Canada Day, formerly Dominion Day, is the national day of Canada. Celebrated annually on July 1st, it commemorates the anniversary of Canadian Confederation. This historic event took place on July 1, 1867, with the enactment of the British North America Act, 1867. This act united the three separate colonies of the United Canadas, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into a single dominion called Canada within the British Empire.
1916: Battle of the Somme and Newfoundland's Memorial Day
July 1st, 1916, marked the first day of the Battle of the Somme, a significant event in World War I. The Newfoundland Regiment suffered heavy losses, leading Newfoundland to recognize July 1st as Memorial Day to commemorate their sacrifice.
1917: 50th Anniversary of Confederation
In 1917, Canada celebrated the 50th anniversary of Confederation with larger national events, marking a significant milestone after years of smaller, local celebrations.
1923: Enactment of the Chinese Immigration Act
On July 1st, 1923, the Canadian government enacted the Chinese Immigration Act, which restricted Chinese immigration to Canada. This day became known as "Humiliation Day" among Chinese-Canadians who protested the discriminatory act.
1927: First National Radio Network Hookup by Canadian National Railway
On Dominion Day in 1927, Canada marked the first national radio network hookup by the Canadian National Railway, a significant milestone in Canadian broadcasting history.
1931: Passage of the Statute of Westminster
The Statute of Westminster passed in 1931, marking a significant step towards increasing Canada's sovereignty by granting greater political control over its affairs.
1946: Attempt to Rename Dominion Day to Canada Day
In 1946, Philéas Côté introduced a bill to rename Dominion Day as Canada Day, which passed in the House of Commons but was stalled by the Senate, effectively killing the bill.
1947: Repeal of the Chinese Immigration Act
After years of protest and advocacy, the Chinese Immigration Act was repealed on July 1st, 1947. This marked a significant victory for the Chinese-Canadian community and a step towards greater equality.
1958: Government-Orchestrated Dominion Day Celebrations
In 1958, the Canadian government began orchestrating Dominion Day celebrations, with Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and Secretary of State Ellen Fairclough organizing events, including a trooping the colour ceremony and fireworks.
1958: Inauguration of CBC's Cross-Country TV Broadcast
On Dominion Day in 1958, the CBC inaugurated its cross-country television broadcast with Governor General Vincent Massey's speech, a major development in Canadian media.
1966: First Colour TV Transmission in Canada
On Dominion Day in 1966, Canada saw its first colour television transmission, representing a technological advancement in the country's broadcasting.
1967: Canada's Centennial and Rise in Popularity of Dominion Day
Canada's centennial in 1967 marked an important milestone in Canadian nationalism, leading to increased popularity for Dominion Day among Canadians.
1967: Inauguration of the Order of Canada
On Dominion Day in 1967, the Order of Canada was inaugurated, establishing a national system of honours to recognize outstanding achievement and service.
1973: Quebec's Moving Day Shifted to July 1st
In 1973, a bill was passed to move Quebec's Moving Day from May 1st to July 1st. Proposed by Jérôme Choquette, a federalist member of the Quebec National Assembly, the change aimed to avoid disrupting the school year.
1980: Government Promotion of Dominion Day Celebrations
In 1980, the Canadian government began promoting Dominion Day celebrations nationwide, providing grants and aid to cities to fund local activities.
1980: Establishment of 'O Canada' as National Anthem
On Dominion Day in 1980, 'O Canada' was officially established as the country's national anthem, strengthening national identity.
July 9, 1982: Passing of the Bill to Rename Dominion Day to Canada Day
On July 9, 1982, a private member's bill to rename Dominion Day to Canada Day passed the House of Commons with only 12 members present, sparking criticism about the process's underhandedness.
October 27, 1982: Royal Assent to Rename Dominion Day to Canada Day
On October 27, 1982, the bill to rename Dominion Day to Canada Day received royal assent, officially changing the holiday's name.
1982: Controversy over Renaming Dominion Day to Canada Day
By the early 1980s, the informal use of 'Canada Day' instead of 'Dominion Day' sparked controversy, with proponents arguing it was a colonial holdover and detractors seeing it as an unnecessary break from tradition.
1982: Passing of the Constitution Act, 1982
In 1982, Canada became fully sovereign with the passing of the Constitution Act, 1982, fully patriating the Canadian constitution and severing legal dependence on the UK Parliament.
1982: Renaming of Dominion Day and Patriation of the Canadian Constitution
In 1982, Dominion Day was renamed to Canada Day, coinciding with the patriation of the Canadian constitution by the Canada Act, 1982, which severed legal dependence on the UK Parliament.
July 1, 1983: First Celebration of Canada Day
The first Canada Day was celebrated on July 1, 1983, marking the official transition from Dominion Day, following the bill's passing in 1982.
2017: Indigenous Peoples' Criticism of Canada's Sesquicentennial
During Canada's 150th anniversary in 2017, there was growing criticism from indigenous communities who felt the celebrations downplayed their historical role and current struggles. They argued that the commemorations glossed over the negative impacts of colonization.
2020: Cancellation of In-Person Canada Day Festivities Due to COVID-19
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, all in-person Canada Day festivities nationwide were canceled, with some events converted to virtual formats.
June 2021: Renewed Calls for Cancellation of Canada Day Celebrations
The discovery of potential unmarked graves of indigenous children at a former residential school in June 2021 reignited calls to cancel Canada Day celebrations. Indigenous groups and allies saw it as inappropriate to celebrate while grappling with the legacy of colonialism and its ongoing impact.
2022: Return of In-Person Canada Day Festivities in Ottawa
In 2022, in-person Canada Day festivities returned to Ottawa, relocated from Parliament Hill to LeBreton Flats due to construction on Parliament Hill.