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Voices in Space

Accession number: 
1959.0041
Production Years: 
1959
Release Year: 

Languages:

Film Properties: 
Length (feet): 
1009 (16mm)
Length (minutes): 
28
Holding Institutions: 

Library and Archives Canada: 16mm, VHS, Betacam.
"Host Doug Wilkinson examines the growth of communications in Canada's north from shortwave broadcasts of the Northern Messenger to the establishment of the Ultra High Frequency Tropospheric Propagation System, arguing that the lessening strategic value of the Distant Early Warning and Mid-Canada defence lines make their communications facilities increasingly available to civilian use. Footage shows the Department of Transportation Communication Station, the Defence Research Board's Northern Laboratories, and the Upper Atmosphere Rocket Site at Churchill, Manitoba; the DRB's Telecommunications Establishment at Shirley's Bay near Ottawa, Ontario; the National Research Council Solar Observatory at Goth Hill near Ottawa; the Prince Albert Radar Laboratory; and various commentators, introduced by Wilkinson: Mike Fagan, radio man at Great Whale River talks about the capabilities of radio communication; scientist Eric Beedle explains Polar Radio Blackout; Larry Mayers explains the Tropo system; RCAF Squadron Leader Tom Hicks notes the importance of new communications systems to pilots; Department of Indian and Northern Affairs interpreter Johnny Ibsanak talks about the introduction of telephone service to Frobisher Bay; NRC scientist Arthur Cuttington discusses the work of the council's solar observatory; and DRB scientist John Chapman explains the Prince Albert radar installation."