Step into the past with Dr. Barry Gough’s three-part podcast series, where history, policy, and passion converge over one of early Canada’s most complex social issues: opium use. In this compelling series, Dr. Gough traces the roots of opium’s impact in Western Canada, beginning with the intricate backdrop of drug use during a transformative era. He then delves into the groundbreaking investigation led by Mackenzie King in the 1920s—a deep and detailed inquiry that culminated in a comprehensive government report aimed at addressing the burgeoning crisis. Finally, the series spotlights the relentless efforts of moral crusader Emily Murphy, whose fervent activism against drug use sparked national debates and left a lasting imprint on Canadian society. Join Dr. Gough as he unravels this critical chapter of Canadian history, blending archival research with engaging storytelling to illuminate how opium, politics, and moral reform intersected in the early twentieth century.
Emily Murphy – The Black Candle