CBC Archives

Discuss with students the information contained on the introduction to the topic The Air India Investigation on the CBC Digital Archives website.

“It was deemed the worst act of terrorism in Canadian history: 331 people were killed in two decisive and deliberate explosions — one in a Japanese airport, another aboard Air India Flight 182 in 1985. For the families of the victims, most of them Canadian, this was just the beginning. Charges of investigative bungling would be followed by the more startling accusations that CSIS, Canada's security agency, intentionally initiated a cover-up. For 20 years Canadians have grappled with this unsolved crime for which no one has yet had to pay.”

Ask students to comment on what they know about the event and the subsequent investigation. List their responses on the board.

Students will work with a partner to construct a timeline of the most important events and effects of the Air India investigation. Direct students to the topic The Air India Investigation on the CBC Digital Archives website. They will explore Clips #1 through #11 to gather information to help them complete a timeline. Students can use the download sheet An Air India Timeline to help organize their research.

Partners share their timelines, note the similarities, and add any significant events they think are necessary. Ask questions like the ones below to further their insights:

1. Are there events that you think should have been expected?
2. Are there events that you think should have been unexpected?
3. What steps might the Canadian government or CSIS have taken to avoid such a long time frame for the complete investigation?
4. Why did the investigation take such a long time?

Assessment Tip
Evaluate student timelines for completeness and accuracy.

Students can research the current status of the Air India investigation and report their findings to the class in the form of a report or as an addition to their timelines.