Concerts, speeches and fireworks: Canada celebrated from coast to coast

The Maple Leaf flies from streetlights, flagpoles and patios across the country as cities from coast to coast welcome thousands of people for Canada Day.

Under a cloudless July sky, thousands of people dressed in red and white flocked to LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa for the nation’s capital’s annual Canada Day celebrations.

People were in high spirits as they strolled along Wellington Street to the celebration site, passing through airport-style security checks and portable toilets without incident. The sun was blazing by the time the noon kick-off sounded, and many ducked under umbrellas they had brought for shade.

Algonquin Elder Claudette Commanda opened the show with an Indigenous reflection. With a small wooden canoe on stage beside her, Commanda spoke of its importance to Indigenous peoples. Using the canoe as a symbol of hope and healing, she said Indigenous and Canadian children will journey together.

Learn from the past, appreciate the present and honor the future, because the future belongs to the children. Together, let us walk in peace and friendship.

Canadian Heritage Minister Pascale St-Onge and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland also spoke. The latter was met with loud cheers when she said it was time to put aside our national modesty and to declare that Canada is the best country in the world.

Most importantly, our country is a country of good and kind people.

Freeland was there to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who greeted participants in a video message while attending events in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

There was a surprise effect in the crowd when Ms. Freeland introduced the Liberal leader and he appeared on a screen rather than in person.

The Prime Minister was attending a ceremony marking the 100th anniversary of the Newfoundland War Memorial and the burial of a First World War soldier.

In Montreal, the traditional parade has been cancelled, but events will still take place in the Old Port.

At 1:30 p.m., the celebrations began with the 21-gun salute to mark Canada’s birthday. A citizenship swearing-in ceremony for new Canadians followed at 2:00 p.m.

In the evening, DJ Hools will provide musical entertainment at 8 p.m., followed by fireworks at 10 p.m.

A place where life is good

Au Thomson Memorial ParkIn Toronto, blue skies and sunny weather greeted hundreds of revelers dressed in red and white, many waving small Canadian flags. Families held picnics and children played on bouncy castles.

Honestly, [la fête du Canada] didn’t mean much to me until I had my own family, and now it means a lot moresaid Darren Yeh, who has been attending the Toronto festivities for five or six years.

I am very fortunate to travel around the world. I have seen other places and Canada is a great place to live.

Eight-year-old Diya Patel said Canada was a beautiful place. It’s fun to have friends, learn new things and explore lots of new thingsshe said.

Bhuwan Ghimire, who immigrated to Canada from Nepal in 2015, said he hopes all Canadians will try to get along and working with each other rather than against each other.

Let’s make this country a better placedid he declare.

Colorful performances

In Ottawa, the national celebration included performances by Bedouin Soundclash and Montreal artist Marie-Mai. Downtown Ottawa residents also enjoyed a special flypast in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Royal Canadian Air Force, featuring the Royal Canadian Air Force Aerobatic Team. Snowbirds.

This year’s anniversary airshow in Ottawa features a range of aircraft from the Second World War, as well as planes and helicopters that the Air Force flies today.

People will also get a glimpse into the future of the Royal Canadian Air Force, thanks to the U.S. Navy, which has flown several of its own aircraft, including a P-8 Poseidon surveillance plane. Canada signed a $4.3-billion deal to buy a fleet of P-8s last November, and they are expected to arrive in 2026.

On Parliament Hill, where major ceremonies were held in years before the COVID-19 pandemic, the Air Force Pipes and Drums Band and Air Cadet Bands were scheduled to perform throughout the day, and the Air Force Parachute Team SkyHawks should pass by this afternoon.

Athletes who will represent Team Canada at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Paris this summer will also participate in events at Parc des Plaines-LeBreton.