1974
Canada reels in the throes of a depression as Prime Minister Mackenzie vainly tries to cope with inherited Pacific Railway frustrations. Mackenzie's health wanes as surveyors squabble, contractors milk the public purse and B.C. clamours for the promised railway. If the railway is to be salvaged, Sir John A. Macdonald must rise from the political ashes.
Sat, Mar 23, 1974
Sir John A. Macdonald, now back in power, reluctantly agrees to name Donald Smith, Jim Hall and George Stephen as heads of the syndicate that will build the railway. Though capable, resourceful capitalists, they are tainted by U.S. railway connections. After an exhausting marathon debate, the House passes the government's railway bill.
Sat, Apr 13, 1974
Slow, arduous construction in the mountains and north of Superior sends costs soaring as the CPR faces financial calamity. Sir John A. Macdonald is distracted by mounting troubles in the West as farmers, Indians and Métis cry for redress. In a desperate gamble, Van Horne offers to transport 9,000 troops from the East to quell the rebellion.
Sat, Apr 20, 1974
Eastern militiamen begin the cruellest journey in Canadian military history and the national crisis is averted. The CPR faces riots, strikes and bankruptcy before an 11th-hour government loan saves the day. In November 1885, Donald Smith drives the last spike in the CPR to link Canada from sea to sea.