Every year on July 1st, Canadians celebrate Canada Day, which is immensely important to their culture, history, and country. This holiday, which was formerly known as Dominion Day, honors the anniversary of Canada’s confederation, which occurred in 1867 when the British North America Act went into force, combining three provinces into one nation within the British Empire that was named Canada.
What Is Canada Day?
Canada Day, or Fête du Canada in French, was formerly known as “Dominion Day.” It is the national holiday of Canada and marks the union of the three British colonies in North America into one confederation: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the Province of Canada, which included portions of present-day Ontario, Quebec, and Labrador.
The Creation of Canada Day
- On July 1, 1867, the British North America Act (today known as the Constitution Act of 1867) created Canada, formally joining several colonies into a single, unified, semi-independent Dominion of Canada. Essentially, Canada became a self-governing dominion within the British Empire.
- As the “anniversary of Confederation,” July 1 was designated as a statutory holiday (a public holiday by law) in 1879 by a federal statute. This event would later be known as “Dominion Day.”
- “Dominion Day” was formally renamed as “Canada Day” on October 27, 1982. In addition, 1982 saw the patriation of the Canadian Constitution, which formally abolished all UK jurisdiction and marked the last stage towards full Canadian sovereignty as an independent nation. Many people believed that the term “Dominion Day” was reminiscent of the colonial past.
When is Canada Day?
Canada Day is observed on July 1st every year as a federal statutory holiday. Public employees are off on this day. The statutory holiday is July 2 if this holiday falls on a Sunday. July 1st celebrations will still frequently occur. Additionally, some businesses will give their workers Monday off if the holiday occurs on a Saturday.
Canada Day Celebrations
Many Americans inquire as to whether Canada Day and American Independence Day are comparable. They are comparable in that they both have to do with being independent of the United Kingdom. Canada Day, however, just represents one—but an extremely significant—step closer to complete freedom for the country. With the adoption of the Statute of Westminster in 1931 and the final approval of the Constitution Act in 1982, Canada eventually achieved full sovereignty, but it took many more years.
Canada Day is extensively observed, much like the Fourth of July, with fireworks, musical performances, barbecues, patriotic parades, and joyous festivals. All across Canada, the Canadian flag is flown at half mast. The national colors of Canada, red and white, are painted on a lot of faces. Citizenship ceremonies are held frequently as well.
The biggest Canada Day celebrations take place in front of the parliament building in Ottawa, the nation’s capital. View the schedule of events on Canada Day in Ottawa.
Canada Day Trivia
- On July 1, 1867, John A. MacDonald was sworn in as Canada’s first prime minister. Since 2015, Justin Trudeau has been the prime minister of Canada.
- Expo 67, the World’s Fair, was held in Montreal in 1967 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Confederation. The century’s most prosperous World’s Fair was this one.
- On July 1, 1980, “O Canada” was adopted as the official national anthem of Canada. (The lyrics are underneath.) The song was originally composed in French and debuted in Quebec City on June 24, 1880, one hundred years ago.
- Canada commemorated its 150th anniversary on July 1, 2017.
Aim to join in the Canada Day song? The national song of Canada, “O Canada,” has the following lyrics:
O Canada! Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all of us command.
With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North, strong and free!
From far and wide, O Canada,
We stand on guard for thee.
God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.
–from Robert Stanley Weir’s original “O Canada” (1856–1926)
