Fonds MsC-260 - Boag Foundation fonds

The Allan Boag Foundation is a grant giving non-profit society that was established in 1944. Its goals are to promote the principles of democratic Socialism. It sponsors educational projects, grants, and scholarships.

Allan Boag arrived in Vancouver from Scotland in 1894. Initially, he worked at his trade as a foundryman until 1918. Following an economic recession, he spent several years as a self-employed grocer and nurseryman, acquiring properties throughout Vancouver. The eventual increase in value of these properties led to the establishment of Boag’s wealth. In agreement with his views about the failings of the economic and social system which prevailed that he had formed during his less profitable years, Boag turned over all of his possessions to a trust at the time of his death in 1944. Allan Boag’s vision that a humane and equitable society could be achieved through the development of a democratic socialist society is reflected through the goals and activities of the Foundation.

The Foundation focuses on promoting the furtherance of workers’ education in the disciplines of history, economics, social and political economy and trade union organization. Through a diverse range of activities, the Foundation seeks to accomplish these directives. Annual scholarships are maintained at three universities. Grants of books, studies and special collections have been provided to university and college libraries. The Foundation has published and has assisted authors to publish. For many years the Foundation operated a labour school called Boag House and it continues to assist special programs at the Canadian Labour Congress Winter School.