Joseph Unwin - The "Bankers' Toadies" Leaflet

The "Bankers' Toadies" Leaflet

In 1937 the Social Credit government was having problems in trying to implement its monetary theory. Premier William Aberhart, frustrated over increasing newspaper criticism of his policies, attempted to enact legislation that would have forced newspapers to print government rebuttals to objectionable stories. After this failed, the government devised a plan to produce material to distribute directly to the Alberta population. Joseph Unwin, along with government advisor George Powell, created what became known as the "Bankers' Toadies" leaflet.

The leaflet, produced as an official publication of the Alberta government, urged members of the public to "exterminate" prominent bankers and politicians who were standing in the way of Social Credit monetary reform. Top among those listed was Senator William Griesbach and Opposition Conservative Party leader and Member of the Legislative Assembly David Milwyn Duggan.

While still in office, Powell and Unwin were arrested and charged for libel and for counseling murder. Their trial became known as the "Bankers' Toadies trial." Unwin was convicted and sentenced to hard labor, though his sentence was later overturned on appeal.