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  G overnment Planning in Canada , by Dr. Leonard Marsh, Research Adviser, Committee on Reconstruction, Ottawa. Chapter 12 in  Housing and Community Planning, Lectures delivered at McGill University , November 1943 to March 1944, Montreal. John Bland, editor. The title of the subject which was given me is "Government Planning in Canada" but it will be more correct if you understand it as "The Role of Government in Relation to Housing and Community Planning". I am not able to do more than outline what I think government in Canada can and should do. I am not here as a spokesman of the Dominion government, to tell you what the Dominion is actually going to do. Postwar housing and town planning policy, so far as I am aware, has not yet been determined, either in principle or detail. Housing and Community Planning-or town planning, as the latter is still commonly known-is unquestionably one of the major fields of postwar domestic policy, but you must remember that even that important subject is only one of many, all of which have to be acted upon if we are to have postwar plans worth the name. Housing and town planning projects all across Canada will be needed to fit into these, on various counts: because of all our present deficiencies in these fields; as employment projects; as part of the necessary fiscal measures in a "full employment" policy; and because better living conditions, urban and rural, and cities and towns we can be proud of, ought to be part of our vision of the postwar world. Conclusions I think I have made it clear that town planning-perhaps better said, the achievement of planned and satisfying cities-is difficult. That is salutary, if so. Realization of both the basic principles and the many-sided nature of the task is not sufficiently part of our national-and local-consciousness. It is not enough to look around at drab streets, traffic congestion, slums and billboards and say: "Wouldn't it be lovely if we had nice boulevards and new buildings and parks and decent housing for the poor!"-though even that is progress, so frequent is the lack of any reaction at all to the meanness, inefficiency, and downright ugliness of parts of the city through which we pass day after day. Perhaps we harden ourselves to it unconsciously, in self-defence! What has to replace this, however, is understanding of the particular things that have to be done to eliminate it.   Public information and discussion is therefore a keynote. Exhibits are very helpful. Doubtless a good many of you in this audience remember 'the excellent one which was prepared by the Architectural Research Group of Montreal. The only difficulty about that kind is that it presents the contrast between the good and the bad (the unplanned), without much indication of how to bridge the gap. The exhibition of the master plan just completed for Toronto goes a good deal further because it shows in detail how such a plan is built up. There is still need for much more-including descriptive booklets, films, and courses like the present one. The most important implication of all, however, is that urban and rural planning at all levels of government must strive for democratic participation at the administrative stages. This means effective demonstration of the wastes and evils of lack of planning at present-in terms of tax revenues, property values, accident rates, health and mortality conditions, school facilities, and so forth. It means presenting the case for reform to all the groups concerned-not merely property owners and electors, but citizens as residents and as wage earners, the utilities and transport concerns, industrialists, real estate agencies, welfare and recreational associations. The need for action on financing and land acquisition and new housing on neighbourhood-unit principles will then be as clear and accepted, as let us say, the need for combatting inflation (and making it a weapon for postwar stability) is today. ______________________________________________ Leonard C. Marsh: A Pioneer of Social Welfare in Canada   Leonard Charles Marsh (1906-1982)  was a seminal figure in the development of Canada's social welfare system. Born in England in 1906, Marsh demonstrated an early commitment to addressing social issues, which guided his educational and professional pursuits.   Early Life and Education . Marsh's early life in England set the stage for his future contributions to social welfare. He attended the London School of Economics (LSE), where he was exposed to progressive ideas and influential thinkers in social sciences. Graduating in 1928, Marsh was well-prepared to embark on a career dedicated to understanding and addressing social inequities.   Research and Early Career in London .  After completing his studies, Marsh engaged in significant research activities in London. He conducted detailed surveys of wages and housing conditions, which were critical in highlighting the economic struggles faced by many Londoners. Working alongside Sir William Beveridge, a leading advocate for social reform, Marsh deepened his understanding of the systemic issues contributing to poverty and unemployment. This collaboration with Beveridge, who would later author the Beveridge Report that laid the groundwork for the British welfare state, was instrumental in shaping Marsh's approach to social policy.   Tenure at McGill University.   In 1930, Marsh moved to Canada and took up the position of Director of Social Research at McGill University in Montreal. His work at McGill was marked by a rigorous examination of the social and economic impacts of the Great Depression on Canadian society. Marsh's research focused on unemployment, housing, and public health, providing valuable insights that informed policy discussions and interventions during this challenging period. During his time at McGill, Marsh collaborated with other scholars and policymakers, contributing to a growing body of knowledge that would later influence national policies. His work was characterized by a multidisciplinary approach, integrating sociology, economics, and public health to address complex social issues.   Contribution to Post-War Reconstruction .  Marsh's expertise was recognized on a national level in 1941 when he became the Research Advisor to the Dominion Committee on Reconstruction. This committee was tasked with planning Canada's transition from wartime to peacetime, addressing both immediate and long-term social and economic needs. Marsh played a central role in this effort, directing studies that examined various aspects of post-war reconstruction.   The most significant outcome of his work with the committee was the Report on Social Security for Canada (1943). This landmark report proposed a comprehensive social security system, including unemployment insurance, health insurance, family allowances, and old-age pensions. Marsh's vision was for a system that would provide a safety net for all Canadians, ensuring economic security and social stability. Many of his recommendations were eventually implemented, fundamentally transforming Canada's social welfare landscape.   Academic Career at the University of British Columbia (UBC).   Following his contributions to the Dominion Committee, Marsh joined the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 1947. At UBC, he initially worked within the School of Social Work, where he continued his research on social issues and developed new curricula to train future social workers. His role as Director of Research, which he assumed in 1959, allowed him to further influence the field through his leadership and scholarly work.   In 1964, Marsh transitioned to the Faculty of Education at UBC as a professor of Educational Sociology. In this role, he examined the relationship between education and social structures, contributing to a deeper understanding of how educational policies and practices could promote social equity. Marsh's work in educational sociology emphasized the importance of accessible and inclusive education systems in fostering social mobility and reducing inequality.   Later Life and Legacy .  Marsh retired in 1972, but his contributions to social welfare and education continued to be recognized. He was made Professor Emeritus of Education upon his retirement, a testament to his enduring impact on the academic community. In 1980, he was elected Honorary President of the Canadian Association of Anthropology and Sociology, reflecting his broad influence across multiple disciplines.   Throughout his life, Marsh published numerous monographs, articles, and pamphlets addressing both national and international social issues. His writings covered a wide range of topics, including economic security, housing, health care, education, and labor rights. Marsh's work was characterized by a deep commitment to social justice and a belief in the power of informed public policy to improve the lives of citizens.   Leonard C. Marsh's legacy is firmly embedded in the fabric of Canada's social welfare system. His pioneering efforts laid the groundwork for many of the social programs that Canadians rely on today. Through his research, advocacy, and teaching, Marsh made lasting contributions that continue to influence social policy and welfare in Canada and beyond. His vision of a just and equitable society remains a guiding principle for policymakers and social scientists striving to address contemporary social challenges.   Publications and Research Contributions .  Marsh's prolific writing includes numerous monographs, articles, and pamphlets. His works often addressed the intersection of social policy, economics, and public welfare, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and inclusive social security systems. Some of his key publications include:   The Report on Social Security for Canada (1943): This report laid the foundation for the modern Canadian welfare state, recommending a range of social security measures to ensure economic stability and social equity.   Monographs on Social Policy and Economic Security: Marsh authored several monographs that analyzed the socio-economic conditions in Canada and proposed policy solutions to address issues such as unemployment, poverty, and healthcare.   Marsh's research was not confined to Canadian issues. He also contributed to international discussions on social welfare, sharing his insights at conferences and through publications that reached a global audience. His interdisciplinary approach and commitment to evidence-based policy-making have left a lasting mark on the fields of sociology, social work, and public policy.   Leonard C. Marsh's life and work are a testament to the power of social science in driving meaningful change. His pioneering efforts in developing a comprehensive social welfare system for Canada have had a profound and lasting impact. Marsh's legacy continues to inspire scholars, policymakers, and social workers committed to building a more just and equitable society.  

  G overnment Planning in Canada , by Dr. Leonard Marsh, Research Adviser, Committee on Reconstruction, Ottawa. Chapter 12 in  Housing and Community Planning, Lectures delivered at McGill University , November 1943 to March 1944, Montreal. John Bland, editor. The title of the subject which was given me is "Government Planning in Canada" but it will be more correct if you understand it as "The Role of Government in Relation to Housing and Community Planning". I am not able to do more than outline what I think government in Canada can and should do. I am not here as a spokesman of the Dominion government, to tell you what the Dominion is actually going to do. Postwar housing and town planning policy, so far as I am aware, has not yet been determined, either in principle or detail. Housing and Community Planning-or town planning, as the latter is still commonly known-is unquestionably one of the major fields of postwar domestic policy, but you must remember that even that important subject is only one of many, all of which have to be acted upon if we are to have postwar plans worth the name. Housing and town planning projects all across Canada will be needed to fit into these, on various counts: because of all our present deficiencies in these fields; as employment projects; as part of the necessary fiscal measures in a "full employment" policy; and because better living conditions, urban and rural, and cities and towns we can be proud of, ought to be part of our vision of the postwar world. Conclusions I think I have made it clear that town planning-perhaps better said, the achievement of planned and satisfying cities-is difficult. That is salutary, if so. Realization of both the basic principles and the many-sided nature of the task is not sufficiently part of our national-and local-consciousness. It is not enough to look around at drab streets, traffic congestion, slums and billboards and say: "Wouldn't it be lovely if we had nice boulevards and new buildings and parks and decent housing for the poor!"-though even that is progress, so frequent is the lack of any reaction at all to the meanness, inefficiency, and downright ugliness of parts of the city through which we pass day after day. Perhaps we harden ourselves to it unconsciously, in self-defence! What has to replace this, however, is understanding of the particular things that have to be done to eliminate it.   Public information and discussion is therefore a keynote. Exhibits are very helpful. Doubtless a good many of you in this audience remember 'the excellent one which was prepared by the Architectural Research Group of Montreal. The only difficulty about that kind is that it presents the contrast between the good and the bad (the unplanned), without much indication of how to bridge the gap. The exhibition of the master plan just completed for Toronto goes a good deal further because it shows in detail how such a plan is built up. There is still need for much more-including descriptive booklets, films, and courses like the present one. The most important implication of all, however, is that urban and rural planning at all levels of government must strive for democratic participation at the administrative stages. This means effective demonstration of the wastes and evils of lack of planning at present-in terms of tax revenues, property values, accident rates, health and mortality conditions, school facilities, and so forth. It means presenting the case for reform to all the groups concerned-not merely property owners and electors, but citizens as residents and as wage earners, the utilities and transport concerns, industrialists, real estate agencies, welfare and recreational associations. The need for action on financing and land acquisition and new housing on neighbourhood-unit principles will then be as clear and accepted, as let us say, the need for combatting inflation (and making it a weapon for postwar stability) is today. ______________________________________________ Leonard C. Marsh: A Pioneer of Social Welfare in Canada   Leonard Charles Marsh (1906-1982)  was a seminal figure in the development of Canada's social welfare system. Born in England in 1906, Marsh demonstrated an early commitment to addressing social issues, which guided his educational and professional pursuits.   Early Life and Education . Marsh's early life in England set the stage for his future contributions to social welfare. He attended the London School of Economics (LSE), where he was exposed to progressive ideas and influential thinkers in social sciences. Graduating in 1928, Marsh was well-prepared to embark on a career dedicated to understanding and addressing social inequities.   Research and Early Career in London .  After completing his studies, Marsh engaged in significant research activities in London. He conducted detailed surveys of wages and housing conditions, which were critical in highlighting the economic struggles faced by many Londoners. Working alongside Sir William Beveridge, a leading advocate for social reform, Marsh deepened his understanding of the systemic issues contributing to poverty and unemployment. This collaboration with Beveridge, who would later author the Beveridge Report that laid the groundwork for the British welfare state, was instrumental in shaping Marsh's approach to social policy.   Tenure at McGill University.   In 1930, Marsh moved to Canada and took up the position of Director of Social Research at McGill University in Montreal. His work at McGill was marked by a rigorous examination of the social and economic impacts of the Great Depression on Canadian society. Marsh's research focused on unemployment, housing, and public health, providing valuable insights that informed policy discussions and interventions during this challenging period. During his time at McGill, Marsh collaborated with other scholars and policymakers, contributing to a growing body of knowledge that would later influence national policies. His work was characterized by a multidisciplinary approach, integrating sociology, economics, and public health to address complex social issues.   Contribution to Post-War Reconstruction .  Marsh's expertise was recognized on a national level in 1941 when he became the Research Advisor to the Dominion Committee on Reconstruction. This committee was tasked with planning Canada's transition from wartime to peacetime, addressing both immediate and long-term social and economic needs. Marsh played a central role in this effort, directing studies that examined various aspects of post-war reconstruction.   The most significant outcome of his work with the committee was the Report on Social Security for Canada (1943). This landmark report proposed a comprehensive social security system, including unemployment insurance, health insurance, family allowances, and old-age pensions. Marsh's vision was for a system that would provide a safety net for all Canadians, ensuring economic security and social stability. Many of his recommendations were eventually implemented, fundamentally transforming Canada's social welfare landscape.   Academic Career at the University of British Columbia (UBC).   Following his contributions to the Dominion Committee, Marsh joined the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 1947. At UBC, he initially worked within the School of Social Work, where he continued his research on social issues and developed new curricula to train future social workers. His role as Director of Research, which he assumed in 1959, allowed him to further influence the field through his leadership and scholarly work.   In 1964, Marsh transitioned to the Faculty of Education at UBC as a professor of Educational Sociology. In this role, he examined the relationship between education and social structures, contributing to a deeper understanding of how educational policies and practices could promote social equity. Marsh's work in educational sociology emphasized the importance of accessible and inclusive education systems in fostering social mobility and reducing inequality.   Later Life and Legacy .  Marsh retired in 1972, but his contributions to social welfare and education continued to be recognized. He was made Professor Emeritus of Education upon his retirement, a testament to his enduring impact on the academic community. In 1980, he was elected Honorary President of the Canadian Association of Anthropology and Sociology, reflecting his broad influence across multiple disciplines.   Throughout his life, Marsh published numerous monographs, articles, and pamphlets addressing both national and international social issues. His writings covered a wide range of topics, including economic security, housing, health care, education, and labor rights. Marsh's work was characterized by a deep commitment to social justice and a belief in the power of informed public policy to improve the lives of citizens.   Leonard C. Marsh's legacy is firmly embedded in the fabric of Canada's social welfare system. His pioneering efforts laid the groundwork for many of the social programs that Canadians rely on today. Through his research, advocacy, and teaching, Marsh made lasting contributions that continue to influence social policy and welfare in Canada and beyond. His vision of a just and equitable society remains a guiding principle for policymakers and social scientists striving to address contemporary social challenges.   Publications and Research Contributions .  Marsh's prolific writing includes numerous monographs, articles, and pamphlets. His works often addressed the intersection of social policy, economics, and public welfare, emphasizing the need for comprehensive and inclusive social security systems. Some of his key publications include:   The Report on Social Security for Canada (1943): This report laid the foundation for the modern Canadian welfare state, recommending a range of social security measures to ensure economic stability and social equity.   Monographs on Social Policy and Economic Security: Marsh authored several monographs that analyzed the socio-economic conditions in Canada and proposed policy solutions to address issues such as unemployment, poverty, and healthcare.   Marsh's research was not confined to Canadian issues. He also contributed to international discussions on social welfare, sharing his insights at conferences and through publications that reached a global audience. His interdisciplinary approach and commitment to evidence-based policy-making have left a lasting mark on the fields of sociology, social work, and public policy.   Leonard C. Marsh's life and work are a testament to the power of social science in driving meaningful change. His pioneering efforts in developing a comprehensive social welfare system for Canada have had a profound and lasting impact. Marsh's legacy continues to inspire scholars, policymakers, and social workers committed to building a more just and equitable society.