May 29, 1950 - The RCMP ship St. Roch reached Halifax after passing through the Panama Canal from Vancouver. A wooden schooner powered by sails and an auxiliary engine, it was the first ship to circumnavigate North America. In 1954, the city of Vancouver purchased the St. Roch. The federal government declared it a national historic site in 1962.
We’re just kidding! We know it’s a ship! (But that doesn’t stop us from sending a little love to Mr. Voisine)
May 17, 1939 - George VI and Queen Elizabeth arrived in Canada for a state visit, the first reigning monarchs to visit Canada, or any Commonwealth country. While in Ottawa, the King gave royal assent to nine bills and dedicated the new National War Memorial. Not quite as exciting as Will and Kate in Stetsons at the Calgary Stampede.
May 16, 1856 - Charles Hays, president of the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway, was born at Rock Island, Ill. He came to Canada in 1896 to become general manager of the Grand Trunk Railway, later becoming president and creating its Pacific branch. In April 1912, he went down with the Titanic in the North Atlantic.
May 15, 1872 – “Nine-Hour Pioneers” marched for shorter work days in Hamilton, Ontario. The Nine-Hour Movement spread across Canada. For the first time, Canadian labour organized a unified protest, developed tactics of resistance, and cultivated articulate working-class leaders. However, the working class was divided, with the continued marginalization of women and unskilled labourers.
May 14, 1953 - Tom Cochrane, popular Canadian singer/songwriter, was born at Lynn Lake, Manitoba, a community of approximately 800 residents. Located at the terminus of Highway 391, Lynn Lake is 1,071 km northwest of Winnipeg. Hmmm, so sometimes life is at the end of a highway, eh?
May 10, 1844 - The capital of Canada was moved from Kingston to Montréal, Canada East (formerly Lower Canada), over fears that Kingston’s location made it overly vulnerable to American attack. The capital was relocated once more in 1857 (to Ottawa)… making hours of debate over wallpaper patterns needless.
May 9, 1885 to May 12, 1885 - Fewer than 300 Métis, led by Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont, resisted Major-General Frederick Middleton and 900 of his men for three days at Batoche, Sask. The Métis were drawn out of their rifle pits by a frontal attack. Over 25 men from both sides were killed. Riel surrendered a few days later, while Dumont fled to the US.
Today we celebrate the 67th anniversary of Victory in Europe! Browse through the new Memory Project website to hear first hand accounts of veterans remembering the moment that they learned the war was ended.
“How many people do something they really believe in? I just wish people would realize that anything’s possible if you try. Dreams are made if people try.”
- Terry Fox
The Historica-Dominion Institute is the largest, independent organization dedicated to Canadian history, identity and citizenship. Through our work in various programs, we are determined to build active and informed Canadian citizens. As we work hard to ensure a greater appreciation for Canada’s history and heritage, we’d like to share our own stories and impressions. We invite you to do the same.
L’Institut Historica-Dominion est le plus large organisme national charitable au Canada dédié à l’histoire, l’identité et la citoyenneté du pays. À travers nos programmes, nous sommes déterminés de former des citoyens actifs et informés. Nous aimerons partager nos histoires et impressions lorsque nous tentons d’assurer une encore plus forte appréciation du patrimoine Canadien. Nous vous invitons de partager avec nous.
