Every year on July 1st, Canadians celebrate Canada Day. The holiday commemorates the enactment of the Constitution Act of 1867, an act that united the three separate colonies of the Province of Canada (now Ontario and Quebec), Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick into a single dominion within the British Empire called Canada. Although it was still a British colony, the Dominion of Canada (as it was called) would continue to gain independence and an increased level of political control and governance of its own affairs. The passing of the Constitution Act in 1982 made Canada completely independent of Britain and fully patriated the Canadian Constitution.
This year, Canada is turning 150 years old since the passing of the Constitution Act. Many events have been scheduled throughout Canada’s provinces. Similar to America’s Independence Day, Canadians will celebrate Canada Day with festivities such as parades, cookouts, and fireworks throughout the long weekend. Since 2017 marks the 150th anniversary of Canada’s independence, the festivities will be something special this year.
On behalf of our IUPAT members in the United States, we would like to wish our Canadian brothers and sisters a happy Canada Day! Congratulations on your 150th Anniversary of being an independent nation.