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]

  • 10 minutes 34 seconds
    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".
    23 December 2025, 10:08 am
  • 5 minutes 2 seconds
    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.
    22 December 2025, 10:03 am
  • 10 minutes 24 seconds
    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.
    19 December 2025, 3:06 pm
  • 5 minutes 30 seconds
    Highlight – Saskatchewan and Alberta become provinces
    Back in 1905, Saskatchewan and Alberta officially become provinces.
    18 December 2025, 3:01 pm
  • 10 minutes 48 seconds
    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.
    17 December 2025, 2:32 pm
  • 9 minutes 6 seconds
    Dec. 9 – Camp X
    We discuss Camp X, the secret spy camp based on the shores of Lake Ontario during WWII.
    9 December 2025, 6:50 am
  • 8 minutes 11 seconds
    Dec. 8 – The Battle of Hong Kong and its Aftermath
    The Battle of Hong Kong began on this day back in 1941. To learn more we spoke with historian and author of "The Damned: The Canadians at the Battle of Hong Kong and the POW Experience, 1941-45" Nathan M. Greenfield.
    8 December 2025, 6:48 am
  • 7 minutes 33 seconds
    Dec. 7 – The Battle of Montgomery_s Tavern
    We spoke to Janet Schwartz, the Museum Coordinator at Toronto's Mackenzie House to learn more about the Battle and the Upper Canada Rebellion.
    7 December 2025, 6:47 am
  • 12 minutes 23 seconds
    December 6 – The Halifax Explosion
    The explosion was caused when two ships collided in the Halifax Harbour back in 1917.
    6 December 2025, 9:53 am
  • 10 minutes 34 seconds
    December 3 – 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".
    3 December 2025, 10:52 am
  • 5 minutes 5 seconds
    Dec. 2 – Writer Robertson Davies Passes Away
    Author Robertson Davies passed away on this day in 1995 at the age of 82. To learn more we spoke with author of "Robertson Davies: an Appreciation" Elspeth Cameron.
    2 December 2025, 6:46 am
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