describes his friendship with J.S. Woodworth in Ottawa which led him to the CCF and political involvement. MacNeil also touches on his role as secretary of the BC Security Commission during Japanese internment.
Later, MacNeil focuses on the power struggle between pro-Communist and anti-Communist factions within the IWA from the late 1930s to the late 1940s.The IWA was founded in 1937 as an industrial union, breaking away from the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners. This led to a bitter struggle with the Carpenters’ Union. In 1946 when the IWA organized its first industry-wide strike, which laid the foundation for industry-wide bargaining.