The Secret Life of Canada

Learn about the dark history of eugenics in Canada and Leilani Muir's fight for justice. Discusses the origins and rise of eugenics, the influence of the Nazis, and the continuation of eugenics in Canada. Explores unpaid patient labor and the hidden sterilizations that impacted indigenous women.

In the 1990s artist and activist Bonnie Briggs asked herself, “Why isn't there a memorial for homeless people?” In this crash course we look at the work of Bonnie and tie it to the housing crisis we are seeing across the country. For more about this episode visit us at : www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada

Not all Canadian history happens in Canada. Over 70 years ago, nearly 30,000 Canadians volunteered to fight in the Korean War. It was the third-deadliest overseas conflict in our nation’s military history — so why is it often referred to as “The Forgotten War”? In this episode, friend of the pod and producer Eunice Kim joins us as we learn what led to the conflict, why Canada got involved and the lasting impact of a war that technically never ended. Then, we learn how some Korean Canadians are making sure we never forget. With guests Andrew Burtch, Sun Choung and Eunice Kim. *Warning: this episode contains strong language and content. For more about this episode, visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada

In every part of the world a patty is just a patty, but in Toronto they are often called a "Jamaican Patty" and the why is connected to one of the weirdest stories ever. We talk to Patty Vs. Patty director Chris Strikes to learn that in the early 80s inspectors from the Canadian department of Consumer and Corporate Affairs tried to fine store owners for selling patties under the name patty.  A battle ensued and guess who won? With guest Chris Strikes.

Deep below the city of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan lies a network of tunnels from the past. The stories connected to them have turned the passageways into a major tourist attraction. But which ones are true? Were they really used as hiding spaces for Chinese laborers to escape the racism of the time? Did American gangsters like Al Capone actually use them to smuggle goods during Prohibition? Or were they simply built to move heating oil below buildings? With the help of a young listener named Leo, we grab our flashlights and head underground to try to find out fact from fiction, in the famed tunnels of Moose Jaw. For more about this episode, visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada

How much history is contained in a meal, a restaurant or even a sandwich? Falen and Leah journey into the culinary history of Montreal’s Jewish community. We learn the backstory behind some of Montreal’s most iconic restaurants and why people are so passionate about the city’s bagels. Then, we look into cookbooks like “A Treasure for My Daughter” which has been a staple for many Jewish women in Montreal, providing recipes but also a guide on how to be the perfect Jewish woman. But what can you learn when you read between the ‘latkes’? With guest Andrea Eidinger. For more about this episode visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada For more about this episode, visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada

Confederation took place in 1867 but Newfoundland only joined Canada in 1949. We find out why the province held out for so long, what it all meant for the Indigenous people in Newfoundland and Labrador and what the colour of margarine had to do with it. With guest Caitlin Maura Hanrahan. For more about this episode, visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada

Is it true that Alberta is a rat-free province? Is there really a Rat Patrol? We find out the truth behind the province’s rat hating reputation. For more about this episode visit us at: www.cbc.ca/1.6789203

Where have all the malls gone? And what happens to a mall when it “dies?” In this episode we look into how the mall started, what it looked like in its heyday and what happened when it began to decline. So put on your acid washed jeans and turn up the muzak and join Falen and Leah as they head to the mall. With guest Deborah Cowen. For more about this episode visit us at: www.cbc.ca/1.6787552 For more about the show, visit us at: www.cbc.ca/radio/secretlifeofcanada

Hosts Leah-Simone Bowen and Falen Johnson are back with an all new season of conversations about the country you know and the stories you don't. Catch our premiere episode on March 23 with new episodes weekly every Thursday.