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]

  • 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
  • 5 minutes 17 seconds
    Dec. 1 – James Naismith and Basketball
    Back in 1891, Canadian Dr. James Naismith worked on creating the game of basketball.
    1 December 2025, 6:44 am
  • 6 minutes 13 seconds
    Nov. 30 – General Arthur Currie Passes Away
    To learn more about the first Canadian General of of the Canadian Corps, we spoke with Dr. Tim Cook author of "The Madman and the Butcher: The Sensational Wars of Sam Hughes and General Arthur Currie."
    30 November 2025, 9:42 am
  • 9 minutes 36 seconds
    Nov. 26 – The NHL is Founded in 1917
    We spoke with hockey historian Eric Zweig about the earliest days of the National Hockey League.
    26 November 2025, 6:41 am
  • 9 minutes 8 seconds
    Nov. 25 – Happy Birthday, Banff!
    The federal government set aside land for park back in 1885. (Orig. aired in 2010)
    25 November 2025, 6:38 am
  • 6 minutes 32 seconds
    Nov. 24 – The Canadian Northern Railway is Completed to Edmonton
    To learn more about the railway that challenged the monopoly of the CPR, we spoke with Les Kozma, a Member of the Canadian Northern Society.
    24 November 2025, 6:35 am
  • 10 minutes 28 seconds
    Nov. 23 – HMS Tribune Sinks
    The British ship sinks in the Halifax harbour back in 1797.
    23 November 2025, 6:32 am
  • 7 minutes 16 seconds
    Nov. 22 – Artist Jack Shadbolt Passes
    Back in 1998, Canadian modern art icon Jack Shadbolt passed away at the age of 89
    22 November 2025, 6:30 am
  • 8 minutes 24 seconds
    Nov. 19 – René Lévesque Forms the Mouvement Souveraineté-Association
    René Lévesque formed the Mouvement Souveraineté-Association on this date back in 1967. To learn more about Lévesque we spoke with Megan Durnford, author of "René Lévesque: The Fascinating Life of a Separatist Icon."
    19 November 2025, 6:43 am
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