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]

  • 7 minutes 14 seconds
    July 9 – First Chuckwagon Race
    The first official chuckwagon race takes place in Calgary back in 1923.
    9 July 2025, 1:49 pm
  • 7 minutes 45 seconds
    July 8 – The Disappearance of Tom Thomson
    Roy MacGregor, author of "Canoe Lake" discusses the disappearance of the now-famous Canadian painter back in 1917.
    8 July 2025, 5:07 am
  • 9 minutes 24 seconds
    July 7 – Norman Bethune
    July 7th, 1937 was a big day for Dr. Norman Bethune. Larry Hannant explains...
    7 July 2025, 5:03 am
  • 8 minutes 42 seconds
    July 6 – Birth of George “Chief” Armstrong
    Professor David Mills discusses the career and significance of Canadian professional hockey player George Edward "Chief" Armstrong
    6 July 2025, 5:01 am
  • 9 minutes 21 seconds
    July 5 – No. 2 Construction Battalion
    The creation of the first all-Black Canadian battalion in WWI.
    5 July 2025, 11:45 am
  • 7 minutes 58 seconds
    July 2 – The Battle of the Somme
    Christine Leppard discusses Canada's involvement in The Battle of the Somme.
    2 July 2025, 5:45 am
  • 8 minutes 3 seconds
    July 1 - Canada Day!
    Dr. Matthew Barlow discusses the historical significance of Canada Day. Happy Canada Day everyone!
    1 July 2025, 5:43 am
  • 9 minutes 2 seconds
    June 30 – The Chinese Exclusion Act
    The Chinese Immigration Act was passed on this day back in 1923. To learn more we spoke with Britt Braaten, the Curator and Manager of the Multicultural History Society of Ontario.
    30 June 2025, 5:33 am
  • 6 minutes 57 seconds
    June 29 – Thoroughbred Horse Racing in Canada
    Queen Elizabeth II was in Toronto to attend the 99th annual Queen's Plate at Woodbine. To learn more we spoke with Louis Cauz, the Managing Director at the Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame as well as the author of "The Plate: 150 Years of Royal Tradition from Don Juan to the 2009 Winner".
    29 June 2025, 5:32 am
  • 8 minutes 45 seconds
    June 28 – Chinese Canadians and the Prairie West
    Dr. Royden Loewen of the University of Winnipeg spoke to us about the stories of Yee Clun of Regina and Rosie's Restaurant in Calgary. Dr. Loewen is the co-author of "Immigrants in Prairie Cities".
    28 June 2025, 5:30 am
  • 7 minutes 45 seconds
    June 27 – O Canada Officially Adopted
    In 1980, the National Anthem Act was adopted by Parliament.
    27 June 2025, 5:28 am
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