Happy Canada Day!
There’s a long history behind Canada Day (including some not so nice parts that should be learnt from), but today it’s celebrated with barbecues, fireworks, drinks, friends, family, and a joyous sense of community.
Here’s how we got to July 1, 2024:
History
Unlike our neighbors to the south, we didn’t have to go through a bloody war in order to gain our Independence Day (starring Will Smith – oh wait). Nah, in true Canadian fashion we just sorta, y’know…asked nicely and waited.
Well, kinda – in truth it took a few decades from the time Canada was recognized as a single dominion to gaining legal autonomy apart from the British Empire.
But you’re not here for a history lesson you already slept through in highschool, so here are the bullet points.
July 1, 1867: The British North America. (Nowadays, this act is called the “Constitution Act, 1867”)
With fear of attacks from the South (War of 1812 anyone? Fascinating stuff), and economic issues from territorial expansion with the English and French colonists struggling to get along (a totally unfamiliar concept now…oh hi Quebec), plus Great Britain finding governing and financing all its distant colonies expensive and burdensome (maybe don’t have any kids and then you won’t be complaining about sending them all to college Britain, how ‘bout that), it was decided that certain colonies would become something else to take the stress off of Britain’s purse.
Great Britain united three of its colonies: Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, into the Dominion of Canada in 1867 (not consulting the Indigenous Canadians, nor inviting them to participate in the confederation…side eye).
As a British dominion, these newly united provinces were no longer a colony and were free to act as its own country with its own laws and parliament while also gaining financial independence and responsibility to defend itself. A British governor-general was present to represent British interests in Canada, essentially filling the role of the sovereign.
In 1870, most of the land the UK had in North America was transferred to Canada.
Let the Celebrations Begin!
June 20, 1868: Issued by governor general Lord Monck, a proclamation calls upon “all Her Majesty Queen Victoria’s subjects throughout Canada” to celebrate July 1st as the formation of the Dominion.
This proclamation would later become a federal law in 1879, making the “anniversary of Confederation” a statutory holiday. Although the name later changed to “Dominion Day” – a much smaller mouthful.
During World War I, Dominion Day was celebrated by overseas Canadian soldiers stationed in the UK, with “log-rolling exhibitions and baseball games, asserting rugged Canadian masculinity.”
July 1, 1917: The 50th anniversary of Confederation. The Parliament buildings (which were under construction) are dedicated to the Fathers of Confederation and to the courage of Canadians who fought in Europe during World War I.
October 27, 1982: “Dominion Day” officially becomes Canada Day. 1982 was also the year that Canada became a fully independent country, with its own constitution.
Between 1958 and 1968 the government organized yearly celebrations for the national holiday. Typically including a flag ceremony in the afternoon on Parliament hill, a sunset ceremony in the evening, followed by a concert of “military music and fireworks.”
It’s starting to look familiar, with future celebrations including big anniversaries like 1967, which included the participation of Queen Elizabeth II, televised broadcasts of the concert, as well as “cultural, artistic, and sport activities” which involved the participation of many municipalities and volunteer organizations.
In 1981 fireworks became the annual tradition in 15 major Canadian cities – a tradition that has since spread to most cities across the country every July 1.
Finally, on October 27, 1982 “Dominion Day” was officially named “Canada Day.”
2017 marked the 150th Anniversary of Confederation and was attended on Parliament Hill by the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall.
Today, we celebrate July 1st with everything from barbecues, to party streamers, drinks, dancing, loud music, glow sticks, neon lights, glitter – and lots and LOTS of our red and white maple leaf flag.
Happy Canada Day everyone! Remember:
Don’t add to the population
Don’t subtract from the population.
Don’t end up in the hospital, the newspaper, or jail.
If you do end up in jail, establish dominance quickly.