March 6th marks a day of significant cultural milestones, the birth of a major Canadian city, and some very “spirited” political history.
1834: The Incorporation of Toronto
On this day, the town of York was officially incorporated as the City of Toronto. William Lyon Mackenzie, a fiery journalist and politician, was elected as the city’s very first mayor. The name “Toronto” is derived from the Mohawk word tkaronto, meaning “where there are trees standing in the water.”
1867: The Final Stretch for Confederation
The British North America Act—the document that would create the Dominion of Canada—was moving through its final stages in the British House of Commons. On March 6, 1867, it passed its second reading. Just months later, on July 1, Canada would officially become a country.
1943: The First “Hockey Night in Canada” on Television (Experiment)
While the famous theme song wouldn’t arrive for years, the very first experimental television broadcast of a hockey game in Canada took place in Montreal. It wasn’t the polished production we see today, but it laid the groundwork for what would become a Saturday night ritual for millions of Canadian families.
1971: A Prime Minister’s Secret Wedding
In a move that shocked the nation, Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau married Margaret Sinclair in a private ceremony in North Vancouver. The wedding was kept so secret that even his staff thought he was away on a skiing trip. It remains one of the most talked-about romantic events in Canadian political history.
1981: The “Lotto 6/49” Era Begins
The Interprovincial Lottery Corporation announced the creation of Lotto 6/49, the first nationwide lottery game that allowed players to choose their own numbers. It officially launched a few months later, changing the way Canadians dreamed about “hitting the jackpot” forever.
March 6: A Look at the Charts
To add a bit of flavor to those historical dates, here is what Canadians were listening to and watching during some of those milestone years:
1943: The War Years
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Hit Song: “I’ve Heard That Song Before” by Harry James and His Orchestra (featuring Helen Forrest). This big band classic was the #1 song in North America on March 6, 1943. Its nostalgic lyrics about a familiar melody surely resonated with families missing loved ones overseas.
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Top Movie: “Casablanca”. Although it was released in late 1942, it was the “must-see” movie of early 1943, eventually winning the Oscar for Best Picture. Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman’s story of love and sacrifice was the perfect backdrop for the times.
1971: The Trudeau Wedding Year
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Hit Song: “One Bad Apple” by The Osmonds. While Pierre and Margaret were keeping their wedding a secret, this upbeat pop track was sitting at #1 on the Canadian RPM charts. If you preferred something a bit more “Canadian,” Gordon Lightfoot’s “If You Could Read My Mind” had just finished its own run at the top a week earlier.
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Top Movie: “Love Story”. Ali MacGraw and Ryan O’Neal had everyone reaching for their tissues. It was the highest-grossing film of the year and its famous line, “Love means never having to say you’re sorry,” was everywhere.
1981: The 6/49 Era
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Hit Song: “The Best of Times” by Styx. This theatrical rock anthem was the #1 song in Canada on March 6, 1981. It was a fitting soundtrack for a year that felt like a turning point for many.
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Top Movie: “9 to 5”. Starring Dolly Parton, Jane Fonda, and Lily Tomlin, this comedy about workplace revenge was a massive hit. In fact, Dolly’s theme song of the same name was also climbing the charts right alongside Styx!
Warmly,
Bill & Marilyn
Founders of Canadian Senior Moment
