PM Trudeau Wishes Everyone Happy Canada Day
Today (July 1), we all Canadians celebrate Canada day. Prime Minister Trudeau shared his message for all Canadians Coast-To-Coast.
“Today is an opportunity for us all to recommit ourselves to the value that the Maple Leaf represents. Because our flag is more than a symbol, It’s also a promise — a promise of opportunity, a promise of safety for those fleeing violence and war, and a promise of a better life. No matter what our faith is, where we were born, what colour our skin is, what language we speak or whom we love, we are all equal members of this great country. And today we celebrate the place we all call home.”
– Prime Minister Justin P.J. Trudeau
History of Canada Day
Canada Day is celebrated July 1st of every year and is informally referred to as “Canada’s birthday.” However, Canada day is celebrated as anniversary of Canada’s full sovereignty. History dates back to July 1, 1867 with formation of Canadian confederation under the British North America Act of 1867.
This act resulted in Federal Dominion of Canada with joining of Canada colonies (Ontario & Quebec) with Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. The enactment of British North America Act on July 1, 1867 was celebrated with the ringing of the bells at the Cathedral Church of St. James in Toronto. And “bonfires, fireworks and illuminations, excursions, military displays and musical and other entertainments”
July 1 was then celebrated every year as anniversary of Canadian confederation. However, July 1 was named as “The Dominion Day” on May 15, 1879 and established as statutory holiday, but it was not dominant in the national calendar.
In 1946, Philéas Côté, introduced a private member’s bill in the House of Commons to rename Dominion Day as Canada Day. However, Senate returned the bill with recommendation to rename it as The National Holiday of Canada. As a result bill was not passed.
On July 9, 1982 the holiday was officially renamed after a private member’s bill was passed 2 years after its first reading. Followed by which Senate showed strong resistance, but eventually bill was passed. As a result, on October 27, 1982 holiday was officially named as The Canada Day after the granting of Royal Assent.
Year 1867 – Canada got independence from Britain.
Year 1879 – Federal law made July 1 as a statutory holiday, later named as Dominion Day.
October 27, 1982 – Dominion day officially became Canada Day
2017 – Canada celebrated 150 years of independence.
