"The Picture of Democracy We Are Seeking": CBC Radio Forums and the Search for a Canadian Identity, 1930–1950

Abstract

This article examines the Canadian government's use of national radio forums to forge a national identity during the 1930s and 1940s. It first explores why this question of a national identity has been problematic in Canada. Then, it discusses the development of radio in Canada, especially the potential that adult educators, working with the federal governments, saw for citizenship education. Then, a more detailed exploration of the radio forums is made. Finally, an assessment of the overall success of the forums in helping to forge a Canadian national identity is presented.