Today in Canadian History

Marc Affeld and Joe Burima

Each episode of Today in Canadian History contains an interview with a Canadian professor, journalist, author, or “everyday” historian and focuses on a unique event or moment that took place on that day in Canadian history. Today in Canadian History presents Canada’s past in a unique and accessible manner. The series is designed to be a first step to learning more about our past. We would like to remind Canadians not just about what makes our country great, but what makes it complicated, beautiful, diverse, and ours. Feel free to get in touch with Marc & Joe via-email: [email protected]

  • 8 minutes 3 seconds
    Jan. 27 – The Original Bluenose's Last Day
    The original Bluenose spent it's last day sailing above water. The famous schooner went down off coast of Haiti in 1946.
    27 February 2026, 6:23 am
  • 6 minutes 40 seconds
    Jan. 31 – The Real James Bond, Sir William Stephenson Passes Away
    Ian Fleming once claimed Sir William Stephenson to be the inspiration for James Bond. Stephenson passed away on this day back in 1989. To learn more we spoke with Gary Solar, President of the Intrepid Society.
    31 January 2026, 6:26 am
  • 7 minutes 3 seconds
    Jan. 28 – Women Get the Vote
    On January 28th Manitoba became the first province to grant women the right to vote. This was in so small part due to the efforts of suffragette Nellie McClung. To learn more, we spoke with Bette Meuller of the Nellie McClung Society.
    28 January 2026, 6:25 am
  • 8 minutes 52 seconds
    Jan. 26 – Dr. Wilder Penfield is Born
    Neurosurgeon Dr. Wilder Penfield was born on this day back in 1891. To learn more we spoke with Dr. William Feindel who worked with Dr. Penfield at the Montreal Neurological Institute back in the 1950s.
    26 January 2026, 6:22 am
  • 6 minutes 33 seconds
    Jan. 25 – Lucy Maud Montgomery in Ontario
    Did you know that Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote most of her books while living in the town of Leaskdale, Ontario? To learn more we spoke to Barbara Pratt of the Lucy Maud Montgomery Society of Ontario.
    25 January 2026, 6:21 am
  • 11 minutes 25 seconds
    Jan. 24 – Japanese Canadian Internment
    Discussion with Prof. W. Peter Ward about the internment of Japanese Canadians during WWII.
    24 January 2026, 10:20 am
  • 5 minutes 53 seconds
    Jan. 21 – The 1910 Spanish River Train Wreck
    Over 40 people perished when train derailed west of Sudbury. In terms of fatalities, fourth worst in Canadian history.
    21 January 2026, 6:18 am
  • 8 minutes 54 seconds
    Jan. 20 – Doukhobors Arrive in Halifax
    Over 2000 Doukhobors arrived in Halifax on this date back in 1899. To learn more we spoke with Professor Julie Rak of the University of Alberta.
    20 January 2026, 10:17 am
  • 7 minutes 20 seconds
    Jan. 19 – The Jets Leave Winnipeg
    The NHL approved the sale of the Winnipeg Jets to investors in Phoenix on this date back in 1996. To learn more, we spoke with professor Jim Silver: author of "Thin Ice: Money, Politics, and the Demise of an NHL Franchise".
    19 January 2026, 10:15 am
  • 7 minutes 14 seconds
    Jan. 18 – Canadian Content Rules Come into Effect
    We spoke with FRIENDS of Canadian Broadcasting's Ian Morrison on the anniversary of the CRTC's new Canadian Content rules coming into effect back in 1971.
    18 January 2026, 6:14 am
  • 6 minutes 38 seconds
    Jan. 17 – Jacques Plante and Facial Protection in Hockey
    To learn more about the introduction of head and facial protection in hockey we spoke with Dr. Bob Pashby on anniversary of NHL goalie Jacques Plante.
    17 January 2026, 10:11 am
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