Canada Day

Each year, Canadians celebrate their nation’s birthday on July 1. Canada Day is an opportunity for Canadians to show pride in their country while commemorating its history. #CanadaDay

Canada Day

More than 150 years ago, Canada became a new federation with its own constitution. Today Canada Day is a statutory holiday celebrated in all provinces and territories, and most businesses close to enjoy the festivities.

How Canada came to be

The British North America Act went into effect on July 1, 1867. The legislation essentially created Canada as a new, domestically self-governing federation, according to the Canadian Museum of History. The original federation consisted of the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec.

In 1868, Governor General Lord Monck signed a proclamation that requested all Canadians celebrate the anniversary of the act going into effect. In 1879, a federal law made July 1 a statutory holiday in honor of the “anniversary of the Confederation.” This would be known as Dominion Day, which referenced the country being known as the Dominion of Canada. Dominion Day was renamed “Canada Day” on October 27, 1982.

The roles played by the branches of the Canadian military

Much like Independence Day in the United States, Canada Day celebrates a country but also serves as a holiday that signals that the weather has warmed, barbecue season is in full effect, the kids are off from school, and the pools and beaches are ready for crowds. Parades and fireworks are common throughout Canada to mark the occasion.

How the Canadian maple leaf flag came to be

Many people are drawn to Canada because it offers everything from urban spaces to snowcapped wilderness to cities that seem to be something right out of ancient Europe. Canada has extensive forests, coastal towns and much more making up its landscape. Each year on July 1, Canadians celebrate the historical and cultural relevance of the country on Canada Day.

Learn about the Canadian Military

The roles played by the branches of the Canadian military

Canada Day is often informally referenced as Canada’s birthday. But the country existed prior to 1867, when Canada Day was established. Rather, and more accurately, Canada Day marks one of the important milestones en route to establishing the country’s independence. Although it was still considered a British colony, on July 1, 1867, Canada became “a kingdom in its own right” within the British empire, combining the colonies of Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick into a confederation. The Canada colony was further divided into Ontario and Quebec upon confederation. Canada Day was formerly referred to as Dominion Day (changed in 1982). In French-speaking Canada, the holiday is known as Fête du Canada.

To commemorate the celebration of Canada Day, here are some interesting facts about the day’s history as well as the country it celebrates.

· Canada Day celebrates the British North America Act, which united three colonies into a single country known as Canada.

· In 1879, a federal law was passed to make July 1 a statutory holiday, which would be called Dominion Day. On June 20, 1868, Governor General the Viscount Monck issued a royal proclamation asking for Canadians to “celebrate the anniversary of the confederation.”

· Even though it was an official holiday, excitement around Canada Day, and the large celebrations known today, didn’t begin until the 50th and 60th anniversaries of the holiday. On the 100th anniversary of Confederation, Queen Elizabeth II attended Canada Day celebrations.

· Dominion Day didn’t translate well into French, and that difficulty served as a catalyst to change the name of the day. Many Canadians had already referred to Dominion Day as Canada Day prior to the official change.

· According to Reader’s Digest, most Canadians are known for their politeness, and 86 percent believe they live in the best country in the world.

· The beaver is Canada’s national animal, and it was once proposed that a beaver appear on the redesigned Canadian flag.

· Estimates suggest there are more than two million Canadian diaspora around the world.

· 2017, marked the 150th anniversary, known as the sesquicentennial, was met with much fanfare and special events, including a commemorative postage stamp. While Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t in attendance, her son Prince Charles and his wife, the Dutchess of Cornwall, attended the national celebration.

· Parliament Hill in Ottawa has been the central point for Canada Day celebrations for nearly a decade.

Canada Day continues to be a point of pride and celebration for citizens of Canada.

Compliments of MetroCreative. TF197089 & TF187164 First published June 24, 2019. Last updated or republished July 1, 2020.

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