This is an early example of a petition ad, a format frequently used by groups seeking social or political change. This ad, signed by a long list of notable "loyal Canadian citizens", supported the end of the internment of all anti-fascist individuals and the ban against "working-class, labour-progressive" organizations. Near the beginning of World War II the Communist Party was banned in Canada and 100 of its leaders were imprisoned. In 1941 the USSR joined the allies in the war against Germany and the Canadian government released 90 of these communist prisoners. Many westerners signed this public appeal to the government.
