Object Archives | Page 2 of 2 | Solidarity: The Largest Political Protest in British Columbia’s History

Operation Solidarity flag

Printed fabric signs with the Operation Solidarity logo were used in rallies and demonstrations throughout the summer and fall of 1983.

Operation Solidarity stickers and signs

Businesses and offices were encouraged to display signs showing their support for Operation Solidarity. Bumper stickers and hard hat stickers were also produced.

Operation Solidarity T-shirt

T-shirts were worn by supporters at rallies and events. They were produced in both adult and child sizes.

Operation Solidarity buttons

Red and white Operation Solidarity buttons echoed the independent Polish union “Solidarnosc” which had been banned in 1982.

Operation Solidarity Enamel Pins

Enamel pins were produced for each of the main unions and the coalition involved in the 1983 protest. The pins were intended to show that support for Solidarity […]

Buttons Against the Budget

Buttons were a popular method of expressing opposition to the 1983 provincial budget and the restraint policies advocated by right wing think tanks and the Social Credit government.

Women Against the Budget meeting information

On July 13, 1983 a group calling itself Women Against the Budget was formed. It was a broad-based umbrella organization of women who became a force in the […]

Women Against the Budget pamphlet

A handbill itemizes concerns of women after the July 7, 1983 budget and legislative package. Transcription: GOVERNMENT ATTACKS ON WOMEN’S RIGHTS BILL 3 PUBLIC SECTOR RESTRAINT AND MORE […]

VMREU Political Cartoon

A cartoon expresses fears raised by the July 7, 1983 BC budget that slashed core social programs and targeted labour groups.

1983 Election Poster, Bumper Sticker

In 1982 Premier Bill Bennett announced a program to address “the new economic reality” in BC and launched his 1983 election campaign with a platform of “restraint”. Transcription: […]

U.A.C. Buttons

Unemployment Action Centres were established around the province in response to severe economic conditions of the early 1980s. The centres became involved in the 1983 Solidarity movement as […]