History Browser

Wilfrid Laurier's penchant for compromise allowed him to remain in power for 15 years, earning him the nickname of the "Great Conciliator". But in 1911, this talent proved inadequate to the task of winning elections.

Throughout his career, compromise would remain the main political strategy Laurier used to settle conflicts. A staunch defender of national unity, he was called on to solve a series of major controversies which set Canadians against one another.

The Sir Wilfrid Laurier National Historic Site of Canada is located in Saint-Lin-Laurentides, a town 50 km north of Montreal. The site commemorates one of the most important figures in Canadian political history, Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the man often referred to as the father of modern Canada.

One of the principal features of his vision was a strong sense of national unity. As a young man, he asserted that "The unity of the people is the secret of the future", ["L'union entre les peuples, le secret de l'avenir"] ...

At no time were King's leadership skills more apparent than when he faced the challenge of leading the country through the Second World War.

Hector Pellerin had a large following in French-speaking parts of Canada and the United States. He recorded primarily between 1916 and 1928 and was well known for his frequent appearances in French operettas, plays, and cabarets.

Spanish-born musician Henri Miro was an active participant in the musical scene in Montreal from the turn of the twentieth century. Miro enjoyed moderate local and national success as a composer and director of concert music and musical theatre, and was featured on radio broadcasts and popular recordings.

Pierre-Aurèle Asselin, born in Sainte-Famille on l'Île d'Orléans near Québec City, became a predominant Canadian Opera singer in the 1920's. He specialized in recording arias from French operas, songs from operettas, and classics. Includes recordings of some of his works.

Sir John Johnson House is significant for its architectural design and for being one of the oldest surviving buildings in Ontario. Also important is its historical connection to Sir John Johnson, who encouraged United Empire Loyalist to settle in the St. Lawrence River Valley after the American Revolution.

In January of 1998, Parks Canada introduced a weekly Web Site named This Week in History, which presents a variety of events that have shaped Canada’s past, present and future. These short texts are summaries, not complete histories, meant to entice the reader to explore Canadian history. Search by keyword or by title.