Michael Dupuis

The Reporter and the Winnipeg General Strike Michael Dupuis

Can reporter William Patterson handle the big, Winnipeg general strike story? Is it union recognition and demands for fair wages and safe working conditions? Or is it an attempt at revolution, as red-fearing opponents insist? Winnipeg is reeling from the Spanish flu and the aftermath of World War I. Now with the fear of communism and the deepening divide between race and class, the city is a ticking time bomb. As the strike reaches its violent climax, can Patterson confront his demons, expose corruption and report the truth




Toronto Advocate reporter William Patterson is sent to cover the Winnipeg general strike. He finds a tension filled city, reeling from the Spanish flu and seething with thousands of returned soldiers frustrated with unemployment and high cost of living. Are workers' demands for higher wages, improved working conditions and union recognition behind the strike, or, as red-fearing forces insists, the walkout is an attempt at Revolution and Soviet government. While digging for the truth, Patterson encounters an embattled mayor, resolute strike leaders, a tenacious women organizer and powerful strike opponents. With the local press and wire services fanning the flames of Bolshevism and the city deeply divided by race and class, Winnipeg is a time bomb. As the strike reaches its violent climax on Bloody Saturday, Patterson must confront personal demons, expose corruption and report the truth