As we officially step into spring today, it’s a great time to look back at some of the remarkable Canadians and events that have left their mark on March 20th. From political dynasties to hockey legends, this day has seen its fair share of history.
Born on This Day: A Prime Minister and a Legend
-
Brian Mulroney (1939): Born in Baie-Comeau, Quebec, Canada’s 18th Prime Minister. Whether you remember the Free Trade debates or the introduction of the GST, he was a transformative figure in our national landscape.
-
Bobby Orr (1948): Perhaps the greatest defenseman to ever lace up skates, Bobby Orr was born today in Parry Sound, Ontario. Every kid in Canada who grew up in the 60s and 70s tried to mimic that famous “flying” goal celebration in their driveway!
1948: A Time Capsule Since we’re celebrating Bobby Orr’s birthday, let’s look at what else was capturing our attention in 1948. If you were heading to the cinema or turning on the radio that year, here is what was topping the charts:
-
Top Movie: The Red Shoes or the gritty western Red River starring John Wayne. It was also the year the Calgary-set drama Johnny Belinda won Jane Wyman an Oscar for her role as a deaf-mute woman on a farm—a story that hit home for many rural Canadians.
-
Top Song: “Buttons and Bows” by Dinah Shore. You couldn’t go anywhere without hearing that catchy tune! Other favorites included the sentimental “Now Is the Hour” by Bing Crosby and the novelty hit “Twelfth Street Rag.”
1965: The Start of a Tory Dynasty Out west, this day in 1965 marked a major shift in Alberta’s political history. A young Calgary lawyer named Peter Lougheed was elected leader of the Alberta Progressive Conservatives. Six years later, he became Premier, kicking off a Conservative run in the province that lasted for an incredible 44 years.
1907: A Literary Voice from the Maritimes Closer to home, the celebrated novelist Hugh MacLennan was born in Glace Bay, N.S. on this day. He is the man who coined the phrase “Two Solitudes” to describe the English-French tensions in Canada—a term we still use today to discuss our national identity.
1945: A Step Toward Global Peace As the Second World War moved toward its final months, Prime Minister Mackenzie King announced on this day in 1945 that Canada officially supported the plan for a new world security organization. This led to the birth of the United Nations, with Canada playing a key role as a founding member.
Warmly,
Bill & Marilyn
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment
**Bill Gould** spent 43 years as a long-haul truck driver before trading the steering wheel for a keyboard to help fellow Canadians navigate the road of retirement. A freelance writer, published author, and editor of over 50 books, Bill co-founded *Canadian Senior Moment* with his wife, Marilyn, to provide a trusted space for seniors to find clarity, safety, and connection in the digital age. When he isn’t troubleshooting “tech gremlins” or sharing childhood memories of the Prairies, he can be found in his woodshop or working on his latest novel.