Canada is having her 141st birthday on July 1st. Known today as Canada Day, it is celebrated in grand style, with Canadian flags waving proudly throughout the country.

WHY IS JULY 1ST CONSIDERED CANADA'S BIRTHDAY?

It is the anniversary of Canadian Confederation in 1867, the day considered Canada's birth as a nation-the date that Canada became a kingdom of its own.

WHAT WAS THE CANADIAN CONFEDERATION?

The British colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec became a federation of four provinces. Unlike America's Independence Day, celebrated on July 4th, it does not mark a clear-cut break of complete independence from Britain-but it was an incredible milestone instrumental in future freedom accomplishments for Canada.

WHAT DO SIR JOHN A MACDONALD AND GEORGE WASHINGTON HAVE IN COMMON?

Both are considered the Fathers of the countries they pledged allegiance to and died in. While Washington was the very first American President, Macdonald became the first Prime Minister of Canada on July 1, 1867.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERNCE BETWEEN DOMINION DAY AND CANADA DAY?

Canada's birthday was known as Dominion Day until October 27, 1982, when the name was officially changed to Canada Day. Many Canadians had already informally been referring to the day as that years before the name was legally changed.

IS IT A FEDERAL STATUTORY HOLIDAY?

Yes, most businesses and all government agencies close on Canada Day. If it falls on a Saturday or Sunday, businesses close the following Monday in observation.

WHY DID IT TAKE SO LONG FOR THE HOLIDAY TO BE ESTABLISHED STATUTORILY?

Well, for one, the British Parliament kept limited rights of political control over the new country at first. Their control was shed in stages, and the last vestiges weren't ended until 1982. Then the Constitution Act patriated the Canadian Constitution. Another reason for the delay is because Canadians thought themselves to be primarily British, being less interested in celebrating distinctly Canadian forms of patriotism. Even though Dominion Day was established statutorily in 1989, the holiday was not dominant in the national calendar until the 20th century.

WHEN DID OFFICIAL CELEBRATIONS BEGIN?

On July 1, 1917 (the golden anniversary of the Confederation) the first offical celebration was held. Then it was not celebrated again for another decade. It was in 1958 that the Canadian government began to orchestrate Dominion Day celebrations on a regular

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about A brief history of Canada Day?
We want to hear your view. Write now!