A direct obligation rests upon employers to assist the registration
tribunals. They will fail in patriotism and public spirit unless
they encourage those in their service to enroll. They will fail as
surely if they demand exemption for employees of military age and
physical fitness who can be released without serious detriment to the
enterprises with which they are connected or who are connected with
enterprises of inconsiderable national significance. It is assumed that
in many cases applications for exemption will be made by employers
or by relatives rather than by those liable to military duty. The
evidence of employers that men are indispensable in their civil
occupations will generally be necessary to secure favorable judgment.
In Great Britain many employers furnished lists of those whom they
desired to retain and appeared on their behalf before the tribunals.
No doubt this will also be the general practice in Canada, although
the right of personal appeal must be regarded as proper and absolute.
There will be those whose circumstances peculiarly justify exemption
for whom no one else can appeal. While the great and immediate object
is to secure reinforcements for the expeditionary forces, selection
without injustice to individuals or unwise interference with essential
industries is the definite duty and obligation of the tribunals.