In the 1930s, new ideologies flourished in the face of global economic crisis. Jacob Penner, a local communist activist, was elected to Winnipeg City Council in 1933 and remained in that position for many years, advocating for increased relief in the darkest years of the Great Depression. Despite his radical proclivities, Penner was respected by many of his less radical colleagues. In this episode we discuss municipal politics during the 1930s (we promise this is more interesting than it sounds) and Penner’s complicated legacy.

Listen to Sabrina's previous episode on the Battle at Market Square to learn more about the rise of fascism in Winnipeg during this period.