by 1933, 30% of the labour force was out of work, and one fifth of the population became dependent on government assistance. wages fell as did prices; debts did not fall and they became more burdensome. gross national expenditure had declined 42% from the 1929 levels. in some areas, the decline was far worse. in the rural areas of the prairies two thirds of the population were on relief. population growth contracted markedly as immigration slowed, and birth rates fell as people postponed marriage and family life until they were more secure. crime rates increased, and a new class of unemployed vagrants appeared.