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PageHISTORY OF CANADA DAY
Governor General, Lord Monck, issued a proclamation on June 20, 1868, inviting all Her Majesty's subjects living in Canada to join in the celebrations to be held. These celebrations were in honour of the Anniversary of the formation of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada on 1 July 1868. These provinces combined made up the Dominion of Canada.
Royal Assent was given to "An Act to make the first day of July a Public Holiday by the name of Dominion Day" on May 15, 1879.
On 1 July 1917, Canada celebrated it 50th Anniversary of Confederation. The Governor General, the Duke of Devonshire on June 16, 1917, issued a proclamation appointing Monday the 2 July, 1917 as the day for special celebrations of the golden anniversary of Confederation. During these ceremonies the new Centre Block of the Parliament Buildings, under construction, was dedicated as a memorial to the Fathers of Confederation and to the valour of Canadians fighting in the First World War in Europe.
The Diamond Jubilee of Confederation Act was given Royal Assent on 18 February 1927. This Act was passed enabling a National Committee to be formed comprising of delegates from each of the provinces. The Committee, called the Corporation comprised about seventy persons including the Governor General and his wife, the lieutenant governors of the provinces, the Prime Minister of Canada and seven members of the Cabinet. The Corporation was tasked with making arrangements in co-operation with the provinces for an effective celebration of Canada's sixtieth anniversary. The Corporation received a grant of $250,000.00, which they were to administer and distribute accordingly. The National Committee organised the celebration, which began in Ottawa at 11:00 Am., Friday 1 July, 1927. The highlight of the celebration was the laying of the cornerstone by the Governor General of the Confederation Building at the corner of Bank and Wellington Streets, and the inauguration of the Carillon in the Peace Tower and the planting of Confederation maple trees on Parliament Hill. The Celebrations continued in the afternoon, with addresses being given by the Governor General, the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition and descendants of fathers of Confederation interspersed with public singing lead by a centenary choir and schoolchildren. In the evening a dinner was given by the National Committee which was preceded by a historical pageant parade.
The Secretary of State of Canada has been in charge of co-ordinating and arrangements for Canada Day celebrations since 1958. The format of these celebrations remained the same until 1968. The format provided for a Trooping the Colours ceremony on the lawn of Parliament Hill in the afternoon, a sunset ceremony in the evening followed by a mass band concert and fireworks display. In 1968 the celebrations changed with the addition of multicultural and professional concerts held on Parliament Hill including a nationally televised show. Up until 1975, the focus of the celebrations, under the name "Festival Canada", was held in the National Capital Region during the whole month of July and involved numerous cultural, artistic and sport activities, as well as municipalities and voluntary organisations. The celebration was cancelled in 1976 but was reactivated in 1977.
In 1980 whereby the National Committee (the federal government organisation charged with planning Canada's Birthday celebrations) stressed and sponsored the development of local celebrations all across Canada. Hundreds of local communities headed by volunteer groups where asked to promote popular and amateur activities within their own areas to celebrate Canada Day. In 1981 the Committee added fireworks display in 15 major cities across the nation as part of their celebration.
On October 27, 1982, July 1st, which was known as "Dominion Day" formally, became "Canada Day". For many persons, especially those advancing in years this was a sad occasion. They could not see any reason why the name "Dominion Day" which it had been called since the beginning of Confederation had to be replaced. Many readily accepted and approved of the name change because Canada had proved itself a prosperous and independent nation.
Canada Day Committees have been established in each province and territory since 1985. Each Committee is now responsible for the organisation and co-ordination of local celebrations. Every year grants and provided to these Committees to help with the expense of their celebrations.
Canada Day Activities
Canada Day is considered to be a family day with many of the activities planned geared towards children. Many communities hold parades, which usually end at the central point where the activities take place. Normally this is a park or open area where families can relax, enjoy a picnic lunch, participate in the activities and listen to various local bands or watch local performers as they entertain the crowds. At the end of the day, the highlight for most is the dazzling array of fireworks as they light up the sky with wonder and beauty.
On this day, no matter where you look, there is an abundance of Canadian Flags. Most business as well as many homeowners display Canada's Flag or balloons of red and white in prominent places. You can look around and see a great variety of people dressed in Canada's colours. If you take an even closer look you will notice that many also have paintings of the flag on their faces or just plane paint their faces red and white.
Canada Day is a time of great pride and joy for Canadians. It is a time to reflect on all the accomplishments we as a Nation undivided have achieved. Even though Canada is still considered a fairly new National at the age of 132, our name brings respect from other nations world wide. As Canadians we are extremely fortunate to live not only in the most beautiful country but one who is known for its tolerance and peacekeeping abilities.
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