Unveiling the 2021 Canada Day Program

OTTAWA, June 18, 2021

Today, the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, unveiled the Canada Day 2021 program.

“July 1 is about celebrating what makes Canada beautiful and strong,” said Minister Guilbeault. “This year, more than ever, Canada Day invites Canadians to show empathy, understanding and resilience. It also offers an opportunity to reflect, reaffirm our commitment to address systemic racism and discrimination, and learn from each other with open hearts and minds. Most importantly, Canada Day allows us to hold a truthful, reconciliatory and inclusive dialogue while strengthening the ties that unite us and looking toward our country’s future with hope and confidence while acknowledging darker episodes of our history.”

On July 1, as you reflect on what it means for you to be a part of this country, we invite you to create memorable moments at home and to celebrate Canada’s artistic diversity.

Like many others, the cultural industry has suffered greatly since the COVID-19 pandemic began, but it has also shown tremendous resilience and creativity. Canadian Heritage is proud to support the artists and entertainment industry professionals by presenting Lights on Canada Day, a showcase of artistic diversity and excellence.

On July 1 at 8 p.m. ET, the spotlight will be on the people who bring beauty to our lives and make our culture shine. The Canada Day 2021 evening program will showcase our talented performing artists and entertainers from across the country. In two hours, you’ll travel from Ottawa, through Ontario to Alberta, Prince Edward Island, Quebec, Yukon, Manitoba, New Brunswick and the Northwest Territories. Artists from each province and territory will share this great Canadian stage that will resonate with us all!

The show will be hosted by Véronic DiCaire and Jully Black, and will feature the following artists:

• Jann Arden
• Les Trois Accords
• JP Saxe
• Lara Fabian
• Johnny Orlando
• Fouki and Jay Scøtt
• Les Hay Babies
• Tyler Shaw
• Damien Robitaille
• JESSIA
• Gurdeep Pandher
• Mélissa Bédard
• Terry Uyarak
• Paper Lions
• Irish Mythen
• Inn Echo
• Madison Violet
• Shawn Jobin
• Naya Ali
• Prado Monroe
• Begonia
• Sebastian Gaskin
• Boogey the Beat
• Major Funk
• Boréalis Soul
• Lawrence Nayally
• Séan McCann
• Albert Dumont
• Josée

Lights on Canada Day will be broadcast on CBC Television and Radio-Canada, as well as on Canadian Heritage’s YouTube channel, which will offer privileged access to Canada Day – Behind the scenes. During commercial breaks, host Anne-Marie Withenshaw will give you a tour of the studio and take you backstage to meet the entertainment industry professionals and watch the artists in rehearsal, as if you were there.

The ever-popular Tim Hortons Canada Day Virtual Fireworks are back. This augmented reality experience will close the evening in style. At 10 p.m. local time, point your smart phone or tablet to the night sky and a three-minute show displaying 3D fireworks will begin, with the same visual and sound effects as the real thing.

Finally, starting today, Canadians can enter the first-ever Canada Day Contest: discover, celebrate and win, and take the mini-quiz that will suggest activities from the Canada Day celebration kit. Together with our partners, we have come up with a host of fun ideas to enjoy a great time at home. From fitness and cooking to crafts, dancing, drumming and even stargazing, there is something for everyone. Be inspired and share your experience with the hashtag #CanadaDay.

All programming can be found on the Canada Day website.

Follow us on social media. At all times, and especially on July 1, join the conversation on our social media channels. Be the first to get the latest Canada Day news. Use the hashtag #CanadaDay in your posts.

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