Overview
William Krehm (November 23, 1913 – April 19, 2019) was a Canadian author, journalist, political activist and real estate developer. Born in Toronto, he became prominent for a long life that combined radical politics, business activity and public advocacy. Over many decades Krehm wrote, campaigned and organised on issues ranging from left-wing political causes in the 1930s to monetary reform in his later years.
Early activism and the 1930s
As a young man Krehm was active in Trotskyist circles and the broader anti-fascist movement of the 1930s. He is known to have travelled to Spain during the period of the Spanish Civil War, where many international volunteers and political activists took part in campaigns against the rise of Franco. His early years are best understood in the context of interwar political polarization and the international networks of socialist and anti-fascist activists, including the Trotskyist movement.
Career, writing and business
After the turbulent political decade of the 1930s, Krehm pursued careers in journalism and real estate development while continuing to write and speak on public issues. He published works addressing economics and policy and combined practical business experience with ongoing political commitments. His activities in publishing and property development gave him both a public platform and the resources to support long-term advocacy projects.
Monetary reform and COMER
In the 1980s Krehm co-founded the Committee on Monetary and Economic Reform (COMER), an organisation that advocated changes to the way money and credit are created and managed in Canada. COMER promoted greater public oversight of monetary policy and argued that private banking practices and central bank operations required reform to better serve the public interest. Krehm remained a leading figure in the group for many years, speaking, writing and organising around monetary and economic issues.
Legacy and significance
Krehm's life spanned more than a century; he died at the age of 105 on April 19, 2019. He is notable for the range of his activities—early socialist activism and anti-fascist engagement, a professional career in journalism and real estate, and persistent campaigning on monetary policy in later life. His example illustrates how individuals can move between political movements, private enterprise and civic advocacy while maintaining long-term public commitments.
Key facts
- Born in Toronto in 1913; died in 2019 at age 105.
- Active in Trotskyist and anti-fascist circles in the 1930s.
- Traveled to Spain during the period of the Spanish Civil War.
- Worked as a journalist and real estate developer.
- Co-founded the Committee on Monetary and Economic Reform (COMER) in the 1980s and served as a principal leader.