The Bridge with Peter Mansbridge - Your Turn -- Your History and The Random Ranter

Episode Date: May 15, 2025

Also, today, the Random Ranter has his thoughts about his part of the country -- the Canadian West.

And hello there, Peter Mansbridge here. You're just moments away from the latest episode of the bridge. It's your turn and it's your history. Plus the random ranter coming right up. And hello there, Peter Mansbridge here. Another week where we have had a lot of mail from you. On the question of this, it was fairly simple. If there was one element of Canadian history you'd want a student to know before they finished high school, what would that element be?

What part of Canada's history do you want to ensure that students know after they leave high school? Well, we have a lot of different answers to this question and we appreciate all of them. Way more than we were going to need to fill this hour, so I'll get right to it, but I do want to say that we instituted a new time that the letters had to be in by 12 noon Eastern on Wednesday. And we made that very clear every time we mentioned it earlier this week. Unfortunately, a fair number of you did not make that time. The Times instituted so we can properly prepare this program. And that includes basically checking facts and ensuring that we have all the right information about those who are writing in. Unfortunately, a fair

number of you did not make that time. The new time closure limit which was 12 noon Eastern on Wednesday. So I'm sorry about that but that's the way it's going to be going forward. So please try and get used to that. But once again, I read everything. I read all the letters that come in. So I appreciate that. And you know, it does have a, to me, it has a great reflection on our country. And especially at this time, it's great to see it.

Okay, let's get at her. The random rancher is coming out halfway through the show, but let's get to your letters. First a note about last week when I read a letter from Stephen Lowe in Maitland, Nova Scotia. I somehow placed that one in Eastern Ontario. I don't know why. Maitland is indeed in Nova Scotia. It's near Truro. All right, this week's letters. Mark Engelden in Barrier, BC, north of Kamloops is the first to write, first to read. I was a child in the 60s, First Nations people were framed as bloodthirsty, godless savages. In school, movies and cartoon characters, John Wayne and Bugs Bunny. This was a lie. The most

important Canadian history lesson should be the truth of colonialism from the purposeful decimation of the buffalo to the evil of the residential school system. Now I'd say a lot of you sent answers with similar thoughts. In fact the number one answer by far dealt with our indigenous history. Here are a few examples, starting with Eleanor Funk in Calgary. Canada's atrocities and its dealings with our Indigenous people, past and present. That's her history lesson she once taught. Marilyn Sewell in Paris, Ontario. Our young people need to understand the impact of European colonization

on Canada's indigenous peoples. This includes the stories of residential schools and the status of the actions put forth by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. I'm not sure who's keeping track of that. Well, in fact, Maryland, several groups are. They're tracking truth and reconciliation Commission's calls to action. Assembly of First Nations releases annual report cards. The National Council for Reconciliation monitors and reports on reconciliation efforts and organizations like the Yellowhead Institute and the CBC's Beyond 94 project also track the calls to action. Mike Lombardi in Vancouver. Every Canadian child should learn about the history and legacy of residential schools,

understanding how Indigenous children were taken for their families, stripped of their culture and often abused helps foster empathy, truth and reconciliation. This lesson is vital to acknowledging Canada's past, respecting Indigenous peoples, and building a more just and inclusive future. Tim Brody in Halifax, every Canadian student should learn about the history of Indigenous treaties,

how they were formed through nation-to-nation agreements, and how Canadian laws were meant to flow from them, not the other way around. This understanding is foundational to truth, reconciliation and responsible citizenship. It's not just history, it's the living framework of our shared nation. Christina Hayes in North Vancouver, BC. We should be teaching that the history of Canada did not begin when the first white people arrived. The history of our indigenous peoples along with how colonists and the church treated them should be mandatory learning. Mark Lebrun in Milton, Ontario, that's west of Toronto. For many years

there was Canada's fastest growing municipality, Milton. Mark writes, every Canadian kid should learn that the histories of First Nations, Metis, and Inuit peoples are filled with more than tragedy. If students only learn about the government's mistreatment of those societies, they'll miss the opportunity to understand that there have been indigenous heroes, innovators, artists, and leaders, role models for us all. The next generation needs to believe that there is more even to celebrate than to grieve. Gloria V in Hamilton, Ontario. See what I mean

there were a lot of this is just a this is just a hint of some of the letters we got on this subject. Gloria V in Hamilton. I remember learning about the early settlers and the fur trade, but we certainly didn't learn about indigenous people other than how they fit into the settler narrative. Parker Johnson in Victoria. Indigenous Studies. I was born in Savannah, Georgia and I was raised on Vancouver Island. Growing up here, I missed out on learning more about indigenous peoples. I think kids would leave school with a better understanding of how to be in a relationship with the land and their communities. This lesson would highlight

historical pain but it will also highlight many forms of communal resistance, governance, celebration, and joy. These lessons have never been more important. Okay let's move on to other subjects that you raised in this issue of what do kids need to learn before they leave high school. Lisanne Donnelly in Sutton, Quebec. Vimy Ridge. One can't explain the emotional experience gazing up at the Canadian monument and processing the sanctity of place. The battle marks a before and after, who we were and who we were about to become. About 3,600 Canadian soldiers died during the Battle of Vimy Ridge in 1917 April. Thousands more were wounded and some were listed as missing with 11,285 names engraved

on the Vimy Ridge memorial. It is an incredible spot. Richard Swindells in Mono, Ontario. The topic is how Canada's borders were established and how secure are they? Our Prime Minister has highlighted sovereignty. Trump has mused about the artificial line that is our southern border. Additionally, the vast northern landmass. Now, how secure is that? These topics will become increasingly important in the future when international trade routes and freshwater and other resource issues arise. Future leaders need to know this history.

Not surprisingly, Trump is wrong when he says the Canada-US border was drawn by someone with a ruler. It was actually negotiated through a series of treaties and agreements, starting with the Treaty of Paris in 1783, which ended the American Revolution and then later treaties like the 1818 British American Convention, the 1842 Webster-Ashburton Treaty, and the 1846 Oregon Treaty. Maybe the President would like to read those. Joanne Yates in Squamish, B.C. I'm a baby boomer. We are the last generation that had a parent who was involved in World War Two. Canada's involvement in both wars was significant. No student in Canada should graduate without having learned about this involvement and how it has shaped our country.

Bill Hertha in Thornhill, Ontario. How good were our World War Two Canadian soldiers? I learned this sitting in a beer tent in Bavaria in 1973 with three World War II German veterans. Asked if I was American I replied Canadian. One pointed to a wound he said that was done by a Canadian. He said the Americans were okay, the British were good, but the Canadians were crazy. They bought me a

beer and they bought more beers the rest of the night. Rachel McDonald in Victoria, BC. My father who would be 104 this year flew reconnaissance missions for the RCAF during the Second World War. He never talked about his experiences so I know little about them. Recently, after watching CBC's footage of the liberation of the Netherlands, I was so moved by the compassion, bravery, and decency of our Canadian soldiers, I should like every young person to feel the pride that I did after learning about this iconic moment in Canadian history. Ron Labrie in Penocha, Alberta, north of Red Deer. The lesson is remembrance. At our school we have dedicated an entire wing to honor

our 72 World War I and World War II killed in action. All have been researched by students and their bios presented at gravesite in Europe. The Hall of Valor has classrooms named after significant battles. Plaques that replicate Commonwealth War Graves Commission headstones are proudly displayed. At 11 a.m. students read a name from our Book of Remembrance and pause for a moment of silence lest we forget. That's great. Kyle Morton in Peterborough, Ontario. Canadians should be taught about the time when our country denied entry to 937 Jewish passengers on board the MS St. Louis in 1939. Many of these passengers, 254 to be exact, were later killed at the hands of the Nazis.

With the rise of fascism worldwide, this story is more important than ever. It's a reminder for Canadians to not give into fear, but to do what we do best by exercising empathy to the world's most vulnerable citizens. By the way, in November of 2018, Prime Minister Trudeau delivered a formal apology about Canada's handling of the St. Louis to the passengers, their families and Jewish communities in Canada and around the world. Cindy Duchesne Giroux in Beaumont, Alberta, near Edmonton. Everyone should be taught about our contribution in the world wars, our ups and downs and in

between. Karl and Lorna Raskin in Ottawa. We feel every Canadian student should graduate with an understanding of the underlying factors that incited the four colonies of British North America to unite via confederation. Chief among them was the threat of annexation due to British support of the confederacy during the Civil War. A similar thought from Lawrence Rainey in Muskoka. As a retired Canadian history teacher, the lesson is about why Canada was formed as a

country in the first place, in 1867. It was in direct response to the threat from the United States, which had just gone through a brutal civil war and had a huge battle-hardened army which might easily occupy the existing colonies in British North America. Seems pertinent today. Jane McGaughy in Westmount, Quebec. My answer, Canada during the American Revolution. Why are we not American? Why did Nova Scotia and Quebec not fight Britain too? Why did Americans hate the Quebec Act? And how did we defeat their invasion in 1775? How did United Empire and Black Loyalists change Canada? I teach Canadian history

and this is how I always start the term. Too much of our history is regionalized. This story brings us together. Selby Shanley in Toronto. Camp X. World War II spycraft with all the gadgets of the time, brave men and women training to go behind the Nazi lines at a secret installation that even the Prime Minister was not told about. Exciting bit of history that shows that yes, Canada participated. Camp X was set up near Whitby, Ontario to train allied spies. It was the brainchild of William Stevenson who much later became popularized as the man called Intrepid.

Shail Palewal in Ottawa. I believe Canadian high school students should learn about Terry Fox's historic run across Canada in 1980 to raise funds and awareness for cancer research. The fact that he embarked on his fundraising run with one amputated leg makes his effort even more heroic. The annual Terry Fox run has been held every year since 1981 and has raised a total of 900 million dollars to date. It's a great part of Canadian history and that it is and I'd be surprised that there are Canadian kids today who don't know anything about it, but she'll think so. Bill Manilocos in Harrow, Ontario, very southwestern Ontario. If there's one thing every Canadian high school student should know, it's the long fight for responsible government. It's a great entry point to understand 19th century Canadian politics,

from the family compact and Chateau-Clic to the 1837 rebellions, Lord Durham's report, Baldwin and Lafontaine's alliance, and finally MacDonald and Cotche. It's the foundation of how Canada learned to govern itself and the kind of civics lesson we could use more of today. Brent Harris and St. John New Brunswick. One history lesson that I think is important for Canadians to know before leaving high school is Canada's relationship with Crown corporations. During World War II, we created 28 to produce everything from synthetic rubber to housing and ammunition to support the needs of the country. It shows a pragmatic and

intentional capacity for Canadian leaders to tack when the market lags or can't respond. Don Kerr in Thamesville, an hour south of Sarnia. I would hope that educators spend some time with the United Empire loyalists who settled in Canada as refugees after the American Revolutionary War. It has been estimated that several million Canadians currently have such an ancestry. In fact, for many of us, a deep-seated weariness of our American neighbors is in fact, bread in the bone. Michael Artindale in Sudbury. The one Canadian historical story I would suggest is this. The Avro Arrow. The story of a group of Canadian scientists and engineers who designed an aircraft that was ahead of its time. How the USA got scared, forced the cancellation of the program, which led to a brain drain to the USA.

I imagine how much further Canada would be with air superiority. We would not need to worry about ships patrolling the Northwest Passage. We would have better aircraft. We might even be at our 2% GDP for NATO. Well, that's a lot of mights and ifs, and there's a lot to the Avro story. I totally agree. We should teach more about what happened in those days around that issue, because there's a lot around the issue. Some of it's myth, some of its real. And it's a fascinating story so Canadians, young Canadians should know about it. Derek Forsyth in Edmonton. Being a transplanted maritime or living in Alberta, my choice would be how Canadians from the East supported people living through the dust bowl years

during the Great Depression. Maritimers who didn't have a lot to spare pitched in to fill boxcars with food, clothes, and other necessities to help fellow Canadians suffering on the prairies. It's an important reminder that Canada at its best is more than the sum of its parts. It is. That's a really important story. And just like today when Westerners help Easterners who are caught in ice storms or floods and Easterners help Westerners who are dealing with forest fires and wildfires, there's a lot about, about how we come together. Sure, we talk about our differences and we have differences. We're a big country. We've got very diverse regions, but we also have alliances that tell the history of our country. Dave Wicks in Delta BC, Battle of Shateauguay in 1813. The Americans tried to invade Quebec

and take Montreal during the War of 1812. They were defeated by a group of ethnically diverse Canadian militiamen and indigenous warriors led by a French-Canadian commander. It's the first time Canadians defended Canada without British support and a purely Canadian rejection of Americanism and manifest destiny. Think of it as the first elbows up in our history. Now the site of the Battle of Chateau-Gueil is designated as a Canadian national historic site. Okay. Now maybe, um, maybe as good a time as any, uh, to take our first break and then when we come back, we'll have the random ranger for this week, but I hope you're

enjoying this, your turn, your letters, your thoughts about one thing that Canadian kids should know before they leave high school about our history that you don't think they know now. We'll have more of your answers coming up in just a moment. And welcome back. You're listening to the Thursday episode of The Bridge. It's your turn. And it's the random renter. And he never ceases to have a rant to go on. Sometimes it has something to do with the question of the week, but more often than not, it's kind of the renter's own rant, his own thoughts about an issue that he thinks we all should be considering. He does a lot of research for these. Sometimes you check them on that. But more often than not, you go, hey, I hadn't thought of that and I wish I had. So here we go.

Here's the randoms, random renter's rant for this week. I've been thinking a lot about Western alienation this week and marveling at Daniel Smith's penchant for playing both sides. She's got a real knack for it. Put a camera in front of her and she'll gladly disavow any notion of supporting Alberta independence. Then cut to camera two for the nod and the wink as she opens the door to a referendum. It's a very dangerous game at a dangerous time. Is she really pursuing it or is it a negotiation tactic? Is she paying it lip service to shore up her support or is it all just to distract attention from her myriad of scandals?

All I know is that she's amplifying unrest at precisely the time she should be quashing it. And now we've reached the point where we can debate the popularity of Western sovereignty, but we can no longer easily dismiss it. And in the grand scheme of things, that's a watershed moment for Western independence. I mean, to a degree, the discontent has always been there. But this iteration has taken it from the fringe

and elevated it into something more. How much more? I'm not sure. But at this point in time, anything beyond the fringe needs to be taken as heart attack serious. It may not be that big of a movement, but it has some legs and it's building momentum. As a proud Western Canadian, I'm hoping that we can figure out a way to mollify it. But to do that, the federal government is going to need to get creative and they're going to need to compromise. I think a great way to do that would be to negotiate a deal with Alberta on the emissions cap. Albertans clearly want to produce more oil. And while there's no cap on production, there is a cap on emissions that works very much to limit it. Now if a company wants to produce more oil they

can choose to offset their emissions through carbon capture but carbon capture technology is expensive and has been difficult to monetize at scale and there's really not much of an incentive. I mean, sure you get to produce more oil, but by the time you factor in the costs, plus the royalties, plus the taxes, is it really worth the effort? I mean, the oil companies just want to produce more oil, period. And I think that attitude is largely echoed by many Albertans.

So how do we square all of this? How do we cap emissions because that's what the rest of the country wants and satisfy all Burton's demands for more production? Well, I think the solution is already on the table, but it's just not being properly incentivized. And that's carbon capture. The feds claim to be big believers in it, so I think they need to put their money where their mouth is and step up to the plate. If expanded oil production is not incentive enough for oil companies to make a serious go of it, then maybe the feds should look to

partner with the Alberta government to provide some better incentives. For starters, they should look at making any carbon offset oil production Alberta royalty-free and federally tax exempt. If you want oil companies to offset their emissions through carbon capture, then let them fully profit from it. Secondly, if the government is really serious about carbon capture, they should actively create a market for that captured carbon. Carbon capture doesn't have to be just pumping CO2 into the ground. It can be used for so much more, including construction materials like concrete and asphalt. It seems to me that if Elbow's up, we're gonna be strengthening our east, west, and northerly corridors. There could be quite

a market for asphalt and concrete in this country. It'll be great to see new roads built across this land, but imagine if those roads were actually paid with offset Alberta oil emissions. It would be amazing. Now, admittedly, we're not there yet. The technology is in its infancy. It needs to be developed and brought to scale. But to do that, it needs more than just talk and hyperbole.

It needs serious investment and it needs a market. And perhaps developing that market is where the rubber meets the road. There you go, the random ranter for this week. You know, I'm going out to Calgary in, well, a couple of weeks. I'm one of those involved in handling some of the panels and feature interviews that will be done on Canada's energy future. We are at a crossroads. No matter what you believe, what political stripe you join or have favored, there are big decisions that are being made and they're going to be made this year about the future and how we're going to handle what we have in the ground, in the air, in our minds, in our brains. So some of the best, most knowledgeable people on

the energy front, from industry, from politics, from government bureaucracies, from the private sector gather in Calgary in early June. And I'm really looking forward to being involved in some of those discussions. And that's all coming up and I'm sure carbon capture will be one of those things that's discussed. Okay, back to your letters. This is your turn and the question of the week was this. If you could name one thing that you wish students leaving high school

knew about Canada's history and that presumes you think they don't know it now, what would that be? So back to your letters. Nathaniel Hayes writing from Kobe, Japan, it's actually from Brent B.C., half hour north of Victoria. All Canadians should know about Japanese Canadian internment and exile. Tens of thousands of Canadians were put in camps and had their property forcibly sold because they were racially Japanese. Then the government made them choose between moving east from BC or being exiled to Japan, which resulted in thousands of Canadians arriving in post-war Japan. To this day, exiled Canadians are in Japan and forcibly sold property is in the hands of other

Canadians. Prime Minister Brian Mulroney, on behalf of the Canadian government, formally apologized to Japanese Canadians for the wartime internment and offered a $300 million compensation package in 1988. Michelle Stanners in Calgary. One fun way to teach history and democracy would be to contextualize and revitalize the story of the famous five, the intrepid women from Alberta, who in 1929, schemed, plotted and disrupted so that women could become persons. They were all fierce, fascinating and flawed

and their work in reinterpreted our constitution and ultimately led to Canada's charter of rights and freedoms. The famous five by the way, were Emily Murphy, Henrietta Muir, Edwards, Nellie McClung, Louise McKinney, and Irene Parleby. There are monuments to them on the grounds of the Manitoba legislature in downtown Calgary,

and one usually on Parliament Hill, but it's been removed to across the street while renovation work continues on the Parliament buildings. Nicole Robert in Burlington, Ontario. I asked your question to my daughter, who graduated high school last year, and she immediately answered, the Canadian Constitution, and in immediately answered the Canadian Constitution,

and in particular the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, how it came to be and why we have a notwithstanding clause. She underlined the importance of understanding the history of the use of the clause and the worry that if the government acts against the charter, it creates a precedent making it easier to repeat. John Minchell in Comox Valley, BC. The history lesson every child should be taught before leaving high school is how the Northwest mounted police went out to secure the Canadian West before settlers arrived, set against the US order of things where the settlers arrived before law enforcement. Wade Daly in Ottawa. Canada was born in 1867 with a

bold vision to build a country different from the US,S. A peaceful, diverse nation built on cooperation, not conquest. The Canadian Pacific Railway, finished 18 years later, stretched over 4,600 kilometers to link East and West. It turned vision into reality. The last spike, capped a nation building feat of endurance and engineering, proof that Canada could overcome geography, distance and hardship to shape its own destiny. Dale Walsh in Port Hope, Ontario. It has to be our constitution, the BNA and charter. It explains why our institutions work as they do,

who is responsible and how we protect those things we cherish as a country. All other aspects of our national life—treaties, health care, our democracy, rule of law, and more—are products of that foundational document. Frank Wang in Surrey, BC. In light of the recent rise in separatist rhetoric from the prairies, I want younger generations to learn about the FLQ and the October crisis. It's a story involving separatism, xenophobia, and heinous acts of domestic terrorism, all of which culminated in the only peacetime use of the, excuse me, of the war measures act. We need our young adults to learn from these events and not let any political movement take advantage of such misinformed anger. The October crisis of 1970 started with the kidnapping in Montreal of the British trade commissioner, a fellow by the name of James Cross. Then Quebec's labor minister, Pierre Laporte, was kidnapped. Laporte was murdered.

Cross was eventually freed. His kidnappers were sent to Cuba. Jonathan Young in Brussels, Belgium. As a teacher of social studies, I would argue that every student in every province of Canada should learn about the referendums in Quebec in 1980 and 1995.

Given the present state of affairs of rumblings of such a form of sovereignty in Alberta and the moves by Danielle Smith to make it easier for such a thing to take place, 21st century students would benefit from Canada's experience of giving the general public the decision-making power over such a consequential choice. Sharon McIntyre and Victoria

Every student should learn about the history of our nation's public broadcaster. The CBC was founded in 1936 to counter US media influence and promote Canadian identity through public broadcasting. It aimed to unify the country and ensure space for Canadian voices and stories. That mission is more urgent than ever now. Christine Franson in Dundas, Ontario Every Canadian kid should know about Canada's involvement in black slavery. I think it's important for young people to challenge the myth that Canada was only a haven for those escaping slavery in the US via the underground. Many do not know that slavery existed in Canada for many years while under

British rule. A deeper understanding of systemic racism and discrimination and the effect on the black community could go a long way in reducing misinformed and racist attitudes. Lawrence Aronovich in Ottawa. In 1807 the citizens of Trois-Rivières made history with the first election in the British Empire of a Jew to public office. But Ezekiel Hart was refused entry to the Legislative Assembly of Lower Canada because he would not take his oath on the Christian Bible, an early instance of how Canadians have tried and sometimes failed to bridge religious and cultural differences in our society. Matthew Sklarczyk in Vernon, BC.

Prior to the War of 1812, the British wanted to establish an indigenous buffer nation. It would have covered most of Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, and would have changed North America as we see it today. By war's end, however, nation boundaries had returned to where they started. Negotiating power had become neutral and the plan was abandoned. Read Tecumseh and Brock by James Laxer to learn of the unlikely friendship that helped save Canada. Ron Berham in Gabriola Island, BC. The answer is federal-provincial relations.

Deceptively dull and prosaic, yet fundamental to understand the politics, law, business, and culture of this country. In fact, this was the major essay topic I got stuck with in grade 13, Canadian history class in Toronto back in 1978. That essay and its lessons wove their way through my education, a career in law and public service, and my life. Joshua Winters in Surrey, BC The story of Louis Riel is an essential history lesson.

It illustrates the fight for Metis and Indigenous rights, resistance to colonial injustice, and the complexities of Canada's founding. He challenged government overreach, sought justice for his people, and ultimately paid with his life. Riel symbolizes the importance of standing up for marginalized voices and reminds us that history is often shaped by those who dare to stand bravely in the face of great power. Dave Edwards in Edmonton The last spike and the great story of the construction of the transcontinental Canadian Pacific Railway, symbolic of unification of BC and the West, with Central Canada by the CPR on November 7th, 1885. And we get another letter on that from Gordon Albini and Hamilton. Two remarkable Canadian storytellers have famously chronicled the construction of Canada's national railway. Pierre Burton's epic book

The Last Spike and Gordon Lightfoot's majestic song Canadian Railroad Trilogy both capture the essence of our nation. McDonald's extraordinary vision to build a railway from the East Coast to the West Coast united our country and safeguarded us against American annexation. The history of building the railway highlights Canada's best traits, courage, perseverance, and resilience. Brian Miller, Montreal. I suggest the partnership between Robert Baldwin and Louis Hippolyte Lafontaine and the fight for responsible government in the 1840s. After the 1837 rebellion, Lafontaine worked within the constitutional order to achieve political rights for French Canadians. In that fight he found an ally in Baldwin as they worked together to

establish responsible government in Canada East and West. Their partnership even had Lafontaine run for office in York and Baldwin in Rimouski. To this day some voices want to convince us that only locals can really care about and protect our interests like a Bloc Québécois or a new separatist Alberta party. Baldwin and Lafontaine remind us that since at least the 1840s, even before Canadian Confederation, this has never been true. Jeanne McKay in New Westminster, BC Canadian students must learn about the power of language in the form of laws that historically

have protected or subjugated groups of people. Legal words gave us rights and freedoms, but legal words also gave us Chinese exclusion and forced attendance at residential schools. If students can learn to look for the power and intent behind the laws of our land, that's the history I need them to understand. Brent Bush and Nanaimo. A few years ago I was in Oslo on vacation and happened to go into the Nobel Peace Center. There were pictures of all previous Nobel Peace Prize winners. Among all the world famous winners was our Prime Minister Lester Pearson, who received the prize for his crucial contribution to the development or deployment of a UN emergency force in

the wake of the Suez Crisis. I think knowledge of this is a worthwhile lesson for Canadian kids. On July 26, 1956, Gamal Abdel Nasser, the president of Egypt, announced that the Suez Canal would be nationalized. That enraged both France and the United Kingdom, who were large shareholders in the Suez Canal Company. Israeli, British, and French forces invaded. Lester Pearson's idea ended the fighting. Pierre Laroni in La Squete Island, off the east coast of Vancouver Island in the Strait of Georgia.

The Clackwatt protest in Clackwatt Sound, B.C. in 1993, where 856 people were arrested after peacefully protesting and was at the time the largest civil disobedience in Canadian history. Yeah, that was a protest against clearcut logging. Michael Berrio in near Bragg Creek, Alberta, which is near Calgary. Every Canadian high school student should know when each province entered the dominion. It would help them understand that the terms and conditions each province entered under varied regionally, politically, linguistically, and economically.

This historical patchwork of negotiation engenders the ongoing tension between federal and provincial jurisdictions. Kyle Crossman in Thamesford, Ontario. The Statute of Westminster of 1931. This act gave Canada full legal freedom from Britain. A key moment in Canadian sovereignty. Lots of people forget this one. David Turnbull in Waterdown, Ontario. As a history teacher in Ontario, I'm going to say the Battle of Hong Kong. Approximately 1,685 soldiers were taken prisoner when Hong Kong fell to the Japanese.

They were subjected to horrible torture and conditions in prison, and the Canadian government tried to downplay it and never gave the soldiers the proper respect. Government support for the Hong Kong veterans was very limited. Veterans initially received $1 for each day they were prisoners of war for a total of $1,360 each. In 1958, the government gave veterans an additional $0.50 per day of imprisonment. In 1971, the government acknowledged the suffering of Hong Kong veterans and awarded each veteran a disability pension worth 50% of the maximum pension amount. You know, it is a forgotten part of our history and it shouldn't be and it's only when you

get an opportunity as I've been lucky enough to have done three or four times now going to Hong Kong. If you get a chance you go over to the island of Hong Kong and you can go to the cemetery. You can see some of the battle sites. It was a brutal battle and it was a brutal aftermath of the battle. What those Canadians suffered in POW camps. It's unconscious. So thank you, David, for writing that. This is our last one. Betty Martiore in Nanaimo, BC.

My grandfather, Ben Swanky, was a labor educator and historian. Shortly before he died as we were watching Trump's birtherism attacks on Barack Obama, I asked Ben what made the U.S. so different from Canada. He replied that our countries developed in very different ways, one with revolution and ongoing strife, and the other with negotiation and calm determination. I think this is a history lesson for all Canadians. You're right, Betty. That is, let me read Ben Swanky's key line over again one more time.

In reply to being asked what made the US so different from Canada. This was his answer. Our countries developed in very different ways, one with revolution and ongoing strife, and the other with negotiation and calm determination. and calm determination. I think said Ben and leaders, some of them new leaders, are able to follow Ben Swanky's advice and look for that. Alright that's gonna wrap it up for another, you know, I really, you know, I enjoy these every week. I've told you that many times. And this was a special one and it'll, uh, it'll go down in the bridges history books as a special one. Hope you enjoyed it tomorrow,

Friday. Good talk. Chantelle Berry, Rob Russo. Join us for their weekly look at the situation. Politically in Canada, we have a new cabinet, have a number of announcements surrounding that. We'll talk about that. We'll talk about a variety of different things on tomorrow's Good Talk. Hope you'll join us. A reminder, it is available also on our YouTube channel, as is Smoke Mirrors and the Truth on Tuesdays. This week it was Monday with Bruce Anderson and Fred DeLore. The YouTube channel does extremely well. Hope you subscribe, give it the thumbs up,

and you can watch our little television productions as they go to air on Tuesdays and regularly Tuesdays and always on Fridays. Okay, that's it for this week. I'm Peter Mansbridge, not for this week, for this day. I'm Peter Mansbridge, not for this week, for this day. I'm Peter Mansbridge. Hope you enjoyed good turn, or your turn. Good talk is tomorrow. Hope you enjoyed your turn

and the random rater of course. They'll both be back next week, but tomorrow as I said, it's good talk. We'll see you then. That's in less than 24 hours from now. Take care until then.