Today in Canadian History
225 episodes — Page 5 of 5
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.
July 30 – Mark Tewskbury Wins Gold
We spoke with Mark Tewskbury about his gold medal win at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
July 29 – James Shaver Woodsworth was born
Back in 1874, social activist and first leader of the CCF, J.S. Woodsworth was born.
July 28 – R.B. Bennett’s Conservative Party wins the 1930 election
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.
July 27 – Insulin isolated at the U of T
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.
July 26 – French surrender Louisbourg
Back in 1758, French forces surrendered the Fortress of Louisbourg after a 7 week siege by the British.
July 23 – The Komagata Maru Leaves Vancouver
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.
July 22 – Alexander Mackenzie Reaches the Pacific
Back in 1793, Alexander Mackenzie and company reach the Pacific Ocean, Mackenzie makes mark.
July 21 – Marshall McLuhan’s Birthday
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.
July 20 – 19th Century Worker Bees
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.
July 19 – The 1976 Montreal Olympics
Paul Charles Howell, author and key player in the Montreal Olympic Organizing Committee discusses the legacy of the 1976 Montreal Olympics.
July 15 – Canada officially takes control of Rupert’s Land
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.
July 14 – The Death Penalty is Abolished in Canada
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.
July 12 – Pierre Berton’s Birthday
Canadian Pierre Berton was born on July 12, 1920.
July 9 – First Chuckwagon Race
The first official chuckwagon race takes place in Calgary back in 1923.
July 8 – The Disappearance of Tom Thomson
Roy MacGregor, author of "Canoe Lake" discusses the disappearance of the now-famous Canadian painter back in 1917.
July 7 – Norman Bethune
July 7th, 1937 was a big day for Dr. Norman Bethune. Larry Hannant explains...
July 6 – Birth of George “Chief” Armstrong
Professor David Mills discusses the career and significance of Canadian professional hockey player George Edward "Chief" Armstrong
July 5 – No. 2 Construction Battalion
The creation of the first all-Black Canadian battalion in WWI.
July 2 – The Battle of the Somme
Christine Leppard discusses Canada's involvement in The Battle of the Somme.
July 1 - Canada Day!
Dr. Matthew Barlow discusses the historical significance of Canada Day. Happy Canada Day everyone!
June 1 – The Cypress HIlls Massacre
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.
March 25 – The Aroostook War Take II
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.
Mar. 1 – The Great Winnipeg Gold Robbery of 1966
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.
Jan. 5 – The Montreal Canadiens Play their First Game at Home
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.