Happy Birthday, Canada!

Happy Birthday Canada

On July 1, 1867, Canada became a country with the uniting of Canada East (Quebec), Canada West (Ontario), Nova Scotia and New Brunswick through the enactment of the British North America Act. (1867). The website Canada in the Making gives a good overview of the constitutional history of our country.

Many activities are planned in most communities. It is a beautiful day here in Ontario so the beaches will be busy.

I have no particular plans today. Today is my nephew Matt's birthday. I certainly recall the day of his birth and many of his birthday parties. Happy Birthday, Matt

What I want to reflect on is Canada Day, 1983. (From 1879 to 1982, it had been called Dominion Day.)

In 1983, my parents and I spent Canada Day in Quebec City. My parents were taking me to Trois-Pistoles, Quebec to attend the French Immersion Summer School operated by the University of Western Ontario. I combined my holidays and a leave of absence from the Owen Sound Public Library to attend classes for six weeks. It was my third time to attend. The other two times were in 1968 & 1969 and I had travelled down by train.

Quebec City is one of most favourite places in the world. I remember that the day was filled with lots of activities. We stayed at the Chateau Frontenac. We took a city tour in the morning. The hotel held a special party in the afternoon. Everyone gathered for a parade behind a large cake and walked to the ball room where there were a few speeches, special music and the singing of the National Anthem in the two official languages.

In the evening, boats of different sizes all decorated in lights, paraded along the St. Lawrence River. A fireworks display brought the evening to a close.

Quebec City is celebrating its 400th anniversary this year with many activities planned this week.

Happy Birthday, Canada! Bonne Fête, Canada.