This quotation from the biography of Edna May Williston BEST (Sexton) sets out the background for her participation in the war:

“With the declaration of war on 4 Aug. 1914, Halifax was changed overnight from a sleepy and complacent imperial outpost into a marshalling station for Canada’s overseas efforts; the need for timely and effective response from its citizens was unprecedented.”

For more examples of how Canadians, inspired by the ideology of service, contributed to the cause, browse through the list below.