Voice of the Pioneer, Volume Two: More First-Person Accounts from CBC's Best-Loved Radio Program

John Marston was a federal civil servant in Ottawa.

Bill McNeil, our well-loved radio neighbour and one of the hosts of the delightful CBC program “Fresh Air,” has come up with another winner — Volume Two of Voice of the Pioneer. Born in Glace Bay, Cape Breton, McNeil attended St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish; for 35 years he has been communicating with Canada and the United States as writer, broadcaster, producer, and host. His radio program, “Voice of the Pioneer,” appears each week and is an eagerly awaited part of “Fresh Air” — a gentle reminder that life can be pleasant and thoughtful.

Author of the biography of John Fisher entitled Mr. Canada, McNeil has also produced an oral history of radio in Canada. Volume One of Voice of the Pioneer was a huge success; Volume Two follows in its footsteps, continuing the format but with a new assortment of fascinating Canadians relating their memories of events in their lives — events that mirror the history of Canada. Each person interviewed gives us a wealth of experience and wisdom — indeed, a record of Canada’s past. We read about the experiences of a bush pilot, a cheesemaker, a hobo of the Great Depression years, and the founding of McLaughlin-Buick (now General Motors). These are only a few of the stories of people who “made” Canada, of quiet men who won the Victoria Cross and of gentle women, one of whom became the first woman Lieutenant-Governor.

This is recommended reading, if only for pride of country; but it is much more: it is human experiences and lives that should not be missed.