Each year on July 1, we as Canadians celebrate the historical and cultural relevance of our country on Canada Day.
To commemorate the celebration of Canada Day, here are some interesting facts about the day’s history as well as the country that we celebrate.
• Canada Day celebrates the British North America Act, which united three colonies into a single country known as Canada.
• In 1879, a federal law was passed to make July 1 a statutory holiday, which would be called Dominion Day. On June 20, 1868, Governor General the Viscount Monck issued a royal proclamation asking for Canadians to “celebrate the anniversary of the confederation.”
• Even though it was an official holiday, excitement around Canada Day, and the large celebrations known today, didn’t begin until the 50th and 60th anniversaries of the holiday. On the 100th anniversary of Confederation, Queen Elizabeth II attended Canada Day celebrations.
• Dominion Day didn’t translate well into French, and that difficulty served as a catalyst to change the name of the day. Many Canadians had already referred to Dominion Day as Canada Day prior to the official change.
• According to Reader’s Digest, most Canadians are known for their politeness, and 86 percent of us believe we live in the best country in the world.
• The beaver is Canada’s national animal, and it was once proposed that a beaver appear on the redesigned Canadian flag.
• 2020 marks the 153rd celebration of Canada Day. In 2017, the 150th anniversary, known as the sesquicentennial, was met with much fanfare and special events, including a commemorative postage stamp. While Queen Elizabeth II wasn’t in attendance, her son Prince Charles and his wife, the Dutchess of Cornwall, attended the national celebration.
• Parliament Hill in Ottawa has been the central point for Canada Day celebrations for nearly a decade.
• Canada Day 2020 celebrations will be especially poignant for residents as our country marks this special day in new and unique ways while practicing social distancing requirements due to COVID-19.
~ Source: Metro Creative