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 The Norman Lewis case emerged out of
the agriculturalist’s sentiment concerning Canada’s obligation to Britain
during the First World War. Some farming organizations openly opposed
conscription because they felt it would further limit farm labour, already
undergoing a shortage because many farmer’s sons had gone to war. Others
supported mandatory military service but felt farmers should be exempted
from war because they were responsible for the production of food in the
face of shortages experienced overseas. Regardless of how different segments
of Alberta’s population felt about conscription, it undoubtedly became a
heated political issue.
 In the wake of the 20 April 1918
order-in-council, passed to abolish previous exemptions, conscripted farmers
travelled to urban centres to report for military duty. There, many followed
Norman Lewis’ course of action and procured legal representation to explore
the possibility of release and the extent of their individual rights in the
newly created province of Alberta.
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Heritage Community Foundation Presents
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