10 Fun Facts About Canada Day
The Canada Day long weekend is finally here . With the fireworks scheduled tonight, hamburgers on the grill and cold drinks in the cooler, there is so much to love about our national holiday.
Although most Canadians celebrate the national holiday in one way or another, many are not aware of the historical significance. Here are some interesting factoids that you can use to impress your neighbors.
Were you aware that...
- The name Canada derives from an Iroquoian word for "village," kanata, that French explorers heard used to refer to the area near present-day Quebec City.
- On June 20, 1868, Governor General the Viscount Monck issued a royal proclamation asking for Canadians to “celebrate the anniversary of the confederation.
- This holiday was given the statutory value on 1879 and was designated as the Dominion Day.
- Canada was known as officially as Dominion Day until October 27, 1982. However, many ordinary Canadians have considered it as Canada Day long before the official name change.
- The move to change the celebrations name to its present name was greatly inspired by the Canada Act.
- Cross-country television transmission by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation began on Canada Day in 1958 while Color television was first introduced in Canada nine years later on Canada Day in 1967
- The year 2011 marks the 144rd celebration of Canada Day which commemorates the day that Canada became a nation.
- On July 1st, 1923, the Canadian government enacted the Chinese Immigration Act, stopping all immigration from China. Chinese-Canadians began to refer to July 1 as Humiliation Day and refused to participate in Dominion Day celebrations, until the act was repealed in 1947.
- Some famous people born on Canada day: Pamela Anderson, Dan Akroyd, Lady Diana the Princess of Wales, Missy Elliott, Jamie Farr, Rod Gilbert, Debbie Harry, Olivia de Havilland, Estee Lauder, Carl Lewis, Sydney Pollack, Alan Ruck, Liv Tyler.
- Canada Day kicks off, what Canadians call, “those two months before winter starts”
Have happy and safe Canada Day holiday from all of us here at Comfort Life!
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