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Today in Canadian History

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Marc Affeld
August 19, 2025

August 19 – The Dieppe Raid of 1942

Marc Affeld
August 19, 2025

Canada suffered over 3000 casualties on the shores of Dieppe, France on this day in 1942.

Comment
Marc Affeld
August 18, 2025

August 18 – The Dempster Highway opens in the Yukon

Marc Affeld
August 18, 2025

Officially opened in 1979, the 730 km highway was the first Canadian highway to cross the Arctic Circle, linking southern Canada and Arctic Canada.

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Marc Affeld
August 17, 2025

August 17 – First successful sailing of the Northwest Passage

Marc Affeld
August 17, 2025

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.

Comment
Marc Affeld
August 16, 2025

August 16 – Gold Deposits are Discovered in 1896, Sparking the Klondike Gold Rush

Marc Affeld
August 16, 2025

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.

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Marc Affeld
August 13, 2025

August 13 – Jacques Cartier "Discovers" the St. Lawrence River

Marc Affeld
August 13, 2025

We spoke with author and Professor at the University of Guelph, Alan Gordon, about Cartier and his 1535 "discovery".

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Marc Affeld
August 12, 2025

August 12 – Hockey Legend Hayley Wickenheiser is Born

Marc Affeld
August 12, 2025

In 1978, five time Olympian Hayley Wickenheiser is born.

Comment
Marc Affeld
August 11, 2025

August 11 – Revolutionary Canadian artificial heart to be manufactured and marketed

Marc Affeld
August 11, 2025

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.

Comment
Marc Affeld
August 10, 2025

August 10 – Canadian Bill of Rights Enacted in 1960

Marc Affeld
August 10, 2025

We spoke with Linda McKay-Panos, the Executive Director of the Alberta Civil Liberties Research Centre, about the Canadian Bill of Rights.

Comment
Marc Affeld
August 9, 2025

August 9 – Wayne Gretzky is Traded from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings

Marc Affeld
August 9, 2025

Dr. David Mills discusses Wayne Gretzky's 1988 Trade from the Edmonton Oilers to the Los Angeles Kings.

Comment
Marc Affeld
August 6, 2025

August 6 – Macdonald and The Double Shuffle

Marc Affeld
August 6, 2025

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.

Comment
Marc Affeld
August 5, 2025

August 5 – Sir Humphrey Gilbert Claims Part of Newfoundland for Britain

Marc Affeld
August 5, 2025

We spoke with historian Josh Tavenor about Sir Humphrey Gilbert's 1583 claim of the land surrounding what is now St. John's, Newfoundland.

Comment
Marc Affeld
August 4, 2025

August 4 – Fire breaks-out in the Library of Parliament

Marc Affeld
August 4, 2025

Back in 1952, fire damages Canada's Library of Parliament.

Comment
Marc Affeld
August 3, 2025

August 3 – William Avery Bishop is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross

Marc Affeld
August 3, 2025

 

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.

Comment
Marc Affeld
July 30, 2025

July 30 – Mark Tewskbury Wins Gold

Marc Affeld
July 30, 2025

We spoke with Mark Tewskbury about his gold medal win at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

Comment
Marc Affeld
July 29, 2025

July 29 – James Shaver Woodsworth was born

Marc Affeld
July 29, 2025

 

Back in 1874, social activist and first leader of the CCF, J.S. Woodsworth was born.

Comment
Marc Affeld
July 28, 2025

July 28 – R.B. Bennett’s Conservative Party wins the 1930 election

Marc Affeld
July 28, 2025

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.

Comment
Marc Affeld
July 27, 2025

July 27 – Insulin isolated at the U of T

Marc Affeld
July 27, 2025

 

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.

Comment
Marc Affeld
July 26, 2025

July 26 – French surrender Louisbourg

Marc Affeld
July 26, 2025

 

Back in 1758, French forces surrendered the Fortress of Louisbourg after a 7 week siege by the British.

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Marc Affeld
July 23, 2025

July 23 – The Komagata Maru Leaves Vancouver

Marc Affeld
July 23, 2025

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.

Comment
Marc Affeld
July 22, 2025

July 22 – Alexander Mackenzie Reaches the Pacific

Marc Affeld
July 22, 2025

 

Back in 1793, Alexander Mackenzie and company reach the Pacific Ocean.

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Today in Canadian History, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Land Acknowledgement: With gratitude, mutual respect, and reciprocity, Joe and Marc acknowledge the ancestral home, culture, and oral teachings of the Treaty 7 signatories which includes the Siksika Nation, Piikani Nation, Kainai Nation, the Îethka Stoney Nakoda Nation, consisting of the Chiniki, Bearspaw, and Good Stoney Bands, and the people of the Tsuut’ina Nation. Our show was produced in The City of Calgary, which is also homeland to the historic Northwest Métis and to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government, Métis Nation Battle River Territory, Nose Hill Métis District 5 and Elbow Métis District 6. (source: Calgary Public Library)

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