Patrons of Industry

It was dedicated to upholding and encouraging the moral, social, intellectual, political and financial situation of farmers and to preserve the way of life that existed in farming communities in the late nineteenth century against encroaching industrialization.

It cooperated with the urban labour movement to address the political frustrations of both groups with big business.

He contested a by-election in 1896 but the organization was unable to break into the established two-party alignment in the province and was soundly defeated.

Marshal left the province soon after the election (and would go on to be a cabinet minister in Alberta and in Ontario), and the movement in the region collapsed.

The Patrons of Industry ran 31 candidates (including three in Manitoba and one in Quebec) in the 1896 federal election (see below).