William Ivens

Who was William Ivens?

William Ivens was a religious and political figure in Manitoba, Canada. He was a leading figure in the Winnipeg General Strike, and subsequently served as a Labour member of the Manitoba legislature from 1920 to 1936.

Ivens was born in Barford, in Warwickshire, England, and came to Canada in 1896. He was educated at Wesley College, Winnipeg and the University of Manitoba, gaining a Master of Arts degree and becoming an ordained minister in the Methodist Church.

Ivens began his ministerial career at a time when the social gospel was on the rise in Canada. He was stationed at the McDougall Methodist Church in Winnipeg in 1916, and called for the church to lead the labour movement in its struggle against the prevailing tendencies of North American capitalism. He also supported the efforts of the Moral and Social Council of Canada to bring about large-scale social reform, and developed a reputation as a radical minister.

In 1917 and 1918, Ivens was opposed by several members of his congregation by defending conscientious objectors to World War I and criticizing the management of the war.