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
Canadian country music star Hank Snow performs at the Grand Ole Opry......and nobody likes him.
Jan. 6 – Brother André Bessette Passes Away
Later known as Saint André Bessette, Brother André of Montreal died on this day back in 1937.
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.
Jan 4 – Canadian Artist Pegi Nicol MacLeod is Born
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”
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.
Highlight – The Disappearance of Tom Thomson
Roy MacGregor, author of "Canoe Lake" discusses the disappearance of the now-famous Canadian painter back in 1917.
Highlight – The October Crisis Ends
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 – No. 2 Construction Battalion
The creation of the first all-Black Canadian battalion in WWI.
Highlight – 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.
Highlight – The Mad Trapper is Killed
After a manhunt that lasted over one month, the man known only as "The Mad Trapper" is killed in Canada's North.
Highlight – Viola Desmond is physically removed from theatre
In 1946, Viola Desmond was forcibly removed from a theatre in New Glasgow, NS for refusing to move from whites-only section.
Highlight – Tommy Douglas was born
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 Greenpeace” Sets Sail in 1971
Historian, ecologist and co-founder of Greenpeace International, Rex Weyler discusses the early days of Greenpeace.
Highlight – Saskatchewan and Alberta become provinces
Back in 1905, Saskatchewan and Alberta officially become provinces.
Highlight - 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.
Highlight – Major Gustave Biéler is Arrested by the Gestapo
We spoke with Major Gustave Biéler's daughter Jacqueline Bieler, on the anniversary of his 1944 arrest while aiding the French Resistance in WWII.
Highlight – 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.
Highlight – 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.