Local speaker series happening in Mono to feature author and historian Tim Cook

Written By PAULA BROWN

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Dufferin County residents who are interested in military history and the allyship formed roughly 80 years ago between Canada and the United States, have the opportunity to delve deeper into the topic with one of Canada's most well-known war historians. 

Small Town Big Ideas, a speaker series organized by local organization CanHist, will be welcoming Canadian Military historian and author Tim Cook to discuss his newest book, titled “The Good Allies” on Nov. 28 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Monora Park Pavillion (500 Monora Park Rd., Mono).

The book focuses on the turbulent relationship between Canada and the US during the Second World War. It explores, how the two nations entered the war amidst rivalry and mutual suspicion but learn to fight together to create an alliance that continues to influence their relationship today. 

“I knew how the war was going to end, but I thought it would be useful to explore this key relationship. I felt it was a neglected story, and I've always believed it's up to us to tell our story and history,” said Cook. “There a number of key arguments in the book, but a critical one is that Canada was a good ally to the United States, and that's often forgotten today.” 

Cook began writing “The Good Allies” two years ago, knowing that it would be released in late 2024 and that a new US election would be underway. 

“Elections are incendiary, especially down in the US, and I knew that there was the potential for Canada to be caught in the crossfire. I felt it was useful to get this story out there, because we were good allies during World War II and we have remained good allies to this day,” explained Cook. “These are important stories to tell, especially now with a new administration coming in, where thing always change. Now is a good time to talk about this important history and how it's the foundation for so much of our relationship [with the US] now in 2024 and going forward.”

Speaking with the Free Press, Cook noted the importance of discussing the allyship between Canada and the United States during the Second World War, with smaller rural communities. 

“This is our own history. It's our shared history. It need not be located in a particular geographical area for it to still resonate, both in the past in terms of understanding Canada's service and sacrifice during the war or today. I'm positive, that in your community there were many Canadians, men and women, who served in the Armed Forces and who were involved in war work.” 

He added, “In times of war, we often talk about national war efforts, but it's about individuals and about communities, and all of those individuals and communities contribute to a national war effort like the Second World War.” 

Tickets for the event cost $30 and can be purchased through the CanHist website – www.canhist.ca.