This special episode of The Confederation Report, part of the “Early Narratives” sub-series, is made possible by the generous supporters of the Cántaro Institute.

Long before Quebec crowned the cliffs of the St. Lawrence, there was Samuel de Champlain—explorer, cartographer, soldier, diplomat, colonizer, and believer. He was no mere agent of empire, but a man driven by vision: not of gold or fleeting glory, but of a Christendom rooted in the Gospel, built with French resolve, and shared with Indigenous souls. He mapped rivers, forged alliances, and founded Quebec, but above all he labored for what he saw as the higher good of a Christian society. His tragedy lay in confusing the Gospel with French culture, yet his legacy endures as the cartographer with a cross in his compass, the soldier who fought for souls as well as soil, and the founder whose courage gave a nation its spine.

Opening Words (00:00-00:25)

Samuel de Champlain (00:25-11:00)
Samuel de Champlain, explorer and founder of Quebec, was a cartographer with a cross in his compass—driven not by gold or glory but by a vision of a Christian society in the New World.

Closing Words (11:01-12:18)
The Confederation Report, hosted by Steven Martins of the Cántaro Institute, is expanding its uniquely Christian analysis of Canadian news and culture with new historical vignettes and a broadened scope—urging listeners to look to the past with biblical clarity and support the mission at www.cantaroinstitute.org/give

Event Reminder
Join us for the Niagara Conference, All Hail the King: Christ & Government on November 14–15, 2025, in Welland, Ontario, with Rev. Doug Wilson, Dr. Scott Masson, Dr. Michael Wagner, and myself. Register now at cantaroinstitute.org/niagara2025 for early bird rates!

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