Today in Canadian History: Recent Episodes
Marc Affeld and Joe Burima
Each episode of Today in Canadian History contains an interview with a Canadian professor, journalist, author, or “everyday” historian and focuses on a unique event or moment that took place on that day in Canadian history. Today in Canadian History presents Canada’s past in a unique and accessible manner. The series is designed to be a first step to learning more about our past. We would like to remind Canadians not just about what makes our country great, but what makes it complicated, beautiful, diverse, and ours. Feel free to get in touch with Marc & Joe via-email: todayincanada@gmail.com
The Chinese Immigration Act was passed on this day back in 1923. To learn more we spoke with Britt Braaten, the Curator and Manager of the Multicultural History Society of Ontario.
Queen Elizabeth II was in Toronto to attend the 99th annual Queen's Plate at Woodbine. To learn more we spoke with Louis Cauz, the Managing Director at the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame as well as the author of "The Plate: 150 Years of Royal Tradition from Don Juan to the 2009 Winner".
Dr. Royden Loewen of the University of Winnipeg spoke to us about the stories of Yee Clun of Regina and Rosie's Restaurant in Calgary. Dr. Loewen is the co-author of "Immigrants in Prairie Cities".
Today is La Fête nationale du Québec. To learn more about the infamous 1968 Saint-Jean Baptiste Day we spoke with official Pierre Elliot Trudeau biographer and author of "Just Watch Me: The Life of Pierre Elliott Trudeau Vol. 2: 1968-2000".
We spoke with Dr. Michael Atkinson, the Executive Director of the Diefenbaker Canada Centre at the University of Saskatchewan to learn more about Diefenbaker's six years as PM. Diefenbaker served his second day as PM on this date back in 1957.
Extended episode for National Aboriginal Day. Discussion on Treaty 8, signed back in 1899.
The Saskatchewan branch of the CCF defeated the Liberals in an election on June 15, 1944, making Tommy Douglas Premier. To learn more we spoke with C. Stuart Houston, the author of "Tommy's Team: The People Behind the Douglas Years".
The ski pioneer was born on this day back in 1875 in Norway. We spoke with his grandson, Peter Austin.
Back in 1841, preparations were being made in Kingston for the first parliament, held June 15th.
Upper Canada's last fatal duel happened on June 13, 1833 in Perth, Ontario. To learn more we spoke with John Fowler, the Chair of the Perth Historical Society.
RB Bennett and Mackenzie King sparred while the 1930 election loomed. We spoke with John Boyko, the Dean of History and Social Science at Lakefield School in Ontario, as well as author of "Bennett: The Rebel Who Challenged and Changed a Nation".
We spoke with Dr. Whitney Lackenbauer an Associate Professor and Chair in the Department of History at St. Jerome’s University in Waterloo, as well as co-editor of "Mackenzie King: Citizenship and Community."
This day back in 1829 was widely considered to be the first day with no living survivors of the Beothuk. We spoke with Teresa Greene, of the Beothuk institute.
We spoke with Dr. Desmond Morton on the anniversary of the Allies launching the invasion of Normandy back in 1944.
For more than a decade the dominion of Newfoundland was governed by a non-elected Commission of Government. We spoke with Keith Collier, a freelance writer and historian who works at the Maritime History Archive at Memorial University of Newfoundland to learn more about the referendums that decided the future of Canada's newest province.
The Cypress Hills Massacre occurred on this date back in 1873. We spoke with Royce E. W. Pettyjohn of Fort Walsh & Cypress Hills Massacre National Historic Sites of Canada.
We spoke with Canadian arts advocate and author of "The Hockey Sweater" who was born on this date back in 1937.
Iconic Canadian writer Farley Mowat was born on this day back in 1921. We spoke with Leanne Allison director of "Finding Farley" to learn more about her family's epic journey across this country, and the landscapes of Mowat's writings.
We spoke with D’Arcy O’Connor, author of “Montreal’s Irish Mafia: The True Story of the Infamous West End Gang.”
The battle of Batoche was raging on this day back in in 1885. To learn more about the legacy of the battle in the history of Canada's Metis peoples we spoke with historian Laurence Barkwell, author of "1885: The Militia of the Metis Liberation Movement".
Back in 1947, children across Canada organized and protested the rising cost of chocolate bars.
The town of Hudson, Quebec passed North America's first ban of the non-essential use of Pesticides on this date back in 1991. To learn more, we spoke with Ashley Jensen of the Canadian Cancer Society.
The first of many American prospectors heading north to the Klondike passed through what is now Stewart, British Columbia on this day back in 1898. To learn more about Sam Steele of the North West Mounted Police we spoke with Charlotte Gray author of "Gold Diggers: Striking it Rich in the Klondike".
Stu Hart, founder of Stampede Wrestling was born on May 3, 1915. To learn more we spoke with Heath McCoy, author of "Pain and Passion: the History of Stampede Wrestling".
An estimated 70 people perished when the side of Turtle Mountain buried part of Frank, Alberta.
Expo 67 was a showcase for Canada's cool side. We spoke with Dr. Bryan Palmer author of "Canada's 1960's: The Ironies of Identity in a Rebellious Era" about the upside and downside of having a Prime Minister that many Canadians view as sexy.
Charles Mallory Hatfield, an American rainmaker, arrived in Medicine Hat on this day back in 1921.
The battles of Lexington of Concord sparked the American Revolutionary War on this date back in 1775. To learn more about the slaves who fought for the British and eventually settled in Nova Scotia we spoke with Beverly Cox of the The Black Loyalist Heritage Society, located in Birchtown, Nova Scotia.
British and Canadian troops liberated prisoners at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp on April 15, 1945. To learn more about the legacy of holocaust survivors in Canada we spoke with Sabrina Moisan of the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre.
We spoke with Kenneth Bagnell, the author of "The Little Immigrants: The Orphans Who Came to Canada".
New Brunswick's 104th Foot Regiment arrived in Kingston on this date back in 1813. Their march from Fredericton covered over 1100km. To learn more we spoke to Historian and author of "The Road to Canada: The Grand Communications Route from Saint John to Quebec", Gary Campbell.
April 11, 1917 marked the third day of the Battle of Vimy Ridge. We spoke with Dr. Patrick Brennan of the University of Calgary about the leadership of lieutenant-general Julian Byng.
A Canadian postmaster issued a provisional stamp on this date back in 1851 - two weeks before the first Canadian stamps were issued to the public. To learn more we spoke with George Pepall, the President of the Royal Philatelic Society of Canada.
Vancouver was incorporated as a city back in 1886. We spoke with civic historian John Atkin.
Over the years over 100 vessels and 100 people were victims of Ripple Rock. The underwater "mountain" that was Ripple Rock was blown-up on this day back in 1958.
Canadian diplomat and accused Soviet spy E. H. Norman jumped to his death from the roof of the Swedish Embassy in Cairo, Egypt on this day back in 1957. To learn more about Canada in the time of the Cold War we spoke with Dr. Bryan Palmer author of "Canada's 1960's: The Ironies of Identity in a Rebellious Era".
To learn about the story of a small town mayor in 1888, we spoke with Dr. Martin Raeb. To learn about the first game of curling we spoke with Dr. Anthony Morrow of the University of Waterloo.
Likely that some members of the Canadian Navy woke up with a hangover on this day back in 1972. The previous day they were served the last ration of rum.
On this day back in 1809, Labrador joined Newfoundland as a colony of the British Empire. To learn more about the history of Labrador, we spoke with author of "The Story of Labrador" Canadian Senator William Rompkey.
In 1976, F.R. "Budge" Crawley accepted an Academy Award for his film The Man Who Skied Down Everest. It was the first time a Canadian-made film received an Oscar for Best Documentary Feature.
The agreement which ended the crisis at the Maine/New Brunswick border was signed on this day back in 1839. To learn more we spoke with historian and author of "The Road to Canada: The Grand Communications Route from Saint John to Quebec" Gary Campbell.
On March 24, 1837 Black Canadians were granted the right to vote in elections. To learn more we spoke with Rosemary Saidler, the President of the Ontario Black History Society.
The Halifax Gazette, Canada's first newspaper, is published for the first time back in 1752.
On March 21, 1821 the North West Company was forced to merge with the Hudson's Bay Company. To learn more we spoke with Marty Mascarin, of the Fort William Historical Park.
The SS Beaver, the first steamship to operate in the Pacific Northwest, arrived at the coast on this day back in 1836.
Celebrated in Ireland, Canada and around the world. Have a happy and safe St. Patrick's Day!
On March 16th Finnish Canadians gather to celebrate St. Urho's Day. To learn more I spoke with Dorothy Ahlgren, President of the Canadian Friends of Finland located in Ottawa.
King's College, later renamed University of Toronto, was founded by Royal Charter on this day back in 1827.
A vote to form The One Big Union occurred at a three day conference in Calgary during March of 1919. To learn more we spoke with Dr. Ken Coates a professor of History as well as the Dean of Arts at the University of Waterloo.
The first governor of the Colony of Vancouver Island arrived on the island on this day back in 1850. To learn more we spoke with John Adams historian and author of "Old Square-Toes and His Lady: The Life of James and Amelia Douglas".
To celebrate the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, we spoke with Dr. Mona Gleason of the University of British Columbia about the history of women in Canada.
The Montreal Shamrocks won the Stanley Cup on this day back in 1900. To learn more we spoke with Dr. Matthew Barlow of John Abbott College.
McGill University students participated in the first official game of indoor ice hockey on this day back in Montreal in 1875.
Acclaimed Canadian painter Alex Janvier was born on this date back in 1935. To learn more we spoke with the Manager of the Alex Janvier Art Gallery in Cold Lake, Alberta.
Martha Louise Munger, the second woman ever elected to Canadian Parliament, was born. We spoke with Frances Backhouse, author of "Women of the Klondike".
Chipewyan leader Matonabbee set off with explorer Samuel Hearne to find the headwaters of the Coppermine River in 1770.
The Battle of Ogdensburg occurred on this day back in 1813. To learn more about the legacy of the war of 1812, we spoke with Mark Zuehlke, Canadian Historian and author of "For Honor's Sake: The War of 1812 and the Brokering of an Uneasy Peace".
To learn more about the Second Boer War and the Battle of Paardeburg we spoke with Professor Emeritus at Mcgill University as well as author of "Canada's Little War: Fighting for the British Empire in Southern Africa 1899-1902" Dr. Carman Miller.
After a manhunt that lasted over one month, the man known only as "The Mad Trapper" is killed in Canada's North.
We attended a citizenship ceremony on February 15th, 2011 to speak with Citizenship Judge Joan May Way and some new Canadians.
To learn more about the expulsion of Acadians from Canada's maritime provinces, we spoke with the Senior Editor of Canada’s History Magazine, Nelle Oosterom.
Workers at a mine in Asbestos Que., walked off the job on this day back in 1949 triggering a violent four month strike. To learn more about the strike and its impact on the Quiet Revolution I spoke with Dr. Damien-Claude Bélanger of the Université d’Ottawa and author of "Prejudice and Pride: Canadian Intellectuals Confront the United States, 1891-1945".
Patrick James Whelan was executed on this day back in 1869 for the assassination of Thomas D'Arcy McGee.
The first ship carrying almost 400 war brides from England arrived in Halifax on this day back in 1946. To learn more, we spoke with Melynda Jarratt author of "War Brides : The Stories of the Women Who Left Everything Behind to Follow the Men They Loved".
Posses of Canadian and American lumber workers clashed over the definition of the New Brunswick-Maine border at the outset of the Aroostook War. To learn more I spoke with Patrick Michaud of Fort Ingall.
Canada became the first nation in the world to officially commission war artists on this day back in 1918. To learn more we spoke with Dr. Laura Brandon, a historian of war and art at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.
On a 12-day tour of Latin America in 1976, Prime Minister Trudeau met with Cuban Prime Minister Fidel Castro. To learn more we spoke with, Nino Ricci, author of "Extraordinary Canadians: Pierre Elliot Trudeau."
The Wiarton Willie Festival was founded back in 1956. One of the nation's most popular groundhogs.
On this day back in 1920 the The North West Mounted Police merged with the Dominion Police to become the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. To learn more about the history of the NWMP we spoke with Dawn Lauder, the Site Manager of the Fort Museum in Fort McLeod, Alberta.
Ian Fleming once claimed Sir William Stephenson to be the inspiration for James Bond. Stephenson passed away on this day back in 1989. To learn more we spoke with Gary Solar, President of the Intrepid Society.
On January 28th Manitoba became the first province to grant women the right to vote. This was in so small part due to the efforts of suffragette Nellie McClung. To learn more, we spoke with Bette Meuller of the Nellie McClung Society.
The original Bluenose spent it's last day sailing above water. The famous schooner went down off coast of Haiti in 1946.
Neurosurgeon Dr. Wilder Penfield was born on this day back in 1891. To learn more we spoke with Dr. William Feindel who worked with Dr. Penfield at the Montreal Neurological Institute back in the 1950s.
Did you know that Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote most of her books while living in the town of Leaskdale, Ontario? To learn more we spoke to Barbara Pratt of the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario.
Discussion with Prof. W. Peter Ward about the internment of Japanese Canadians during WWII.
Over 40 people perished when train derailed west of Sudbury. In terms of fatalities, fourth worst in Canadian history.
Over 2000 Doukhobors arrived in Halifax on this date back in 1899. To learn more we spoke with Professor Julie Rak of the University of Alberta.
The NHL approved the sale of the Winnipeg Jets to investors in Phoenix on this date back in 1996. To learn more, we spoke with professor Jim Silver: author of "Thin Ice: Money, Politics, and the Demise of an NHL Franchise".
We spoke with FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting's Ian Morrison on the anniversary of the CRTC's new Canadian Content rules coming into effect back in 1971.
To learn more about the introduction of head and facial protection in hockey we spoke with Dr. Bob Pashby on anniversary of NHL goalie Jacques Plante.
We spoke with Major Gustave Biéler's daughter Jacqueline Bieler, on the anniversary of his 1944 arrest while aiding the French Resistance in WWII.
In part two, we discuss Sir John A. Macdonald: the man, with Richard J. Gwyn author of "John A, The Man Who Made Us".
In part one, we discuss the impact Sir John A. Macdonald had on shaping Canada with Richard J. Gwyn author of "John A, The Man Who Made Us".
Canadian country music star Hank Snow performs at the Grand Ole Opry......and nobody likes him.
Later known as Saint André Bessette, Brother André of Montreal died on this day back in 1937.
The Montreal Canadiens played their first game at Home on this day back in 1910. To learn more, we spoke with Dr. Matthew Barlow from the Department of History, Economics & Political Science at John Abbott College in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Quebec.
We spoke with I spoke with Dr. Laura Brandon, a historian of Art and War at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa as well as author of "Pegi by Herself: the life of Pegi Nicol MacLeod, Canadian artist".
Ken MacGoogan author of "How the Scots Invented Canada" spoke to us on the anniversary of the arrival of 300 immigrants from the Scottish Highlands on this day in 1802.
We spoke to Janet Schwartz, the Museum Coordinator at Toronto's Mackenzie House to learn more about the Battle and the Upper Canada Rebellion.
British Trade Commissioner James Cross was released by members of the FLQ on this date back in 1970. We spoke with Professor William Tetley, a member of the Quebec Provincial Cabinet at the time of the crisis as well as author of "The October Crisis, 1970: An Insider's View".
We spoke with University of Calgary Professor Dr. Patrick Brennan about Canada during the Great Depression.
To learn more about Riel we spoke with Director of the Saint-Boniface Museum in Winnipeg, Philippe Mailhot.
Happy Tommy Douglas Day! Tommy Douglas was born on this day in 1904. To learn more about Tommy Douglas, we spoke with C. Stuart Houston, an historian and author of "Tommy's Team : the People Behind the Douglas Years". Dr. Houston is a professor emeritus of the university of Saskatchewan, and an Officer of the Order of Canada.
We spoke with Brad Lee, the curator of The Ties That Bind, an online historical research project that works to recognize the contributions of the Chinese Canadian community to the building of Canada.
Back in 1910, an Imperial Order in Council transferred the Naval Station at Halifax to the Canadian Government.
We spoke with Tim Cook, historian with the Canadian War Museum and author of The Madman and the Butcher: The Sensational Wars of Sam Hughes and General Arthur Currie.
The first ever policies regarding multiculturalism were announced on this date back in 1971.
Back in 1969, 46 nervous and excited performers stepped onstage at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.
Back in 1925, station opens in Aklavik, NWT as part of the North West Territories and Yukon Radio System.
Back in 1982, Laurie Skreslet became the first Canadian to reach the top of Mount Everest. Canadian Pat Morrow followed only days later.
We spoke with astronaut Robert Thirsk: the Canadian who has spent the most time in space.
Historian and author John English discusses the legacy of Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau.
We spoke with FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting spokesperson Ian Morrison about the launch of CBC Television.
Back in 1912 in New York, Quebec-born Mack Sennett releases his first Keystone Comedy film.
Back in 1989, the Ontario provincial government (temporarily) names a building after Clara Brett Martin, the first woman lawyer in the British Empire.
Brent Townsend is the the artist who designed the polar bear on the reverse of the Canadian two dollar coin.
Back in 1949, a fire on the ship kills over 115 people. The ship was docked on the shore of Lake Ontario.
Construction begins on this day back in 1952, connecting Cape Breton Island by road to Nova Scotia
Historian, ecologist and co-founder of Greenpeace International, Rex Weyler discusses the early days of Greenpeace.
Back in 1936, Dorothea Palmer, was arrested in Ontario. Her eventual trial became a landmark case in the Canadian birth control movement.
Laura Ingersoll, later known as Laura Secord, is born on this day back in 1775. She warned British forces of an American attack in 1813.
In Nova Scotia back in 1919, a hydrofoil craft co-created by Alexander Graham Bell hits 114 kms an hour, breaking the record for speed on water.
We spoke with historian and author Frances Backhouse about the birth of Dawson Klondike Schultz on Sept. 8, 1897 and the "Children of the Klondike".
In 1907, Leo-Ernest Ouimet opens the largest theater in North America exclusively dedicated to showing movies.
Back in 1988, Canadian Vicki Keith stepped onto the shore of Lake Ontario and became the first person to swim across all five of the Great Lakes.
Joseph Burr Tyrrell passed away on this date in 1957. We spoke with the Royal Tyrrell Museum's Don Brinkman about Tyrrell and the beginning of the Canadian Dinosaur Rush.
Back in 1991, the grand chief of the Mikmaq passed away. He was a tireless advocate for aboriginal rights and justice issues.
Back in 1916, Canadian soldier Benjamin DeFehr spent his last night in custody. Come dawn, he was shot and killed by a firing squad. He was 1 of 25 Canadian soldiers executed during WWI.
In 1814 British Troops descend upon Washington DC, prepared to capture the American capital. We spoke with historian and author Mark Zuehlke about the Burning of Washington and the War of 1812.
On this day back in 1999, it was announced that after nearly 130 years, the Eaton's department store was filing for bankruptcy protection.
Canada suffered over 3000 casualties on the shores of Dieppe, France on this day in 1942.
In 1988, Canadians Jeff MacInnis and Mike Beedell successfully sail through the passage on their boat, Perception. They are the first individuals to successfully sail the passage by wind power.
Officially opened in 1979, the 730 km highway was the first Canadian highway to cross the Arctic Circle, linking southern Canada and Arctic Canada.
We spoke with Charlotte Gray, a Chair of Canada's History Society as well as author of Gold Diggers: Striking it rich in the Klondike about Dawson City, Yukon at the height of the rush.
We spoke with author and Professor at the University of Guelph, Alan Gordon, about Cartier and his 1535 "discovery".
Back in 1993, University of Ottawa Heart Institute researchers announce plans to manufacture and market the world's first permanent artificial heart. Known as the Electrohydraulic Ventricular Assist Device (EVAD), the artificial heart could be implanted entirely in the body and was the first of its kind. We spoke with Dr. Tofy Mussivand.
We spoke with Linda McKay-Panos, the Executive Director of the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre, about the Canadian Bill of Rights.
Dr. David Mills discusses Wayne Gretzky's 1988 Trade from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings.
Back in 1858 in the Province of Canada, the Cartier/Macdonald ministry pull the "The Double Shuffle", avoiding a by-election and staying in power.
We spoke with historian Josh Tavenor about Sir Humphrey Gilbert's 1583 claim of the land surrounding what is now St. John's, Newfoundland.
August 3 – William Avery Bishop is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
World War I flying ace "Billy" Bishop is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for service.
John Boyko, the Dean of History and Social Science at Lakefield School in Ontario, as well as author of "Bennett: The Rebel Who Challenged and Changed a Nation" discusses the legacy of Prime Minister R.B. Bennett.
Back in 1758, French forces surrendered the Fortress of Louisbourg after a 7 week siege by the British.
On July 23, 1914 a steamship filled with passengers from India, The Komagata Maru, was turned away from Canadian shores. We spoke with Dr. Hugh Johnston on the incident and its legacy.
We spoke with Terrence Gordon, the author of four books about Marshall McLuhan, including a biography and most recently McLuhan: A Guide for the Perplexed. He has also edited new editions of four of McLuhan's works.
Fredrick Banting and Charles Best isolate insulin from the pancreas of a dog. With the help of JJR Macleod and James Collip, the group would go on to treat human sufferers of diabetes.
Dr. Catharine Wilson discusses Ontario's 19th Century Worker Bees (not that kind of bee). Dr. Wilson's research on worker bee's is funded by the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Paul Charles Howell, author and key player in the Montreal Olympic Organizing Committee discusses the legacy of the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
Back on July 15th, 1870, Canada officially takes control of the area known as Rupert's Land. The Hudson's Bay Company was originally granted the land 200 years earlier, back in 1670.
Robert J. Hoshowsky author of "The Last to Die: Ronald Turpin, Arthur Lucas, and the End of Capital Punishment in Canada" discusses the end of the death penalty in Canada.
Roy MacGregor, author of "Canoe Lake" discusses the disappearance of the now-famous Canadian painter back in 1917.
Professor David Mills discusses the career and significance of Canadian professional hockey player George Edward "Chief" Armstrong
Originally broadcast and aired in 2009.
Dr. Matthew Barlow discusses the historical significance of Canada Day.
Canadian football all-star and world record holder Neal Beaumont discusses what the CFL was like back in the 1960s as well as the play that got him in the record books.
Canadian aerospace manufacturer Avro was hard at work building a "Flying Saucer" for the US Airforce. To learn more we spoke Shirley Render, the executive director of the The Western Canada Aviation Museum in Winnipeg. The museum is in possession of an Avrocar replica.
Fenians attacked Quebec on this day back in 1870. To learn more we spoke with Alan Rowe, an instructor at Keyano College.
Tommy Chong talks about his days as a young musician in Western Canada in the post-WWII era as well as what it was like being a young Canadian signed to Motown Records.
This episode was originally produced to air on the 100th anniversary of the founding of Parks Canada.
Fire struck Montreal back in 1765. We spoke with Tyler Wood, of Centre d'histoire de Montréal about fires in Montreal.
On this day back in 1929, Colin Jack Caldwell became the first Canadian to save his life by parachute when he jumped out of a Vickers Vedette over Montreal on May 17th 1929. To learn more we spoke with Shirley Render, the executive director of the The Western Canada Aviation Museum in Winnipeg.
Queen Elizabeth II was born on this date back in 1926. To discuss the role of the monarchy in Canada we spoke with Josh Traptow of the Monarchist League of Canada.