Today in Canadian History

October 29 – The Great Depression 29.10.2026 7:11 ↓

We spoke with University of Calgary Professor Dr. Patrick Brennan about Canada during the Great Depression.

October 28 – William Hall is awarded the VC 28.10.2026 7:30 ↓

William Hall is awarded the Victoria Cross in 1859.

October 27 – The National Council of Women of Canada is Founded 27.10.2026 5:17 ↓

The National Council of Women of Canada is Founded in 1893.

October 25 – Leslie McFarlane is Born 25.10.2026 10:37 ↓

The original author of the Hardy Boys mystery series is born back in 1902.

October 22 – Louis Riel is Born 22.10.2026 8:20 ↓

To learn more about Riel we spoke with Director of the Saint-Boniface Museum in Winnipeg, Philippe Mailhot.

October 20 – Tommy Douglas was born 20.10.2026 5:02 ↓

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.

October 19 – St. Albans Raid 19.10.2026 11:38 ↓

The St. Alban's Raid took place on this day back in 1864.

October 18 - The Famous Five 18.10.2026 10:35 ↓

On this day back in 1929, women became "persons". Guest host, Jennie Palmer.

October 15 – Chinese Rail Workers and the CPR 15.10.2026 8:15 ↓

We spoke with Brad Lee, the curator of The Ties That Bind, an online historical research project that works to recognize the contributions of the Chinese Canadian community to the building of Canada.

October 14 – SS Caribou sunk by German submarine 14.10.2026 7:22 ↓

The passenger ferry was sunk off the coast of Nova Scotia back in 1942.

October 13 – Anniversary of the Canadian Navy 13.10.2026 7:55 ↓

Back in 1910, an Imperial Order in Council transferred the Naval Station at Halifax to the Canadian Government.

October 12 – Sam Hughes and General Arthur Currie 12.10.2026 7:22 ↓

We spoke with Tim Cook, historian with the Canadian War Museum and author of The Madman and the Butcher: The Sensational Wars of Sam Hughes and General Arthur Currie.

October 8 – Multiculturalism Policies Introduced 08.10.2026 7:27 ↓

The first ever policies regarding multiculturalism were announced on this date back in 1971.

October 7 – First concert of the NAC Orchestra 07.10.2026 7:58 ↓

Back in 1969, 46 nervous and excited performers stepped onstage at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

October 6 – Radio station opens in Aklavik, NWT 06.10.2026 7:17 ↓

Back in 1925, station opens in Aklavik, NWT as part of the North West Territories and Yukon Radio System.

October 5 – Laurie Skreslet becomes first Canadian to climb Everest 05.10.2026 9:47 ↓

Back in 1982, Laurie Skreslet became the first Canadian to reach the top of Mount Everest. Canadian Pat Morrow followed only days later.

October 4 – Pianist Glenn Gould dies 04.10.2026 9:46 ↓

Glenn Gould passed away on this day back in 1982. He was 50.

October 1 – Artist Paul Kane returns to Toronto 01.10.2026 8:44 ↓

The famous Canadian painter returns to Toronto after more than two years in the West.

September 30 – Arctic explorer John Rae is born 30.09.2026 12:16 ↓

John Rae is born in Scotland on this day back in 1813.

September 29 – The Aloutte 1 29.09.2026 7:32 ↓

We spoke with astronaut Robert Thirsk: the Canadian who has spent the most time in space.

September 28 – Pierre Elliot Trudeau Passes Away 28.09.2026 10:04 ↓

Historian and author John English discusses the legacy of Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau.

September 27 – Stanley Park opened in Vancouver 27.09.2026 9:58 ↓

Park opened to public for the first time back in 1888.

September 24 – Canada Lifts Sanctions Against South Africa 24.09.2026 6:52 ↓

We spoke with Dr. Linda Freeman, a professor at the University of Carleton.

September 23 – Mack Sennett releases first film 23.09.2026 6:32 ↓

Back in 1912 in New York, Quebec-born Mack Sennett releases his first Keystone Comedy film.

September 22 – Building named after Clara Brett Martin 22.09.2026 9:59 ↓

Back in 1989, the Ontario provincial government (temporarily) names a building after Clara Brett Martin, the first woman lawyer in the British Empire.