Today in Canadian History

Latest Episodes:

Highlight – The Komagata Maru Leaves Vancouver Dec 26, 2025

Show notes

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.

Highlight – No. 2 Construction Battalion Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

The creation of the first all-Black Canadian battalion in WWI.

Highlight – The October Crisis Ends Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

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".

Highlight – Tommy Douglas was born Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

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.

Highlight – The Great Winnipeg Gold Robbery of 1966 Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

Kenneth "The Gentleman Bandit" Leishman stole nearly $400 000 worth of Gold bullion from the Winnipeg International Airport on this date back in 1966. To learn more we spoke with historian Christian Cassidy of West End Dumplings & This Was Manitoba.

Highlight – Saskatchewan and Alberta become provinces Dec 18, 2025

Show notes

Back in 1905, Saskatchewan and Alberta officially become provinces.

Highlight – Major Gustave Biéler is Arrested by the Gestapo Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

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

Dec. 9 – Camp X Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

We discuss Camp X, the secret spy camp based on the shores of Lake Ontario during WWII.

Dec. 8 – The Battle of Hong Kong and its Aftermath Dec 08, 2025

Show notes

The Battle of Hong Kong began on this day back in 1941. To learn more we spoke with historian and author of "The Damned: The Canadians at the Battle of Hong Kong and the POW Experience, 1941-45" Nathan M. Greenfield.

Dec. 7 – The Battle of Montgomery_s Tavern Dec 07, 2025

Show notes

We spoke to Janet Schwartz, the Museum Coordinator at Toronto's Mackenzie House to learn more about the Battle and the Upper Canada Rebellion.

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