Canada Day

Canada Day History

Canada Day celebrates the birth of the nation and the achievements of its people. It is a time for Canadians to come together, to recognize their shared values, and to embrace their diverse heritage. Commemorations are held across the country, with people of all ages and backgrounds participating in festivities ranging from parades to fireworks displays, from concerts to community gatherings.

The story of Canada Day begins on July 1st, 1867, when the British North America Act united the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada into a single, self-governing entity called the Dominion of Canada. Today, the holiday holds particular significance for those in the United Kingdom, as it serves as a reminder of the enduring bond between these two countries. As fellow members of the Commonwealth, the UK and Canada have enjoyed a long and fruitful relationship, which is reflected in their mutual love and respect for one another's culture, values, and traditions.

Although Canada Day is predominantly celebrated in Canada itself, British citizens can pay homage to our shared history with our Canadian friends by participating in their own way. In recent years, restaurants and pubs in the United Kingdom have embraced the day by serving special Canadian-themed dishes and drinks. The Maple Leaf, a popular Canadian pub in Covent Garden, London, is one such establishment, where patrons can indulge in poutine, Caesars, and other Canadian delights while toasting our Canadian cousins. Other events, such as Canadian film screenings at cinemas, can also be found in various cities across the UK on or around Canada Day, which is held annually on July 1st.

Top facts about Canada Day

• Although the Dominion of Canada began with 4 provinces (Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia), it rapidly expanded in the years following Confederation. Manitoba and the Northwest Territories (NWT) joined in 1870, British Columbia in 1871, Prince Edward Island in 1873, the Arctic Islands joined the NWT in 1880, the Yukon in 1898, Alberta and Saskatchewan in 1905, and Newfoundland and Labrador in 1949. Finally, in 1999, the NWT were split in order to create the new territory of Nunavut.
• The Fathers of Confederation are the 36 men who represented British colonies at one or more of the Charlottetown, Quebec and London Conferences, and are regarded as the framers of the Canadian Constitution, leading the country to independence.
• Even after 1931, the British Parliament retained the power to amend Canada's constitution. It was not until the Canada Act of 1982, also known as the patriation of the constitution, that Canada finally got a fully separate legal system from Britain.
• The unification of Canada under one dominion helped serve as a model for consolidating the British Empire and combining the interests of diverse populations.
• The Statute of Westminster granted Canada and other British Dominions full legal autonomy, allowing them to make and amend their own laws without needing approval from the United Kingdom.

In the News and Trending in the UK for Canada Day

Top things to do for Canada Day in the UK

• Be sure to wear red and white and decorate yourself with as many maple leaves as possible.
• Most communities in Canada host a fireworks show to celebrate Canada Day. The largest displays are usually in larger cities like Ottawa, Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
• Canada Day is a great opportunity to explore the country's rich cultural heritage. Many of Canada's historic sites and national parks have special events to mark the holiday.
• Watch Canada: The Story of Us (2017). A 10-part documentary series that covers Canadian history from the early days of indigenous peoples to modern times. The series touches on key events and people who shaped Canada's independence, such as the War of 1812, Confederation, and the Canadian Pacific Railway.
• An organization called Canada Day UK (www.canadadayuk.co.uk) has previously organized events for Canada Day celebrations across the United Kingdom, partnering with Canadian businesses and sponsors.