The Government of Canada supports Celebrate Canada festivities in communities across the country

“Canada 150 is a unique opportunity for communities to celebrate all that it means to be Canadian. Celebrations will be taking place across the country, culminating with Canada Day. Join friends and family and take part in these celebrations during this exceptional year!"

—The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

“In this year of celebrating Canada 150, Canada Day festivities will highlight what makes our country unique, diverse and vibrant. I invite all Albertans to take part in the activities throughout the Celebrate Canada period. On this important anniversary, take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to celebrate everything that makes Canada a great place to live.”

—The Honourable Kent Hehr, Minister of Veterans Affairs, Associate Minister of National Defence and Member of Parliament (Calgary Centre)

“We have so much history and culture to celebrate and take pride in this year. Anyone who has ever been to our great city knows its boundless enthusiasm, its deep sense of community spirit, and its shared values and traditions. I look forward to seeing Calgarians come together in this especially memorable year to honour all the wonderful things that make us proud to call this place home.”

—Darshan Kang, Member of Parliament (Calgary Skyview)

“We are thrilled to be the Canada 150 celebration site for Southern Alberta. Canadian Heritage’s support will make this Canada Day in Calgary an amazing experience for all.”

—His Worship Naheed Nenshi, Mayor of Calgary

• Celebrate Canada is a period of four celebrations, beginning on June 21 and concluding with a major celebration for Canada Day on July 1. In honour of Canada 150, this year’s edition will be the most spectacular in Canadian history.

• June 21 is National Aboriginal Day: a celebration of Indigenous culture and heritage. This date was chosen because it corresponds to the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, and because many Indigenous groups celebrate their culture and heritage at this time of year.

• June 24, Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day, Fête nationale du Québec et de la Francophonie canadienne, marries the ancient rites surrounding the summer solstice—a period of light and hope—and the traditional celebration of the day of the patron saint of French Canadians.

• June 27 was designated Canadian Multiculturalism Day on November 13, 2002. This day is an opportunity to appreciate the contributions of the various multicultural groups and communities to Canadian society.

• On July 1, Canada Day, Canadians at home and abroad show their pride in their country’s history, culture and accomplishments. This year, 19 urban centres across the country will celebrate Canada Day in a spectacular fashion: St. John’s, Charlottetown, Halifax, Fredericton, Moncton, Québec City, Montréal, Ottawa–Gatineau, Toronto, Winnipeg, Regina, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Victoria, Whitehorse, Yellowknife and Iqaluit.

• The 2017 Celebrate Canada period will highlight the evolution of our country from its Indigenous origins to the presence of the French and the birth of our rich Francophone heritage, and through the more recent waves of immigration that led to the development of a diverse and inclusive society.

• A wide range of community projects, funded by the Canada 150 Fund, will also provide opportunities for Canadians to participate in celebrations in their communities. These projects will showcase the talent and expertise of our various communities, as well as the many facets of Canada’s diversity.

Associated Links

• Canada 150: Come out and celebrate!
• Backgrounder

For more information (media only), please contact:

Pierre-Olivier Herbert
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Canadian Heritage
819-997-7788

Media Relations
Canadian Heritage
819-994-9101
1-866-569-6155
pch.media-media.pch@canada.ca