The War Measures act began on August 4th 1914 and was abolished on the January 10th 1920. This act gave the government the permission of doing what they wanted to anyone they saw as a threat of the country during World War 1.
For example if they suspected a German citizen of treason because he or she was a spy for the German army, the government had the right to arrest them.On top of that all immigration of anyone related to any of the countries involved in the war was stopped because of this act. Also, this act made it so that all enemy aliens were required to carry around identification in their possession at all times. They were also forbidden all firearms, leaving the country without permission or publishing and or reading anything if they were not in French or English.
Many of these people were put into war camps inside of Canada. Some were even deported from Canada. But, an issue arised because there was a labour shortage and workers were needed.
So, in spite of this they allowed the people to begin work again to improve the economy and the war effort.