Canada Day

Canada Day is celebrated on July 1 and marks the historic moment when Canada became an independent nation. This public statutory holiday is recognized across all provincial governments.

When July 1 falls on a Sunday, Canada Day is celebrated on the following day, Monday the 2nd. Most businesses close, and many Canadians choose to celebrate with family and friends through parties, firework displays, and picnics.

Canada Day History

The Dominion of Canada

On March 29, 1867, Queen Victoria approved the British North America Act, which came into effect on July 1 of that year. This act united the provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into a single dominion called Canada, dividing the previous province of Canada into Quebec and Ontario.

The act established the first Canadian federal government, marking a significant step towards independence, although Canada remained partially dependent on the British Empire. Notably, it did not include provisions for foreign policy, leaving Canada reliant on Britain in international matters.

Celebrations took place throughout the new Dominion of Canada with picnics, military parades, and rifle salutes. Initially informally called Dominion Day, the name was officially recognized by Parliament in 1879. However, public opinion was mixed; many Canadians still identified as British and were hesitant to embrace the growing separation from the Empire.

Celebrating a Century of Independence

In 1967, Canada celebrated the centenary of the Dominion with large-scale events. The Centennial Flame monument was unveiled on Parliament Hill and lit for the first time by then-Prime Minister Lester B. Pearson. Originally intended as a temporary exhibit, the monument was so beloved that it was made a permanent feature.

During the lighting ceremony, Pearson expressed hope that Canada’s destiny would shine brightly, symbolized by the Centennial Flame.

O Canada

On July 1, 1980, O Canada was officially designated as the national anthem through the National Anthem Act, which placed the song in the public domain. Written by Calixa Lavallée a century earlier, it had already gained unofficial recognition among many Canadians.

From Dominion Day to Canada Day

The transition from Dominion Day to Canada Day occurred in 1982 with the enactment of the Canada Act. This act ended the UK’s authority to legislate for Canada and established the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, further fueling enthusiasm for independence. Subsequently, Parliament passed the ‘Act to Amend the Holidays Act’, officially renaming the holiday to Canada Day.

Canada Day Celebrations

Canada Day is a nationwide celebration filled with both official and unofficial events. Common activities include picnics, BBQs, fireworks, parades, and concerts.

The official timetable features daytime parties and evening shows with performances from renowned Canadian artists. The celebrations have attracted global figures, including members of the British royal family.

One of the day’s highlights is the ceremony on Parliament Hill, a tradition for over 50 years. During the ceremony, the National Anthem and God Save The Queen are sung, alongside performances reflecting on the year’s achievements and speeches from prominent figures like the Prime Minister and the Governor General.

Canada Day is a time for Canadians to celebrate their country and its accomplishments, while also extending congratulations to fellow Canadians.

Celebrating Abroad

For Canadians living outside the country, there are still ways to celebrate:

In the United States, groups like Canada Day Across America (CDAA) help people find local events. In the UK, gatherings have previously taken place in Trafalgar Square, featuring games and traditional Canadian treats like maple syrup pancakes.

Canada Day is a vibrant celebration of national pride, unity, and the spirit of Canadian identity.

FAQ:

• What is celebrated on Canada Day?
  Canada Day, celebrated on July 1st, marks the anniversary of Canadian Confederation, which took place in 1867. It celebrates the unification of the four founding provinces: Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
• How old will Canada be on July 1, 2024?
  Canada will be 157 years old on July 1, 2024, as it was founded in 1867.
• Is August 5 a public holiday in Canada?
  August 5 is not a national public holiday in Canada. However, some provinces or territories may celebrate local events or holidays on that date, so it’s important to check based on the region.