THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY ‘CANADA DAY’

THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY ‘CANADA DAY’ By Joe Ingino What a great time to be Canadian. ‘Canada Day’. One of the best holiday’s next to Christmas and Remembrance day. Canada Day is a day to reflect on what it means to be Canadian, to share what makes us proud and to celebrate in our own way. This pride is reflected in as many ways as there are Canadians. Canada Day highlights the richness of our land, our diversity, our culture, our contributions, but above all, our people. Since 1868, July 1 is an opportunity for Canadians from all communities to come together. Canada Day celebrates the anniversary of Canadian Confederation, which took place on July 1, 1867. On this date, the British North America Act united the three separate colonies of the Province of Canada (now Ontario and Quebec), Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into a single unified country called the Dominion of Canada. The Core Reasons for Celebration Birth of a Nation: The holiday is widely recognized as Canada's birthday, marking the country's first steps toward independence from the British Empire. Cultural Pride: It is a time for Canadians to show pride in their history, diversity, culture, and shared values of inclusion.Community Traditions: The day is marked across the country by community events, parades, concerts, barbecues, and firework displays. Historical Evolution - Dominion Day: From 1879 until 1982, the holiday was officially known as Dominion Day.Full Independence: The name was officially changed to Canada Day in 1982. This coincided with the patriation of the Canadian constitution, which severed the final vestiges of legal dependence on the British Parliament. The celebrations start - July 1, 1917: The 50th anniversary of Confederation. The Parliament buildings, under construction, are dedicated to the Fathers of Confederation and to the courage of Canadians who fought in Europe during the First World War. July 1, 1927: The 60th anniversary of Confederation. The Peace Tower Carillon is inaugurated. The Governor General at the time, Viscount Willingdon, lays the cornerstone of the Confederation Building on Wellington Street. From 1958 to 1968: The government organizes celebrations for Canada's national holiday every year. The Secretary of State of Canada is responsible for coordinating these activities. A typical format includes a flag ceremony in the afternoon on the lawns of Parliament Hill and a sunset ceremony in the evenings, followed by a concert of military music and fireworks. From 1968 to 1979 (with the exception of 1976): A large multicultural celebration is presented on Parliament Hill. This concert is broadcast on television across the country. The main celebrations (called "Festival Canada") are held in Canada’s Capital Region throughout July. These celebrations include many cultural, artistic and sport activities, and involve the participation of various municipalities and volunteer associations. 1984: The National Capital Commission (NCC) is given the mandate to organize Canada Day festivities in the capital. 2010: Festivities on Parliament Hill receive the royal treatment when Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh join the festivities to celebrate Canada's 143rd anniversary. 2014: Canadian Heritage organizes the 147th Canada Day celebrations. As we approach Canada's 150th anniversary in 2017, the government has given the Department the mandate to organize Canada Day festivities in the capital. HAPPY CANADA DAY TO ALL