Today in Canadian History

Feb. 23 – Matonabbee Feb 23, 2024

Chipewyan leader Matonabbee set off with explorer Samuel Hearne to find the headwaters of the Coppermine River in 1770.

Feb. 16 – Citizenship Special Feb 16, 2024

We attended a citizenship ceremony on February 15th, 2011 to speak with Citizenship Judge Joan May Way and some new Canadians.

Jan. 31 – The Real James Bond, Sir William Stephenson Passes Away (Copy) Jan 31, 2024

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.

Jan. 28 – Women Get the Vote Jan 28, 2024

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.

Jan. 27 – The Original Bluenose's Last Day Jan 27, 2024

The original Bluenose spent it's last day sailing above water. The famous schooner went down off coast of Haiti in 1946.

Jan. 26 – Dr. Wilder Penfield is Born Jan 26, 2024

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.

Jan. 25 – Lucy Maud Montgomery in Ontario Jan 25, 2024

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.

Jan. 24 – Japanese Canadian Internment Jan 24, 2024

Discussion with Prof. W. Peter Ward about the internment of Japanese Canadians during WWII.

Jan. 21 – The 1910 Spanish River Train Wreck Jan 21, 2024

Over 40 people perished when train derailed west of Sudbury. In terms of fatalities, fourth worst in Canadian history.

Jan. 20 – Doukhobors Arrive in Halifax Jan 20, 2024

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.

Jan. 19 – The Jets Leave Winnipeg Jan 19, 2024

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".

Jan. 18 – Canadian Content Rules Come into Effect Jan 18, 2024

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.

Jan. 17 – Jacques Plante and Facial Protection in Hockey Jan 17, 2024

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.

Jan. 13 – Major Gustave Biéler is Arrested by the Gestapo Jan 13, 2024

We spoke with Major Gustave Biéler's daughter Jacqueline Bieler, on the anniversary of his 1944 arrest while aiding the French Resistance in WWII.

Jan 10 – John A. Macdonald is Born pt. 1 of 2 Jan 10, 2024

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".

Jan. 7 – Hank Snow Performs at the Grand Ole Opry Jan 07, 2024

Canadian country music star Hank Snow performs at the Grand Ole Opry......and nobody likes him.

Jan 4 – Canadian Artist Pegi Nicol MacLeod is Born Jan 04, 2024

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".

Jan. 3 – “How the Scots Invented Canada” Jan 03, 2024

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.

June 30 – The Chinese Exclusion Act Jun 30, 2022

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.

June 29 – Thoroughbred Horse Racing in Canada Jun 29, 2022

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".

June 28 – Chinese Canadians and the Prairie West Jun 28, 2022

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".

June 24 – 1968 Saint-Jean Baptiste Day Jun 24, 2022

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".

June 22 – Dief the Chief Becomes Prime Minister Jun 22, 2022

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.

June 21 – National Aboriginal Day – Treaty 8 Jun 21, 2022

Extended episode for National Aboriginal Day. Discussion on Treaty 8, signed back in 1899.

June 20 – National Library of Canada Opens Jun 20, 2022

Lester B. Pearson opened the Canadian institution in Ottawa in 1967.

June 17 – Lunenburg, Nova Scotia Jun 17, 2022

Lunenburg's first church service was held by settlers on this day back in 1753.

June 16 – Saskatchewan Wakes up to a Socialist Government Jun 16, 2022

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".

June 15 – Herman ‘Jackrabbit’ Smith-Johannsen Jun 15, 2022

The ski pioneer was born on this day back in 1875 in Norway. We spoke with his grandson, Peter Austin.

June 14 – Province of Canada’s First Parliament Jun 15, 2022

Back in 1841, preparations were being made in Kingston for the first parliament, held June 15th.

June 13 – The Last Fatal Duel Jun 13, 2022

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.

June 9 – The Politics of The Great Depression Jun 10, 2022

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".

June 8 – Mackenzie King Becomes Longest Serving PM Jun 09, 2022

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."

June 7 – The Beothuk Jun 07, 2022

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.

June 6 – D-Day Jun 07, 2022

We spoke with Dr. Desmond Morton on the anniversary of the Allies launching the invasion of Normandy back in 1944.

June 3 – Newfoundland Referendum of 1948 Jun 04, 2022

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.

June 2 – Stan Rogers Passes Jun 03, 2022

Musician Stan Rogers passed away on this day back in 1983.

June 1 – The Cypress HIlls Massacre Jun 02, 2022

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.

May 31 – Ernest Manning May 31, 2022

Ernest Manning was appointed Premier of Alberta on this date back in 1943.

May 30 – Neal Beaumont is Born May 30, 2022

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.

May 27 - Algonquin Park is Established May 27, 2022

Algonquin Park became Canada's first provincial park back in 1893.

May 26 – The Avrocar or “Flying Saucer” May 26, 2022

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.

May 25 – Battle of Eccles Hill May 25, 2022

Fenians attacked Quebec on this day back in 1870. To learn more we spoke with Alan Rowe, an instructor at Keyano College.

May 24 – Tommy Chong is Born May 24, 2022

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.

May 19 – Parks Canada’s Anniversary. May 19, 2022

This episode was originally produced to air on the 100th anniversary of the founding of Parks Canada.

June 27 – O Canada Officially Adopted May 18, 2022

In 1980, the National Anthem Act was adopted by Parliament.

May 18 – Fire in Montreal May 18, 2022

Fire struck Montreal back in 1765. We spoke with Tyler Wood, of Centre d'histoire de Montréal about fires in Montreal.

May 17 – The Vickers Vedette May 17, 2022

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.

May 13 – Roch Carrier is Born May 13, 2022

We spoke with Canadian arts advocate and author of "The Hockey Sweater" who was born on this date back in 1937.

May 12 – Farley Mowat is Born May 12, 2022

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.

May 11 – The West End Gang May 11, 2022

We spoke with D’Arcy O’Connor, author of “Montreal’s Irish Mafia: The True Story of the Infamous West End Gang.”

May 10 – The Legacy of Batoche May 10, 2022

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".

May 9 – The Chocolate Bar War May 09, 2022

Back in 1947, children across Canada organized and protested the rising cost of chocolate bars.

May 6 – North America’s first Pesticide Ban May 06, 2022

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.

May 4 – Law and Order in the Klondike May 04, 2022

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".

May 3 – Stampede Wrestling May 03, 2022

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".

April 29 – The Frank Slide Apr 29, 2022

An estimated 70 people perished when the side of Turtle Mountain buried part of Frank, Alberta.

April 28 – Expo 67 Opens Apr 28, 2022

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.

April 27 – The Sacking of York Apr 27, 2022

York was sacked by American forces during the War of 1812 on this day back in 1813.

April 20 – The Rainmaker Apr 20, 2022

Charles Mallory Hatfield, an American rainmaker, arrived in Medicine Hat on this day back in 1921.

April 19 – Black Loyalists During the American Revolution Apr 19, 2022

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.

April 15 – Bergen-Belsen Concentration Camp is Liberated Apr 15, 2022

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.

April 14th – “Surplus Children” Apr 14, 2022

We spoke with Kenneth Bagnell, the author of "The Little Immigrants: The Orphans Who Came to Canada".

April 12 – The March of New Brunswick’s 104th Apr 12, 2022

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 – Byng and Vimy Ridge Apr 11, 2022

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.

April 7 – The First Stamps Apr 07, 2022

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.

April 6 – Vancouver Incorporated as a City Apr 06, 2022

Vancouver was incorporated as a city back in 1886. We spoke with civic historian John Atkin.

April 5 – The Ripple Rock Explosion Apr 05, 2022

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.

April 4 – E. H. Norman Takes His Own Life Apr 04, 2022

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".

April 1 – A Small Town Mayor and the First Offical Game of Curling Apr 01, 2022

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.

March 31 – Last Tot of Rum for Navy Mar 31, 2022

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.

March 30 – The Labrador Joins Newfoundland Mar 30, 2022

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.

March 29: Budge Crawley Wins Oscar Mar 29, 2022

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.

March 25 – The Aroostook War Take II Mar 25, 2022

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.

March 24 – Black Canadians Granted the Right to Vote Mar 24, 2022

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.

March 23 – The Gazette Hits the Stands Mar 23, 2022

The Halifax Gazette, Canada's first newspaper, is published for the first time back in 1752.

March 21 – The North West Company Merges with the Hudson’s Bay Company Mar 21, 2022

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.

March 18 – The SS Beaver Arrived at the Pacific Coast Mar 18, 2022

The SS Beaver, the first steamship to operate in the Pacific Northwest, arrived at the coast on this day back in 1836.

March 17 – Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Mar 17, 2022

Celebrated in Ireland, Canada and around the world. Have a happy and safe St. Patrick's Day!

March 16 – St. Urho’s Day Mar 16, 2022

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.

March 15 – King’s College Founded Mar 15, 2022

King's College, later renamed University of Toronto, was founded by Royal Charter on this day back in 1827.

March 14 – The One Big Union is Formed Mar 14, 2022

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.

March 11 – Richard Blanshard Arrives on Vancouver Island Mar 11, 2022

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".

March 9 – Arctic Winter Games Mar 09, 2022

The first Arctic Winter Games were held in Yellowknife on this day back in 1970

March 8 – International Women's Day Edition (Extended) Mar 08, 2022

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.

March 7 – The Montreal Shamrocks Mar 07, 2022

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.

March 4 – Actor John Candy Passed Mar 04, 2022

Canadian comedian and actor John Candy passed away on this day back in 1994.

March 3 – First Official Indoor Game of Hockey Mar 03, 2022

McGill University students participated in the first official game of indoor ice hockey on this day back in Montreal in 1875.

March 2 – Inuit Artist Jessie Oonark Passed Mar 02, 2022

On this day back in 1985, artist Jessie Oonark passed away in Churchill.

Feb. 28 – Alex Janvier and the "Indian Group of Seven" Feb 28, 2022

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.

Feb. 24 – Martha Louise Munger is Born Feb 24, 2022

Martha Louise Munger, the second woman ever elected to Canadian Parliament, was born. We spoke with Frances Backhouse, author of "Women of the Klondike".

Feb. 22 – Remembering the War of 1812 Feb 22, 2022

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".

Feb. 18 – The Battle of Paardeburg Feb 18, 2022

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.

Feb. 17 – The Mad Trapper is Killed Feb 17, 2022

After a manhunt that lasted over one month, the man known only as "The Mad Trapper" is killed in Canada's North.

Feb. 15 – The Great Upheaval Feb 15, 2022

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.

Feb. 14 – The Asbestos Strike of 1949 Feb 14, 2022

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".

Feb. 11 – Patrick James Whelan executed Feb 11, 2022

Patrick James Whelan was executed on this day back in 1869 for the assassination of Thomas D'Arcy McGee.

Feb. 10 – War Brides Arrive in 1946 Feb 10, 2022

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".

Feb. 9 – 1913 Meteor Procession Feb 09, 2022

This rare event took Canadians by surprise back in 1913.

Feb. 8 – The Aroostook War Feb 08, 2022

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.

Feb. 7 – First War Artists Commissioned Feb 07, 2022

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.

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