It’s 1867 and Canada has just officially separated itself from Great Britain and become its own country. But, are there any social democrats around? In this episode, we meet Médéric Lanctôt - the journalist, politician, and union leader from Montreal who can be considered to be Canada’s first social democrat. From working with the homeless to organizing a federation of unions, learn about how Lanctôt fought back against the political and economic elites of his time who were selfishly lining their own pockets while thousands starved in the streets.

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About Social Democrats of the North: Canadian Visions for Justice & Equality from Confederation to the Quiet Revolution

Dave McGrane, Professor of Political Science at St. Thomas More College at the University of Saskatchewan, explores the life, times, and ideas of Canada’s most influential social democrats. From Confederation at 1867, to the Quiet Revolution of the 1960s, discover the people who shaped social democracy in Canada, the movements that fought for the working-class, and the legacies they've left for the wellbeing of all Canadians. There are lessons for activists, and forgotten struggles that apply to today's wins. After all, the best teacher for a better world tomorrow, is the past.

Social Democrats of the North is a Perspectives Journal Podcast Series, published by the Broadbent Institute.

Host & Episode Research - Dave McGrane
Producer - Clement Nocos
Production Assistant - Jack McClelland

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Theme music note

The tune of US folk song "John Brown's Body" is used extensively for militant labour movements and group marching, referencing US abolitionist John Brown. The tune has evolved into a number of variations, including 'The March of the Workers' in the Labor Reform Songster (1892) by Ontario labour leader Phillips Thompson (Social Democrats of the North Episode 2).

Battle Hymn of the Republic medley by Marisa Anderson is licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License.

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