Episode 390: When most Canadians think of occult-related witch trials, their minds drift south to Salem, Massachusetts, or across the ocean to medieval Europe. The popular narrative suggests that Canada, with its reputation for tolerance and peace, remained untouched by the supernatural hysteria that gripped other nations. This perception, deeply embedded in the Canadian consciousness, paints our country as somehow above the dark chapters of witch-hunting that stained other societies. Even Dark Poutine listeners, well-versed in the country’s hidden crimes and forgotten tragedies, might be surprised to learn the truth.

The reality is far different from this comfortable myth. Canada has a complex and largely forgotten history of witchcraft accusations, trials, and legal persecution spanning over 350 years—from the earliest days of New France to as recently as 2018. From demonic possessions in Quebec City to fraudulent psychics in modern Ontario, the Canadian witch trial story is one of fear, prejudice, and the persistent human tendency to blame the margins of society for inexplicable troubles.

Sources:
CBC Radio: “Quebec Demon Possession & Witchcraft in 1660”
JSTOR / McGill-Queen’s University Press: The Possession of Barbe Hallay
Canada’s History: “Sorcery in New France”
Kenton de Jong Travel: The Possession of Barbe Hallay
Dictionary of Canadian Biography: Daniel Vuil
Academia.edu "Sixteen and Possessed" PDF
Canada’s History: Book feature, The Possession of Barbe Hallay
The Medium: On Demonic Infestations in 17th century Québec
Mysteries of Canada: Poltergeists in Canada, Part III
Jean Campagna, The Sorcerer
74 – JEAN CAMPAGNA, THE SORCERER
Procès de Jean Campagna, prisonnier, 45 ans
Jean Campagna (abt.1640-aft.1685) | WikiTree FREE Family Tree
Quebec 1685: Part 8- The Charge is Sorcery
The Kimble Witch Trial
View of Backward Seasons and Remarkable Cold: the Weather over Long Reach, New Brunswick, 1812-1821 | Acadiensis
“Native Witchcraft Beliefs in Acadian, Maritime and Newfoundland Folklore” – Erudit
Concerns move Indigenous ceremony meant to contact 'spirit realm' outside Quebec community | CBC News
Folklore of Nova Scotia
Mi'kmaw Shamans and Acadian Sorcerers: A Study in Cultural Transmissions, Transferences and Transformations
Witchcraft Act 1735
Bill C-365 (Historical)
Woman Charged With Fake Witchcraft, Days Before Canada Scraps Old Law
‘Psychic’ charged with being a fake fights case after Canada decriminalises witchcraft

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