Canadians are celebrating the country’s 159th birthday on Wednesday with concerts, parades and fireworks from coast to coast to coast.
But celebrations in much of southern Ontario and Quebec are taking place amid sweltering temperatures that have prompted health warnings and changes to some planned events, including in Ottawa.
Humidex values climbed into the 40s C in parts of Central Canada, but conditions were expected to be closer to seasonal across much of Atlantic Canada, the Prairies, British Columbia and the North.
In Ottawa, crowds gradually filled the lawn in front of Parliament Hill as performers took the stage during Canada Day ceremonies. Headliners included Barenaked Ladies, Alessia Cara, Loud and Isabelle Boulay. As the performances got underway, dancers’ hair stuck to their faces.
A bead of sweat rolled down Prime Minister Mark Carney’s face as he spoke to the CBC in a dark navy suit before delivering his address.
Carney said the past year has shown Canadians are strongest when they stand together.
Prime Minister Mark Carney took questions during a Canada Day event in Ottawa on Wednesday, saying Canadians are stronger together as he prepared to take the stage in the national capital. ‘Great day, great country.’
“Small acts of kindness across the country, coming together to stand with each other in difficult times, whether it’s forest fires, floods, working with Canadians, cheering for great Canadian teams,” the prime minister said in an interview.
Of moons and soccer balls
In his speech, Carney acknowledged that Canada faces “a more dangerous and divided world” but said Canadians have responded with unity.
“We’re aiming for the moon as well as the World Cup,” the prime minister said.
He made several nods to Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, comparing the Artemis II’s mission around the moon more than 400,000 kilometres away to “driving from St. John’s to Victoria 50 times, the ultimate Canadian road trip.” Hansen spoke on stage after Carney.
Carney announced Canada will join the Eurovision Song Contest next year and that the country will host the Francophonie Summit in the National Capital Region in 2028.
Carney said he would hit the road — or take to the air, rather — later Wednesday, travelling to Edmonton, where he grew up, to take part in one of the country’s largest Canada Day celebrations.
But numerous events were suspended on Wednesday afternoon following thunderstorm advisories from Environment Canada, and eventually, torrential rain, lightning and high winds led to the cancellation of the evening events in the nation’s capital — including the fireworks.
The extreme weather also made it impossible for Carney to fly to Edmonton when his plane could not take off.
More than a dozen flights out of the Ottawa airport were cancelled due to the weather.
‘Canada is in a really good place,’ Arbour said
In her first Canada Day as Governor General, Louise Arbour struck a similarly optimistic tone despite global uncertainty.
“I feel Canada is in a really good place,” Arbour told CBC. “We’re very ambitious, more confident than we’ve been in a long time.”
In an earlier statement, Arbour, a Quebecer, said Canada continues to grapple with “persistent inequalities” while striving to do better.
After being sworn in as Canada’s 31st Governor General, Louise Arbour celebrates her first Canada Day in the role.
She pointed to reconciliation and the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices, and encouraged Canadians to celebrate “what unites us, not despite our differences but through them.”
Former prime minister Justin Trudeau made an appearance. He said he hoped Canadians would use the holiday to reconnect with one another.
“Not just with your circle, but actually lean into conversations with people from the other end of the country, from a different perspective.”
The calls for unity came after sovereignty and trade tensions with the United States boosted nationalist sentiment last year, fuelling “elbows up” campaigns encouraging people to buy local and Canadian-made products.
Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen speaks with CBC’s Adrienne Arsenault about the significance of Canada Day, as well as reflections on this year’s Artemis II mission.
U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, who has often criticized those campaigns, extended Canada Day wishes of his own. He said the two countries’ close relationship — highlighted this year by co-hosting the FIFA World Cup with Mexico — continues to strengthen both nations.
The day arrives as many communities grapple with different challenges.
Environment Canada heat warnings were in effect across much of southern Ontario and southern Quebec, where officials are urging people to drink plenty of water, seek air-conditioned spaces and check on vulnerable neighbours.
Canadian Paralympic athlete and activist Rick Hansen speaks with CBC’s Omar Dabaghi-Pacheco about Canadian identity, his journey and who he’s shouting out for Canada Day.
The heat changed other celebrations, too. Some Ontarians told CBC they were swapping backyard barbecues and daytime events for beaches, splash pads and evening fireworks.
In London, Ont., one Canada Day event was cancelled so its venue could operate as a cooling centre.
In Montreal, public health officials warned residents to take extra precautions because the hot weather coincides with the city’s busy July 1 moving day. They urged people to start their moves early, take frequent breaks and limit alcohol consumption.
A party with live musical performances was planned in the city’s Old Port as of 4 p.m. ET.
“It’s just a big party. It’s gonna be awesome. I can’t wait,” King Melrose, who will perform, told CBC News, sitting on Muskoka chairs set up on the grass in front of the stage.
Quebec celebrated its own Fête nationale on June 24, with events and live music across the province. In Montreal, a parade in the city’s east end culminated in a concert at Parc Maisonneuve.
Sipping an iced coffee in downtown Kitchener, Ont., Nishtha Tomer said she thought it felt hotter than at the same time last year.
“It is kind of sad that it’s so hot, but I think we’ll all get through it,” said Tomer, sipping an iced coffee from Tim Hortons.
An old parade, renewed questions of unity
Elsewhere, celebrations continued as planned.
About 12,000 people were expected in Westville, N.S., for what organizers say is Canada’s oldest Canada Day parade, a tradition dating back to 1907.
In Edmonton, this year’s celebrations unfolded against the backdrop of Alberta’s renewed separatist movement.
Former prime minister Justin Trudeau stops by to chat with CBC’s chief correspondent Adrienne Arsenault during Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa — where he says stepping away from political polarization is important for a more unified Canada.
Some residents told CBC they hoped Canada Day could provide a break from political divisions.
“I think they should just take the day off and just enjoy,” said Faiz Malik.
Chloe Annett said she anticipated celebrations to “feel a little bit different” this year.
“With the separation groups, I don’t know if they’re going to celebrate Canada Day — or, at least, I don’t know if they should!” Annett said, laughing.
Others said the holiday evokes more complicated emotions. Mike Landon said Canada Day “doesn’t really mean much these days,” pointing to ongoing reconciliation efforts and the legacy of missing and murdered Indigenous women and children.
Vishakha Sunger said separatist voices remain “in the background” but hoped Canadians wanting to celebrate will be “even louder” on Canada Day.
“We can put it all aside for one day,” she said, “because we’re all still Canadian.”
