by Rainier Wong

Created on: June 26, 2008   Last Updated: December 21, 2010

Canada Day is Canada's national holiday which is celebrated on the first of July each year. Here are some interesting facts about Canada Day:

1. Canada is a day to commemorate the founding of modern Canada which resulted from the union of the Province of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick on July 1, 1867. On the very same day, the Province of Canada was subdivided into the province of Ontario, and Quebec. The union was also known as the confederation. On June 20, 1868, Governor General Lord Monck issued a royal proclamation on behalf of Queen Victoria asking Canadians to celebrate the anniversary of the confederation.

2. Canada was known as officially as Dominion Day until October 27, 1982. This was because Canada was known officially as the Dominion of Canada. However, many ordinary Canadians have considered it as Canada Day in their hearts before the official name change. The move to change the celebrations name to its present name was greatly inspired by the Canada Act.

3. Canada celebrated its centennial in 1967. Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Canada, attended the ceremony. Her majesty also attended the celebrations in 1990,1992, and 1997.

4. In 1916, a memorial service was held on Canada Day for the Newfoundland regiment which was virtually wiped out at Beaumont-Hamel, France during the first world war.

5. In 1917, Canada celebrated its Golden anniversary on Canada Day. However, there were no official celebrations until 1958.

6. Cross-country television transmission by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation began on Canada Day in 1958.

6. 10 villages in Ontario were flooded on Canada Day in 1958 for the St Lawrence Seaway. The villages are now known as the lost villages.

7. Color television was first introduced to Canada on Canada Day in 1967.

8. The Order of Canada, the highest civilian honor was inaugurated on Canada Day in 1968.

9. "O Canada" became the official national anthem of Canada on Canada day in 1980.

10. Canada Day is not only celebrated in Canada, but all over the world as well especially by Canadian commmunities.

11. Originally, the official celebration of Canada Day was held only in Ottawa. However from 1980 onwards, the special day for Canada has been celebrated in every municipality across the nation. The celebration includes multi-cultural concerts, fireworks, parades, air shows, maritime shows, and barbecue.

12. Some immigrants become new citizens of Canada on Canada Day.

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