Given the nature of the “Doukhobor problem”, one should ask “what was political and social landscape preceding the excerpt’s publication.” Whose interests were at stake? The excerpt itself was published on September 18^th, 1953. In the six months before this speech, the Sons of Freedom had been receiving negative press (and therefore negative publicity) for their nude protests (6), for the burning of five Doukhobor homes in Krestova, B.C. (7), and for blasting a portion of CPR railway tracks in Nelson, B.C. (8). The newly elected Social Credit party of 1952 wanted to appear to have the “Doukhobor problem” under control (9).

At 5:00 AM on September 9^th, 1953, nine days prior to Bennett’s speech, the RCMP forcibly removed 104 children from their homes. They arrested, convicted, and imprisoned 148 parents (9). This early morning raid was carried out despite a UBC report discouraging the seizure of Sons of Freedom children (9). On January 18^th, 1955, the RCMP launched “Operation Krestova,” in which 70 Officers raided the village of Krestova. The health department stated that the maximum capacity of the New Denver school where the children were confined, was 40-50 children. At one point, there were up to 200 pupils.

In 1955, the government, to avoid truancy, considered applying the “Protection of Children Act” in order allow the government to keep the children confined to New Denver until the age of 18. In May of 1956, it was recommended that family visits be restricted to one hour, once every three months. In July of 1956, a fence was put in place around the school, and visits were conducted through the fence, while the RCMP patrolled the grounds (9). On July 31^st, 1959, Parents were “compelled” to swear an oath in court, stating they would send their children to school. Finally, on August 2^nd, 1959, the remaining children were released (9).