Canada Day in Canada

Why Canada marks July 1

The British North America Act created the Dominion of Canada on July 1, 1867. The four founding provinces were Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick; the former Province of Canada was divided into Ontario and Quebec. Canada Day recalls that founding, while also serving as a day for people to reflect on Canadian identity, culture and community.[2][3]

The Governor General called on people across Canada to mark the anniversary in 1868. A federal law made July 1 a public holiday in 1879 under the name Dominion Day. The name Canada Day became official in 1982.[1]

A national day with local celebrations

Canada Day is marked through ceremonies, live shows, music and fireworks in the capital and communities across the country. Federal celebrations have included flag ceremonies, concerts and fireworks, while government-supported local events have involved community groups and municipalities. Programs differ by place, so local organizers provide the details for their own events.[1][4]

The day is also part of a wider run of early-summer celebrations that recognize Canada’s regional, linguistic and cultural diversity. Canadian Heritage describes July 1 as an opportunity to gather with the community and share what people are proud of as Canadians. The way people celebrate is not uniform: events and activities depend on local communities and organizers.[5]

Who gets a statutory day off

For employees of federally regulated employers, Canada Day is one of 10 general holidays under the Canada Labour Code. Covered workplaces include banks, air transportation, railways crossing provincial or international borders, telecommunications and the federal public service. The Code does not prohibit working on the holiday; eligible employees who work generally receive holiday pay and at least 1.5 times their regular rate for hours worked, subject to the rules for their situation.[6][7]

Many other employees fall under the employment standards of their province or territory, which set their own holiday entitlements. If July 1 falls on a Saturday or Sunday and is not a scheduled workday, the federal rules provide a paid holiday on the scheduled workday immediately before or after it. That does not mean the substitute day is always Monday; check the rules that apply to your job.[6][7]

What to expect for services and travel

The holiday does not require every workplace or service to close. Federal rules allow some employees to work, and opening arrangements depend on the business and the applicable local rules. Check directly with a bank, shop, restaurant or attraction before travelling, and consult your local transit agency for its holiday schedule. Federal and provincial government services can also have different schedules.[6][7]