HAPPY CANADA DAY !

Friday, July 1^st, 2005

Today is a special edition of Ask Doctor English, as we celebrate Canada Day, which is a statutory holiday throughout Canada. In Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada Day is known as Memorial Day.

Canada Day was established by statute in 1879, under the name Dominion Day. It is a celebration of the day in 1867 that the first colonies of British North America entered Confederation and became the Dominion of Canada.

Other names used in the past for Canada Day include: First of July, July the First, Confederation Day, and Dominion Day. On October 27, 1982, July 1^st, then known as "Dominion Day", it was decided by Parliament to become known as "Canada Day".

Canada Day is often celebrated with barbecues, parades, music, and fireworks in the evening. You will also likely hear the Canadian national anthem sung on Canada Day.

O Canada!
Our home and native land!
True patriot love in all thy sons command.

With glowing hearts we see thee rise,
The True North strong and free!

From far and wide,
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

God keep our land glorious and free!
O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

O Canada, we stand on guard for thee.

If you would like more information, please email Doctor English with your questions at drenglish@vec.ca.