Summary
- Over the years, the government of Canada has taken many steps to represent a broader national identity, an identity that can represent different languages and cultures.
- Canada Day used to be called Dominion Day until 1982.
- The change of name from ‘Dominion Day’ to ‘Canada Day’ was also part of this broader process. It was similar to the adoption of a new maple leaf flag in 1965 and the formal adoption of ‘O Canada’ as the national anthem in 1980.
- Canada has made a deliberate attempt to carve out a Canadian multicultural identity – a different identity from the white, British one.
- Canada Day is a perfect opportunity to reiterate our commitment to multiculturalism. One of the core characteristics of multiculturalism is that you can maintain your identity and take pride in your ancestral roots while, at the same time, having a sense of belonging to Canada.
The Origins of Canada Day
Canadians take pride in their history and culture, and Canada Day has its own significance in this regard. For 157 years, Canadians have been celebrating July 1st – the date when Canada was created through the British North America Act in 1867.
In 1868, then Governor General Lord Monck signed a proclamation that requested Her Majesty Queen Victoria’s subjects across Canada to celebrate July 1 as the ‘anniversary of Confederation’.
Later, in 1879, the ‘anniversary of Confederation’ day became ‘Dominion Day’. Then after over 100 years, on October 27, 1982, it officially became Canada Day.
Relevance in Contemporary Canadian Society
Over the years, July 1st celebrations have evolved in a number of ways. One of the earliest and biggest celebrations was organised by the Canadian government in 1917 on the 50th anniversary.
While the 100th anniversary in 1967 was another higher-profile ceremony in which Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II also participated as a special guest.
Over the years, the role of the government increased in July 1st celebrations. The use of fireworks was also added in the official celebrations. Since 1981, major fireworks have been organised in 15 major cities with the government support.
Today, Canada Day is celebrated from coast to coast to coast. Over the years, the government of Canada has taken many steps to represent a broader national identity, an identity that can represent different cultures and languages.
The change of name to ‘Canada Day’ from ‘Dominion Day’ was also part of this broader process. It was similar to the adoption of a new maple leaf flag in 1965 and the formal adoption of ‘O Canada’ as the national anthem in 1980.
Over the years, a deliberate attempt has been made by the government of Canada to carve out a Canadian multicultural identity and a bilingual country, which is different from the white British one.
How Does Canada Day Unite All Canadians?
Today, Canada Day unites Canadians like never before. Canada is one of the most diverse nations in the world, and it is also represented on Canada Day as Canadians who have come from all continents proudly wave the national flag of Canada.
Canada was the first country that adopted multiculturalism as an official policy in 1971. By 1988, multiculturalism in Canada was further consolidated by law through the Canadian Multicultural Act, 1988.
This means that the law of the land protects everyone no matter which part of the world you came from. Therefore, the values of human rights, mutual respect and inclusion will guide the government of Canada so that all citizens are treated equally without any bias.
Canada Day is a perfect opportunity to reiterate our commitment to multiculturalism. One of the core characteristics of multiculturalism is that you can maintain your identity and take pride in your ancestral roots while, at the same time, having a sense of belonging to Canada.
Today, Canada is strong because of its open society. A society that encourages its citizens to accept each other and learn from each other can provide equal opportunities to its citizens. A society that welcomes talent and creativity is more prone to new innovations and scientific developments.
Conclusion
There has been a noticeable rise in nationalism over the last few months in Canada. One of the main reasons was the continuous attacks from Donald Trump, who wanted to make Canada the 51st state of the US.
This will be the first Canada Day after all those political frictions with the US. Canadians have already made it very clear that they are proud Canadians and will always stand guard over the sovereignty of their beloved homeland.
Canada is a perfect example of unity in diversity, and Canada Day is that perfect occasion that unites all Canadians under the maple leaf. Cheers to a nation that celebrates unity in diversity. Happy Canada Day!
