Network: CBC Television Network
Broadcast Run: 1966
Broadcast Medium: Television
Aired Thursday nights from September 15 to October 20, 1966
This six-part series was specifically produced with Canada’s Centennial in mind. One hundred years of history was presented in a contemporary, news-oriented format. Interviews featured the Fathers of Confederation being asked about issues that faced the country at the time, with a nod to current events. These ranged from relations with the United States, Europe, Quebec, and Federal-Provincial conflicts – issues which still remain remarkably relevant to Canada’s identity today. For this show, Professor John Saywell of York University was a consultant. The show was written by Eric Koch and Melwyn Breen.
The show used current television news-gathering techniques to demonstrate how politicians from the past made their decisions. All parts were played by actors.
Principal Cast:
Robert Christie as Sir John A. Macdonald
Jack Creley as Sir Wilfrid Laurier
Antony Parr as Premier Andrew G. Blair of New Brunswick
Claude Bede as Premier William S. Fielding of Nova Scotia
Paul Kligman as Premier Oliver Mowat of Ontario
E.M. Margolese as Premier John Norquay of Manitoba
Robert Goodier as Premier Honore’ Mercier of Quebec
William Osler as William Van Horne, President of the Canadian Pacific Railway
Reporters: Tom Harvey and Arch McDonnell
Executive Producer: Eric Koch
Producer: Melwyn Breen
Written by John Corcelli – May, 2005