Social Studies

On January 12, a powerful earthquake strikes Haiti. More than 100,000 people are killed, and about a million others are left homeless. This story looks at Haiti's tragedy, and how Canada and other countries help the survivors.

Canada plays host to the world when the Winter Olympics open in Vancouver. During the Games, the spotlight will be on the athletes. But it has taken years of work by thousands of Canadians to prepare for this event.

In November, a Canadian diplomat triggers a political firestorm on Parliament Hill. Richard Colvin tells a committee that Canadian troops have been handing over prisoners to Afghan authorities, even though the government knew they might be tortured. The government denies it, refuses to hand over ...

On Christmas Day 2009, a Nigerian man allegedly tries to blow up an airliner as it prepares to land in Detroit. The man was subdued by other passengers before he could set off explosive material sewn into his underwear. The incident triggered a security scare at airports all over the world.

It's been just over a year since Canada was hit by the effects of a global recession. More than 350,000 people lost their jobs. Now there are some faint signs of recovery, but is the recession really over?

Shortly after assuming office, U.S. President Barack Obama announces plans to reform his country's health care system. The announcement set off a debate with both sides citing Canada's Medicare system to back up their arguments.

In December, 192 nations gather in Copenhagen to discuss climate change. The plan was to begin drafting a document to replace the Kyoto Protocol that expires in 2012.

In late September, Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff announced that his party would no longer support Stephen Harper's Conservative government. That meant that the minority government could be defeated, unless the NDP or the Bloc Quebecois supported it.

Every year, for a number of reasons, many Canadians adopt children in foreign countries. International adoptions can provide them with the baby they always wanted, but they can also be expensive and frustrating.

On November 11th, many Canadians take a moment to remember the soldiers who died fighting for Canada. The main ceremony takes place at the National War Memorial in Ottawa, but many other ceremonies are held across the country.

Abousfian Abdelrazic and Suad Hagi Mohamud are two Canadians who shared a common ordeal in two different places. They find themselves in a foreign country and not allowed to come home. This report looks at their stories and why they and others have accused the Canadian government of abandoning it...

In late August, Afghans went to the polls to choose a President and members of the provincial council. Canada's troops in that war torn country help provide security so the vote could take place. But the election was marred by violence and voting irregularities.

As the swine flu continues to spread around the world, Canada's healthcare system is stepping up its pandemic preparations. The H1N1 virus first arrives in Canada in the spring and health authorities expect many more cases this winter.

Asbestos is a mineral that was once widely used in the construction industry. Canada produces about ten percent of the world's supply, but because it can cause severe lung problems, its use in Canada is limited. Instead, most of it is shipped to developing countries. Asbestos sales are helping a ...

Geologists search for clues of massive tectonic shifts that reverberate through the continent, forcing the mountains up out of the plains. Bends and cracks reveal the growth pangs of the mountain building era.