Canadian Time Machine

Fifty years ago, Canada made the beaver an official national symbol. But long before that, this little animal was shaping rivers, driving trade, and quietly transforming the land. Wildlife ecologist Dr. Glynnis Hood and Jan Kingshott, director of animal welfare at Aspen Valley Wildlife Sanctuary , take us inside the beaver’s world—from its role in the fur trade to its work as an ecosystem engineer...

Founded in 1875, the Supreme Court of Canada has shaped the country for 150 years—yet the stories behind its decisions, its building, and the people who have walked its halls often remain out of view. To mark this milestone, Canadian Time Machine goes beyond the headlines and into the quieter, more surprising corners of Canada’s highest court. Angela sits down with filmmaker and lawyer Étienne Tré...

In 2000, Canada passed the Modernization of Benefits and Obligations Act—a landmark law that formally recognized same-sex couples under federal statutes, a quiet but powerful shift that changed how queer relationships were seen and protected. In this episode, we meet writer and performer Steen Starr, whose art and activism captured the spirit of the time, and former MP Libby Davies, who was in Par...

Twenty-five years ago, the remains of an unidentified Canadian soldier were brought home from France and laid to rest at Ottawa’s National War Memorial. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier has since become one of our country’s most meaningful sites of remembrance. In this episode, artist and sculptor Mary Ann Liu, who designed the tomb, shares the vision and symbolism behind her work. Then, Dr. Stacey...

In this episode of  Canadian Time Machine , we mark 150 years since Jennie Trout became the first woman licensed to practice medicine in Canada—a breakthrough that helped open the doors of the profession to women across the country. We hear from historian Heather Stanley about Trout’s fight for education and equality, and from Dr. Ramneek Dosanjh, a physician and advocate for equity in health...

In this episode of  Canadian Time Machine , we explore the life, music, and legacy of jazz legend Oscar Peterson on what would have been his 100th birthday. We hear from jazz pianist Taurey Butler about the profound influence Peterson has had on his own music. Then we meet Kelly Peterson, Oscar’s wife and trustee of his estate, who shares personal stories and insights into the man behind...

“Treaty is powerful. It's not just a document or an agreement of the past. It's a living agreement,” says Cree lawyer and advocate Deanne Kasokeo. For nearly 150 years, Treaty 5 has shaped the lives of Cree and Anishinaabe communities across northern Manitoba and Saskatchewan—and its story is far from settled. Also called the Winnipeg Treaty, it included more First Nation communities than any...

From the fight for LGBTQ+ rights to the birth of Canada’s highest court, from trailblazing women in medicine to the legacy of treaties—these are the turning points that shaped the nation. It's all in season four of Canadian Time Machine – a podcast that unpacks key milestones in our country’s history. To read the episode transcripts in French and English, and to learn more about historic Canadian...

125 years after the signing of Treaty 8, many of the promises made to Canada's northern First Nations remain unfulfilled. In this episode, we explore the history, impact, and ongoing struggles surrounding one of Canada’s largest treaties. Charmaine Willier-Larsen, a descendant of a Treaty 8 signatory, shares how reconnecting with her heritage led her to create the Bannock n Bed, a cultural inn jus...

At just 25 years old, Nunavut is still finding its footing—but it’s come a long way since its historic creation on April 1, 1999. In this episode, we dive into the past, present, and future of Canada’s youngest territory. Historian Kenn Harper, known to Nunavummiut as Ilisaijikutaaq (the tall teacher), shares stories from his time learning Inuktitut and documenting Inuit culture, including insight...

On April 4, 1949, Canada became a founding member of NATO, marking the beginning of our influential role in collaborating toward global security. But as the world changes, some critics say Canada’s involvement in NATO isn't what it used to be. In this episode, Canadian Ranger Allen Pogotak talks of his life in the Canadian Arctic, and questions why there aren't more efforts to defend or...

In 1924, the Canadian Copyright Act was born—laying the groundwork for a century of protecting creativity in Canada. But 100 years later, is it keeping up with the times? How do 100-year old laws govern new innovations like AI? This episode unpacks the Act’s fascinating history, its evolution, and the urgent challenges posed by modern technology. Canadian author Heather O’Neill shares her concerns...

In 1949, Newfoundland and Labrador officially joined Canada, becoming the country's youngest province—but not without fierce debate and resistance. In this episode, we explore the unique journey of Newfoundland and Labrador to Confederation, including the two heated referendums that divided the province. We'll hear from Mark Manning, lead singer of the Juno-nominated band Rum Ragged, who shares ho...

It’s been 150 years since Lucy Maud Montgomery’s birth, and her legacy continues to captivate. Best known for  Anne of Green Gables , Montgomery crafted characters who embody resilience and imagination. In this special episode, we're joined by her granddaughter, Kate Macdonald Butler. Kate shares family stories, preserving her grandmother’s legacy, and reads from  Emily of New Moon , a n...

In this episode, we’re celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and its contributions to global security. We speak with Billy Flynn, a former RCAF commanding officer, who highlights key moments in RCAF history, from its formation to World War II and advancements in aviation safety. We'll also hear from Major General Jamie Speiser-Blanchet, the RCAF's Deputy Commande...

Why did Newfoundland and Labrador resist joining Canada until the 40s? What's it like to fly a tactical helicopter for the Royal Canadian Air Force? Plus... could Anne of Green Gables be an early representation of a common neurodivergence? Welcome to season three of Canadian Time Machine – a podcast that unpacks key milestones in our country’s history. To read the episode transcripts in French and...

In today’s episode, we’re commemorating over 125 years of the creation of the Yukon Territory. We speak with Paul Caesar-Jules, a Kaska youth from Watson Lake. He tells us about his work at Liard First Nation’s Language Department, where he digitizes tapes of elders communicating in Dene languages. We also hear from Yukon historian Michael Gates, who takes us back to the 1978 discovery of Hollywoo...

In this episode, we travel back to the moment Prince Edward Island entered Confederation, over 150 years ago. Historian Dr. Edward MacDonald takes us back to the Charlottetown Conference, where it’s said that discussions about the Dominion of Canada flowed over several glasses of champagne. He’ll also help us understand why PEI joined the country six years after it was formed. This episode also fe...

In 1947, Canadian lawyer John Peters Humphrey worked with other members of the Commission on Human Rights to write the first draft of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. On December 10, 1948, it was adopted by the UN General Assembly in Paris. It’s been over 75 years since this definitive moment, one in which world leaders pledged to do everything in their power to prevent the horrors...

In May 2023, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) commemorated its 150th anniversary. The federal police force – which originally started out as the North-West Mounted Police – is almost as old as the Dominion of Canada itself. This episode examines the complex and painful history of an institution that has historically mistreated Indigenous peoples and women. It also takes us back to the...

Chinese-Canadians have a long history in Canada. In the 1880s, thousands of Chinese men helped build the Canadian Pacific Railway for a fraction of the wages paid to other labourers. Immediately after the railroad's completion, the Canadian government imposed the head tax, a fee that was exclusively applied to most people arriving from China. Soon enough, though, the government found that the head...

Why did the Yukon split from the Northwest territories? Who were the first inhabitants of Prince Edward Island? Plus… what does the Universal Declaration of Human Rights mean for Canadians? Welcome to season two of Canadian Time Machine – a podcast that unpacks key milestones in our country’s history. To read the episode transcripts in French and English, and to learn more about historic Canadian...

In 2022, Canada celebrated its 50th anniversary of the Decorations for Bravery. The medals recognize courageous Canadians who risk their lives trying to save others from imminent danger. In this episode, we speak with former Governor General, Madame Adrienne Clarkson, about what she's learned from the everyday heroes she awarded during her tenure. We'll also hear from Russ Fee, a Medal of Bravery...

En 1845, la grande famine a frappé en Irlande. Pendant les années qui ont suivi, plusieurs Irlandais ont quitté leur pays, créant un exode. Cette migration massive a changé profondément le visage de la culture irlandaise. À l’époque, le Canada était une destination de choix pour les migrants qui arrivaient d’Irlande. Dans cet épisode, nous discutons avec Laurent Colantonio, professeur à l’Universi...

In August 1972, Ugandan President Idi Amin announced that all residents of Asian descent had to leave the country within 90 days. The expulsion impacted over 50,000 people — many of whom had ties to East Africa for several generations.  Canada played a crucial role in helping resettle over 7,000 Ugandan asylum seekers. In this episode, we’ll hear from two people who were resettled in Canada f...