Today when we think of Canada Day we think of a huge birthday party with bands, fireworks, barbecues and parades, but there is a lot more to it than that. Canada Day is about the birth of this country, Canada. While Canada existed prior to July1st 1867 it wasn't until then that the British North America Act was signed creating the Dominion of Canada (an independent Dominion of England).
In June of 1868 then Governor General, Lord Monck, signed a proclamation in celebration of the anniversary of the creation of the federation under the name of Canada.
The next record of a celebration after that first anniversary was in 1917 (the 50th anniversary of confederation) when the Parliament Buildings were dedicated as a memorial to the fathers of confederation and to the valour of Canadians fighting in the First World War. Then in 1927, as part of the Diamond Jubilee of Confederation, a corner stone of the Confederation Building was laid and the inauguration of the Carillon in the Peace Tower took place.
Starting in 1958 Canada's official observance of Dominion Day consisted of a trooping of the colours on the lawn of Parliament Hill in the afternoon and an evening ceremony followed by a mass band concert and fireworks display. This format changed in 1968 with the addition of a nationally televised show that included multicultural and professional concerts on the "Hill"
1980 saw the beginning of local sponsored celebrations across Canada when the National Committee provided " Seed money" to promote popular and amateur activities organized by volunteer groups in hundreds of local communities. 1981 saw celebrations with the addition of fireworks displays in 15 major cities across the nation.
Since 1985, Canada Day Committees are established in each province and territory to plan, organize and coordinate the Canada Day celebrations locally. Grants are provided to those committees.
For information on Canada day celebrations in Ottawa visit Canada Day in Ottawa.
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