At Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Penhold in 1984, a group of military wives began discussing how to improve the quality of life of civilians who lived on the base and distributing a newsletter. Their wish list included daycare, a resource centre, school lunch rooms, improving a dangerous intersection, and dental coverage for spouses and children.

On instruction from the Minister of National Defence, the Base Commander labelled their efforts as “political activity”, which is prohibited by article 19:44 of the Queen’s Regulations and Orders (QRO). When the wives announced their intention to continue, military officials threatened them with arrest, eviction from their homes, and referral to the Special Investigations Unit (SIU).