In 1930, which measure did Bennett introduce to protect Canadian manufacturers from foreign competition?

• A. He reduced taxes on all goods
• B. He withdrew Canada from international trade
• C. He created universal healthcare
• D. He introduced tariffs to protect Canadian manufacturers from competition from goods coming from other countries

Answer: (D)

Protective tariffs were a key tool used during the early Depression years to shield domestic industry. In 1930, Bennett raised duties on imported goods, making foreign products more expensive and less competitive compared with Canadian-made goods. This policy aimed to support Canadian manufacturers facing sharp declines in demand and rising unemployment by encouraging people to buy locally produced items. The other options don’t fit this approach: lowering taxes on all goods wouldn’t specifically protect manufacturers, withdrawing from international trade isn’t what Bennett did, and universal healthcare wasn’t introduced in Canada at that time. The tariff move is the direct measure that matches the question’s description.