Back in 1991, the grand chief of the Mikmaq passed away. He was a tireless advocate for aboriginal rights and justice issues.
August 24 – Execution of Canadian Soldiers During WWI
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.
August 23 – British Troops Prepare to Burn Washington
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.
August 20 – Eaton’s Goes Bankrupt
On this day back in 1999, it was announced that after nearly 130 years, the Eaton's department store was filing for bankruptcy protection.
August 18 – The Dempster Highway opens in the Yukon
Officially opened in 1979, the 730 km highway was the first Canadian highway to cross the Arctic Circle, linking southern Canada and Arctic Canada.
August 17 – First successful sailing of the Northwest Passage
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.
August 16 – Gold Deposits are Discovered in 1896, Sparking the Klondike Gold Rush
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.
August 13 – Jacques Cartier Discovers the St. Lawrence River
We spoke with author and Professor at the University of Guelph, Alan Gordon, about Cartier and his 1535 "discovery".
August 12 – Hockey Legend Hayley Wickenheiser is Born
In 1978, five time Olympian Hayley Wickenheiser is born.
August 11 – Revolutionary Canadian artificial heart to be manufactured and marketed
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.
August 10 – Canadian Bill of Rights Enacted in 1960
We spoke with Linda McKay-Panos, the Executive Director of the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre, about the Canadian Bill of Rights.
August 9 – Wayne Gretzky is Traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings
Dr. David Mills discusses Wayne Gretzky's 1988 Trade from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings.
August 6 – Macdonald and The Double Shuffle
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.
August 5 – Sir Humphrey Gilbert Claims Part of Newfoundland for Britain
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 4 – Fire breaks-out in the Library of Parliament
Back in 1952, fire damages Canada's Library of Parliament.
August 3 – William Avery Bishop is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross
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.