canada day
With the 1982 passage of the Canada Act, its name was officially changed to Canada Day. [1]
Canada Day is a federal holiday on July 1 to mark the anniversary of the date that Canada became a self-governing country. [2]
Our research and passion for Canadians has made us the number 1 resource for everything Canada Day. [3]
Before 1982 Canada Day had been known as Dominion Day, First of July, Confederation Day, and July the First. [4]
A new formula was developed in 1980 whereby the National Committee (the federal government organization charged with planning Canada’s Birthday celebrations) stressed and sponsored the development of local celebrations all across Canada. [5]
July 1, observed in Canada in commemoration of the formation of the Dominion in 1867. [1]
Canada will celebrate it’s 144th year since Confederation. [4]
On June 20, 1868, a proclamation signed by the Governor General, Lord Monck, called upon all Her Majesty’s loving subjects throughout Canada to join in the celebration of the anniversary of the formation of the union of the British North America provinces in a federation under the name of Canada on July 1. [...] Up until 1975, the focus of the celebrations, under the name “Festival Canada”, was held in the National Capital Region during the whole month of July and involved numerous cultural, artistic and sport activities, as well as municipalities and voluntary organizations. [5]
Canada became a kingdom in its own right on that date, but the British Parliament kept limited rights of political control over the new country that were shed by stages over the years until the last vestiges were surrendered in 1982 when the Constitution Act patriated the Canadian constitution. [6]
The anniversary of this date was called Dominion Day until 1982. [2]
If you would rather plan your own holiday entertainment, than our activities section is for you. [3]
No official celebrations were therefore held until 1917′the golden anniversary of Confederation’and then none again for a further decade. [6]
The celebrations often have a patriotic mood. [2]
Under the federal Holidays Act, Canada Day is observed on July 1 unless that date falls on a Sunday, in which case July 2 is the statutory holiday, although celebratory events generally take place on July 1 even though it is not the legal holiday. [6]
Sources:
[1] Canada Day: Definition from Answers.com
[2] Canada Day in Canada
[3] Canada Day Fireworks, Parade, and Activities for Canada Day 2011
[4] Canada Day
[5] Canadian Heritage - Canada Day
[6] Canada Day - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia