how old is canada in 2023
Every year, Canadians kick off their summer by commemorating Canada Day on July 1. This holiday signifies the anniversary of Confederation, the pivotal event that gave birth to Canada. It is a nationwide celebration that unites Canadians from all corners of the country. People come together to rejoice in the abundance of wonderful things this nation has to offer. Canada Day 2023 will mark Canada's 156th year of existence.
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how old is canada in 2023
This year, Canada's population will exceed 40 million, and a significant portion of the country's growth can be attributed to international migration. This serves as a testament to Canada's appeal as an attractive destination for newcomers. For those who are new to the country, Canada Day presents a fantastic opportunity to join in the festivities and learn more about their new home.
Before Canada as we know it today, it is fascinating to reflect upon how young the nation is in the grand scheme of history. Merely two centuries ago, the land that now encompasses Canada was a collection of territories referred to as British North America. It consisted of British colonies and a vast expanse known as Rupert's Land, which was largely uninhabited. In the south, the United States had already united and formed its own country, prompting concerns of potential northward expansion. The leaders of that time recognized the advantages of unifying into a single nation rather than facing external threats individually. Figures like Sir John A. Macdonald, George Brown, and Sir George-Étienne Cartier convened to discuss the prospect of a potential union.
After extensive deliberations, four British colonies decided to merge. On July 1, 1867, the colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada (comprising Quebec and Ontario) came together to establish the Dominion of Canada. This significant event is known as Confederation. Each year, we commemorate the anniversary of Confederation, also referred to as "Dominion Day," on July 1st. In 2023, Canada Day will celebrate the 156th anniversary of this historical milestone.
Fun Fact: Canada's official name is still "Dominion of Canada" to this day. However, due to its wordiness, the name is commonly shortened to just Canada.
Although Canada initially comprised only four provinces, additional British colonies chose to join the Dominion of Canada in the years following Confederation. Newfoundland and Labrador became the final province to join Canada in 1949. The addition of Nunavut as a territory in 1999 completed the formation of Canada as we know it today.
The holiday on July 1 wasn't always known as Canada Day. Despite Canada becoming a country in 1867, it did not achieve full autonomy and remained under British rule. While July 1 was officially declared a holiday in 1879, it was not widely celebrated, nor was it referred to as Canada Day at that time. It wasn't until Canada gained complete independence in 1982 that July 1 officially became Canada Day, the beloved holiday we recognize today.
Canada Day has transformed from a modest occasion into something truly magnificent. It is now one of the most cherished holidays in the country. July 1 has become synonymous with grand festivals and spectacular firework displays. As it falls right after the conclusion of the school year, the holiday also marks the unofficial commencement of the Canadian summer.
Is Canada 155 years old today?
Canada Day typically brings forth a plethora of exciting events and festivals. From the Pacific Coast to the Atlantic Coast, the entire nation radiates with celebration on July 1. Rest assured, numerous Canada Day festivals will take place in both small towns and major cities near you. These festivities may include picnics, bonfires, sporting events, parades, water activities (given the favorable weather in July), and an array of delectable cuisine. Importantly,
these festivals offer an excellent opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends, as well as forge new connections within your community.
Canada Day festivals are often held in expansive outdoor spaces such as large parks or beaches. These festivities are grand in scale and cater to people of all ages. Some of the most remarkable Canada Day celebrations occur on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. However, due to ongoing construction in the area that is expected to continue for the next few years, this year's festivities are somewhat scaled down. Instead, the celebrations are dispersed across Downtown Ottawa and Gatineau. Nevertheless, the area will host some of the most significant and impressive Canada Day celebrations this year.
