Canada day is the national day of Canada, celebrating the anniversary of the July 1, 1867 BNA Act or Constitution Act which united three colonies into a single country called Canada.
In the province of Quebec, many home leases start on July 1 and last for exactly one year. Hence, many people in Quebec spend Canada Day moving their possessions from one house to another. In this province, Canada Day is also known as Moving Day.
In the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, July 1 is also Memorial Day. This commemorates the heavy loss of life in the Newfoundland Regiment on the first day of the Battle of the Somme during World War I. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the morning of July 1 is usually somber. Flags are flown at half-mast and memorial services are held at cenotaphs (war memorials). In the afternoon, Canada Day celebrations in the province are similar to those in the rest of the country. Each province, city and individual will celebrate, each in their own way, but there will be lots of entertainment, backyard barbeques and fireworks. (And yes - I'm a proud Canadian)
It's also the 50th anniversary of our Maple Leaf flag.
Happy Birthday Canada!