New Heritage Minute Starring Rick Mercer on Gander and 9/11
TORONTO – September 2, 2026– Historica Canada’s latest Heritage Minute starring Rick Mercer commemorates 25 years since Gander welcomed over 6,000 people from around the world
After the United States closed their airspace following the unprecedented terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, Canada managed the diverted planes in what became known as Operation Yellow Ribbon. Gander, a small town in Newfoundland, welcomed 38 planes, carrying 6,656 people – nearly double the town’s population. Gander and the surrounding communities came together to help the “plane people,” as they became known. Food, clothes, shelter, and other supplies were donated. Most remembered is the kindness and emotional support given in those few days.
"Many of the people who appear in this Minute were among those who opened their doors to strangers without hesitation at the time of 9/11,” said Anthony Wilson-Smith, President and CEO of Historica Canada. “Working with them gave us at Historica Canada the unique opportunity to not only recreate history with this Minute, but to do so alongside those who actually lived the occasion.”
"As a proud Newfoundlander, it was an incredible honour to tell the story of Gander and the extraordinary compassion its people showed in the aftermath of 9/11,” said Deanne Foley, director on the Heritage Minute. “Their selflessness in welcoming thousands of stranded travellers remains a powerful reminder of the very best of humanity.”
The Minute, filmed in March 2026 in Gander, Newfoundland and Labrador, was produced by Historica Canada in conjunction with Elemental Pictures. It was made possible through funding from the Government of Canada and in-kind support through film equipment from Sunbelt Rentals Film & TV (formerly William F. Whites). Gander natives Rob and Peter Blackie served as co-producers (Frontier, Son of a Critch, and Republic of Doyle). Deanne Foley (Hudson & Rex, Son of a Critch) served as director with Foley and Latonia Hartery as co-writers. The role of the mayor and end narrator is played by celebrated comedian and author Rick Mercer, who also serves on the pro bono board of directors for Historica Canada. Other cast members include Petrina Bromley (Son of a Critch, Come from Away) and Jillian Rees-Brown.
A behind-the-scenes video accompanies the Heritage Minute, produced by Cody Westman (Cats Eye Cinema) with support from Kirk Stuckless. The video features interviews given by locals of Gander and their memories of September 11.
Historica Canada works closely with consultants to review the development, production, and post-production of every Minute. For this Heritage Minute, the organization worked with Petrina Bromley (performer in Come from Away, local expert) and Brian Mosher (local Rogers TV reporter).
Historica Canada is a charitable organization committed to the belief that learning brings us together. The more we know and understand about one another, the better we understand Canada and our fellow Canadians. Our resources are available in both official languages and accessed by more than 28 million users annually. The Heritage Minutes collection, which now consists of more than 100 productions, is a bilingual Canadian series comprised of 60-second short films, each depicting a significant person, event, or story in Canadian history.