On September 5th 1945, a young cypher clerk by the name of Igor Gouzenko walked out of the Soviet embassy in Ottawa with a series of top-secret documents. His actions that day would alter the course of history. The gripping revelation that the Soviets were stealing nuclear secrets from the west helped uncover a dazzling web of intrigue stretching into to the very confines of Canadian democracy.

This historical podcast / walking tour / travel guide seeks to trace back Gouzenko's steps in Ottawa during his defection. It also seeks to explore the fascinating world of Cold War espionage as well as a battle over memory. Not only is the "Gouzenko Affair" a foundational event of the Cold War but it is perhaps one of the most significant events in Canadian history.

This episode features interviews with two individuals: Evy Wilson, the daughter of Igor and Svetlana Gouzenko and Andrew Kavchak a local author who lobbied for a historical plaque to honor his cold war hero.

For an interactive map with all of the stops this tour will take you on, please check out the following map: https://toosquaretobehip.com/this-was-my-choice-the-daring-defection-of-igor-gouzenko/

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Introduction

(01:43) - Setting the Scene

(05:16) - Welcome to the Podcast

(19:29) - The Walking Tour

(22:16) - The Gouzenko Residence (511 Summerset)

(60:20) - Soviet Embassy (285 Charlotte Street)

(64:44) - Ottawa Journal (234 Queen Street)

(67:21) - Justice Building (249 Wellington Avenue)

(69:12) - Return to the Gouzenko Residence and Dundonald park

(120:03) - Office of the Prime Minister and Privy Council Langevin Block (80 Wellington)

(124:03) - Center Block (111 Wellington)

(129:29) - Conclusion

(142:47) - Epilogue