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Canadian History

Canadian History Feature Writer: Susanna McLeod

From Newfoundland to British Columbia, to the farthest reaches of the Territories in the great white North, Canada is a country steeped in rich history.

The explorers who mapped the vast terrain make up but a portion of Canada’s fascinating tales. The immigrants who followed came to find better lives. Through hard labour, they endured to construct homes, villages and cities on vast, empty lands. And then those sturdy newcomers invented amazing things they and the world could use.

Canadian stories are filled with grand adventures, deep passion and love of country. Come along with me to explore the intriguing history of Canada. You just might be surprised.

Start a discussion or send an e-mail if you have any questions, comments or suggestions about Canada’s History.


Feature Writer Articles in Canadian History

Strike! The Toronto Typographical Society 1872
Working 11 to 12 hours a day, six days a week, the Toronto Typographical Society went on strike. The reactions and outcomes changed Canadian labour law.
Canada's Oldest and Largest Mustard Mill
Established in 1867, the G. S. Dunn Mill produces mustard flour that is sold across the globe. Prairie farmers grow nearly 85% of the world's demand for mustard.
The Family Allowance in Canada
Canada's first universal social program, the Family Allowance was issued monthly to parents to help with the costs of raising children after WW2.
Mifflin Gibbs, Canada's First Black Politician
As racism grew in USA, Mifflin Gibbs came north to Canada. While racism was evident in Canada, the black man could vote, run business, participate in local government.
First Gasoline-Fuelled Car in Canada 1898
The Winton Phaeton was a 'horseless carriage', the first automobile fuelled by gas in Canada. Colonel Moodie brought the car home to Hamilton, Ontario.


Contributing Articles in Canadian History

The Beaver
Ever since the first explorer held the rich fur of a beaver pelt in his hands, this semi-aquatic rodent with the big teeth has been a symbol of Canada.
Victorian Poverty Eased by Charities
A hundred-and-fifty years ago, government had very little to say about the plight of the poor, almost the only help available came from charities.
Great Canadian Race
Through blizzards, rainstorms, mud, and heat, five Canadians hiked from Halifax, Nova Scotia to Vancouver, British Columbia in 1921.
Elizabeth McCormick -Captive, American, Canadian
While Elizabeth lived in the Sandusky villages, she met Alexander McCormick and agreed to marry him. The Wyandotte refused to release her, so Alexander kidnapped her.
Elizabeth Turner McCormick - Woman Voyager
Elizabeth Turner McCormick began her life in Maryland and spent her last years on Pt. au Pelee Island. Her spunk caused her Wyandotte captors to call her "chestnut burr."
Great Depression 1930
The global depression affected Canadians not only financially and politically but also psychologically and the numerous attempts by political powers did little to help.
The First Recorded St. Patrick's Day in Canada
The first St. Patrick's Day in Canada is believed to have taken place at Quebec in 1765.
First Horse in Canada Was for Gov. Montmagny
North Americans assume the first Canadian horses arrived with the first settlers because horses were used so extensively in Europe. This is not true.
New Canadian Wilderness Park
A large area of Labrador and Newfoundland has been designated as the next Canadian park. It will encompass 4,517 square miles of northern wilderness in Labrador.
The Story of the Canadian Flag
The Canadian flag debate took place in 1964, when a design for a new Canadian flag was selected in the mid-1960s.
Pioneers and Planters New England to Nova Scotia
After the Acadian Expulsion during the mid 18th century, and before the Loyalist influx, Nova Scotia was the destination for great numbers of pioneers and planters.
Domestic Workers to Canada
Thousands of domestic workers responded to the call for women of good character to immigrate to Canada in the early 1900s.
Sir Francis Bond Head Stumbles into Rebel Hands
The man often blamed by both loyalists and rebels for causing the Upper Canada 1837 rebellion, tried to flee incognito to England, only to land in his enemy's clutches.
Samuel de Champlain's Fake Portrait
The well-known portrait of Champlain is, in fact, showing Louis XIII's finance officer. Historians know it, but most of them prefer not to rock the boat.
Regina's Pioneering Pilot Roland J Groome
Saskatchewan's Rollie Groome was the first Canadian receive a pilot's license. He lived to see the Regina runway paved in 1932 but died in a training accident aged 38.

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