Prime Minister King became concerned of the declining numbers of volunteers to replace

those who are already serving. Like Robert Borden before him, he made a promise to the

Canadian people, most significantly to French Canadians that he would not resort to

conscription. But, once again he was faced with the reality that the war was not coming to an end

anytime soon and that more troops were required. For King, this was perhaps his most critical

moment. He had brought Canada united going into the war. However, this was sure to tear them

apart. In 1942, skillfully turned the conscription issue and put the decision into the hands of

Canadians and asked for them to vote on whether they support or oppose conscription. On

April