1933. The Mental Deficiency Act passed in Manitoba, Canada outlined services available for individuals deemed to be “mentally defective.” It classified individuals into three classes of defectives, idiots, imbeciles and morons. It outlined who was responsible for these individuals, mainly parents/ guardian and the provincial psychiatrist. In 1933, the provincial government added a controversial sterilization section to the act. This section, if implemented would have allowed for the sterilization of “mental defectives” if the provincial psychiatrist believed it would be beneficial to that individual. In May of 1933, the sterilization clause was defeated in Manitoba.

-Erna Kurbegovic

• Province of Manitoba. (1933). The Mental Deficiency Act. Journals of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba.