Unwin ran in the 1935 Alberta general election as the Social Credit candidate in the electoral district of Edson.

The elimination of third place Labour candidate Chris Pattinson meant that about 700 votes were exhausted as they did not bear any back-up preferences.

Unwin's party formed the provincial government and he served as a backbencher in the Legislative Assembly.

As frustration rose, Unwin and government advisor George Powell created what became known as the "Bankers' Toadies" leaflet.

Among those listed were Senator William Griesbach and Conservative Party leader David Milwyn Duggan.