They decorated the sky for Canada's birthday
July 2, 2015 9:58 AM Subscribe
Yesterday was July 1 and the 148th anniversary of the British North America Act, which combined the three British colonies of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Canada (Upper and Lower Canada becoming Ontario and Quebec, respectively) into the dominion of Canada. The British North America Act also conferred a constitution onto the new nation, establishing the powers of the federal and provincial governments and creating a framework for how new territories might be admitted. The day is marked with celebrations across the country, culminating in fireworks displays.
A roundup of some of the fireworks demonstrations, going from West to East:
Vancouver
Edmonton
Calgary
Sakatoon
Regina
Winnipeg
Toronto (short ad before video starts)
Ottawa
Montreal
Fredericton
(Best videos I could find at time of posting; some cities don’t have anything posted (yet!)).
A timeline of Canadian history (some erroneous entries at the start where appropriate years (all incidents occurred in 1963) haven’t been applied; but this timeline is one of the few that details the First Nations and their presence before and during European settlement).
A roundup of some of the fireworks demonstrations, going from West to East:
Vancouver
Edmonton
Calgary
Sakatoon
Regina
Winnipeg
Toronto (short ad before video starts)
Ottawa
Montreal
Fredericton
(Best videos I could find at time of posting; some cities don’t have anything posted (yet!)).
A timeline of Canadian history (some erroneous entries at the start where appropriate years (all incidents occurred in 1963) haven’t been applied; but this timeline is one of the few that details the First Nations and their presence before and during European settlement).
Ours was a quiet Canada Day but man, I do love living here. Thanks, Canada, for being the country of the most awesome man ever's birth!
posted by Kitteh at 10:02 AM on July 2, 2015
posted by Kitteh at 10:02 AM on July 2, 2015
I always liked that Canada Day was just before July 4th in the US, because it meant those of us that spend a bit of time in the right parts of the UP can look across the lake and get a preview of the fireworks we'll see at home a few nights later!
Also, I need to add: Man, Canada, you're a nice neighbor to have. Loaning us your comedians, showing us how much nicer our money COULD look, helping us to embrace hockey (and actually providing CBC broadcasts to those of us close enough to tune in!), providing Tim Horton's and so much beer ... on a personal note, I have not yet met a Canadian who wasn't polite to those of us "unfortunate" enough to live further south. Happy birthday, neighbor. Y'all are welcome any time you want to visit.
posted by caution live frogs at 10:12 AM on July 2, 2015 [5 favorites]
Also, I need to add: Man, Canada, you're a nice neighbor to have. Loaning us your comedians, showing us how much nicer our money COULD look, helping us to embrace hockey (and actually providing CBC broadcasts to those of us close enough to tune in!), providing Tim Horton's and so much beer ... on a personal note, I have not yet met a Canadian who wasn't polite to those of us "unfortunate" enough to live further south. Happy birthday, neighbor. Y'all are welcome any time you want to visit.
posted by caution live frogs at 10:12 AM on July 2, 2015 [5 favorites]
I have not yet met a Canadian who wasn't polite to those of us "unfortunate" enough to live further south
That's 'cause you're not south on Quebec.
posted by maryr at 10:14 AM on July 2, 2015 [4 favorites]
That's 'cause you're not south on Quebec.
posted by maryr at 10:14 AM on July 2, 2015 [4 favorites]
Psst, timeline link no good.
Thanks, note sent to mods! I truncated it! Sorry, eh!
posted by nubs at 10:14 AM on July 2, 2015
Thanks, note sent to mods! I truncated it! Sorry, eh!
posted by nubs at 10:14 AM on July 2, 2015
Mod note: Fixed link, happy Canada Day all!
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 10:16 AM on July 2, 2015
posted by LobsterMitten (staff) at 10:16 AM on July 2, 2015
I'll just leave this in case anyone wants to celebrate by clicking away a week or two.
posted by jeribus at 10:24 AM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by jeribus at 10:24 AM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
Living in ohio now, I sometimes listen to MIbtG7 and stare up into the sky imagining I am in algonquin again canoeing down through the soggy bug infested streams of my youth. I loved living in a place where you could just drive a couple of hours and be in the middle of nowhere.
posted by Poldo at 10:31 AM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by Poldo at 10:31 AM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
The fireworks this year in Toronto (Mel Lastman Square) were better than usual. I was prepared to be underwhelmed as always but was pleasantly surprised. Even better was that neither of my kids cried although the older one admitted she was scared.
Low point of the day was waiting in line at 2 separate hot dog vendors only to be told once I got to the front that they didn't have any veggie dogs.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 10:31 AM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
Low point of the day was waiting in line at 2 separate hot dog vendors only to be told once I got to the front that they didn't have any veggie dogs.
posted by any portmanteau in a storm at 10:31 AM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
I'm sitting on the dock right now under this flag reading Martin Short's memoir, wallowing in my Canadian-ness.
posted by chococat at 10:46 AM on July 2, 2015
posted by chococat at 10:46 AM on July 2, 2015
Also, I need to add: Man, Canada, you're a nice neighbor to have. Loaning us your comedians, showing us how much nicer our money COULD look, helping us to embrace hockey (and actually providing CBC broadcasts to those of us close enough to tune in!), providing Tim Horton's and so much beer
But also Celine Dion, Jim Carrey, and Justin Bieber. In conclusion, Canada is a land of contrasts.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 11:01 AM on July 2, 2015 [4 favorites]
But also Celine Dion, Jim Carrey, and Justin Bieber. In conclusion, Canada is a land of contrasts.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 11:01 AM on July 2, 2015 [4 favorites]
Happy Birthday and all but did you have to send Kessel to Pittsburgh?
posted by cmfletcher at 11:02 AM on July 2, 2015
posted by cmfletcher at 11:02 AM on July 2, 2015
Happy Birthday and all but did you have to send Kessel to Pittsburgh?
Don't blame all of us for what the Leafs do. We're not all associated with them.
posted by nubs at 11:04 AM on July 2, 2015 [6 favorites]
Don't blame all of us for what the Leafs do. We're not all associated with them.
posted by nubs at 11:04 AM on July 2, 2015 [6 favorites]
My favourite moment during the local celebrations - [Twitter link]
posted by Ashwagandha at 11:05 AM on July 2, 2015 [5 favorites]
posted by Ashwagandha at 11:05 AM on July 2, 2015 [5 favorites]
Thanks for the fireworks!
Canada Day needs a Snowbirds flyby, too.
2012
2013
2014
Here they are performing down south.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 11:11 AM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
Canada Day needs a Snowbirds flyby, too.
2012
2013
2014
Here they are performing down south.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 11:11 AM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
So 148 years ago a bunch of guys in tall hats are sitting around trying to figure out what to name the country, and nobody can agree. So finally one bright spark says, "Here, I've got these Scrabble tiles, let's put them in a hat, pull them out one by one, and we'll all agree to name the country whatever letters we pull out of the hat, okay?" "Sure, sounds good," everyone agrees, so they take a hat, jumble the letters, and prepare with great ceremony for the drawing. The recording secretary has his quill pen poised, ready to record the outcome of the drawing. The first tile is drawn by the chairman, and he announces, "C, eh?" It is dutifully recorded.
The next letter is drawn. "N, eh?" he reports. And finally, "D, eh?"
So that's what they named it: C-A-N-A-D-A.
eh?
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 11:12 AM on July 2, 2015 [4 favorites]
The next letter is drawn. "N, eh?" he reports. And finally, "D, eh?"
So that's what they named it: C-A-N-A-D-A.
eh?
posted by Eyebrows McGee at 11:12 AM on July 2, 2015 [4 favorites]
Oh I should point, for those who may not be familiar with him, the member of parliament mentioned in that tweet I linked to is Stephen Woodworth, the religious conservative who attempted to reopen the Abortion debate.
posted by Ashwagandha at 11:13 AM on July 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by Ashwagandha at 11:13 AM on July 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
In conclusion, Canada is a land of contrasts.
Blame Canada (NSFW language)
Canadian Imperialist Aggression
posted by nubs at 11:14 AM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
Blame Canada (NSFW language)
Canadian Imperialist Aggression
posted by nubs at 11:14 AM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
"The name Canada comes from the Iroquoian word kanata, meaning “village.” In August 1535, Jacques Cartier heard two Aboriginal youths refer to the village of Stadacona as kanata. Cartier wrote the name down in his journal as Canada."
White people spelling badly.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 11:15 AM on July 2, 2015 [3 favorites]
White people spelling badly.
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 11:15 AM on July 2, 2015 [3 favorites]
But also Celine Dion, Jim Carrey, and Justin Bieber.
It's true. The U.S. doesn't get near enough credit for the real sacrifices they've made for us over the years.
posted by bonehead at 11:16 AM on July 2, 2015 [5 favorites]
It's true. The U.S. doesn't get near enough credit for the real sacrifices they've made for us over the years.
posted by bonehead at 11:16 AM on July 2, 2015 [5 favorites]
I celebrated Canada Day by seeing a Tragically Hip concert. Doesn't get much more hoser than that.
posted by dry white toast at 11:27 AM on July 2, 2015 [6 favorites]
posted by dry white toast at 11:27 AM on July 2, 2015 [6 favorites]
I was hoping my giraffe Kiko would get to burn his draft card, sing 'O Canada' and go flirt with M'Stari.
He's still in quarantine. Maybe another 30 - 60 days.
Happy Canada Day!
posted by Katjusa Roquette at 11:36 AM on July 2, 2015
He's still in quarantine. Maybe another 30 - 60 days.
Happy Canada Day!
posted by Katjusa Roquette at 11:36 AM on July 2, 2015
> They decorated the sky for Canada's birthday
> The British North America Act also conferred a constitution onto the new nation
Read that as constellation, and thought, "Whoa, way-cool way to celebrate!" (See those five stars over there? That's the Maple Leaf.)
posted by IAmBroom at 11:37 AM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
> The British North America Act also conferred a constitution onto the new nation
Read that as constellation, and thought, "Whoa, way-cool way to celebrate!" (See those five stars over there? That's the Maple Leaf.)
posted by IAmBroom at 11:37 AM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
maryr: Happy Day After Canada Day Day!
This is the day we wrap small pieces of Canada in fancy boxes to give to our servants, right?
posted by traveler_ at 11:41 AM on July 2, 2015 [7 favorites]
This is the day we wrap small pieces of Canada in fancy boxes to give to our servants, right?
posted by traveler_ at 11:41 AM on July 2, 2015 [7 favorites]
The British North America Act also conferred a constitution onto the new nation
Which wasn't fully patriated until 1982, for those who aren't Canadian.
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 12:11 PM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
Which wasn't fully patriated until 1982, for those who aren't Canadian.
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 12:11 PM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
Here they are performing down south.
As an ex-Floridian, ojala que all snowbirds were so precise when operating motor vehicles.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 12:15 PM on July 2, 2015
As an ex-Floridian, ojala que all snowbirds were so precise when operating motor vehicles.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 12:15 PM on July 2, 2015
Free Newfoundland!
posted by the quidnunc kid at 12:41 PM on July 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
posted by the quidnunc kid at 12:41 PM on July 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
Somehow it seems super Canadian that we got a post on the day after Canada.
I celebrated with 7 other Canadians (most since I got to the U.S.) and only three people were wearing noticeably Canada clothing. Although we had butter tarts and Nanaimo bars on the table so we were totally recognizable.
posted by hydrobatidae at 12:48 PM on July 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
I celebrated with 7 other Canadians (most since I got to the U.S.) and only three people were wearing noticeably Canada clothing. Although we had butter tarts and Nanaimo bars on the table so we were totally recognizable.
posted by hydrobatidae at 12:48 PM on July 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
I went for a run through the Edmonton river valley last night and where there was BBQing, drinking, karaoke, canoeing and the strong scent of pot. Missed the fireworks, but feel like I witnessed the essentials.
posted by piyushnz at 12:57 PM on July 2, 2015
posted by piyushnz at 12:57 PM on July 2, 2015
Although we had butter tarts and Nanaimo bars on the table so we were totally...
...THE WINNERS OF EVERYTHING!
I resisted yelling "Happy Canada Day!" at a minivan with Ontario plates as I biked by it in Boston yesterday, figuring I didn't want to scare them far from home. But if I'd thought they might have butter tarts or nanaimo bars on their persons I'd have considered scaring them into handing over their foreign contraband.
posted by ldthomps at 1:01 PM on July 2, 2015 [4 favorites]
...THE WINNERS OF EVERYTHING!
I resisted yelling "Happy Canada Day!" at a minivan with Ontario plates as I biked by it in Boston yesterday, figuring I didn't want to scare them far from home. But if I'd thought they might have butter tarts or nanaimo bars on their persons I'd have considered scaring them into handing over their foreign contraband.
posted by ldthomps at 1:01 PM on July 2, 2015 [4 favorites]
oh if you want to up your butter tart game, use maple syrup instead of corn syrup
the worst part is waiting just long enough after they come out of the oven that you don't burn yourself
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 1:32 PM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
the worst part is waiting just long enough after they come out of the oven that you don't burn yourself
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 1:32 PM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
A Heritage Moment - CN Tower
A Heritage Moment - The Donair
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 1:44 PM on July 2, 2015 [4 favorites]
A Heritage Moment - The Donair
posted by mandolin conspiracy at 1:44 PM on July 2, 2015 [4 favorites]
Shane Koyczan eloquently expressed my lack of enthusiasm for our nation on this Canada Day.
Though, um, I still went to see the fireworks. But I didn't enjoy them...much.
posted by stray at 2:26 PM on July 2, 2015
Though, um, I still went to see the fireworks. But I didn't enjoy them...much.
posted by stray at 2:26 PM on July 2, 2015
Yeah, a friend of mine posted a thing yesterday about being super proud to be Canadian, and I was like "yeah, except for the genocide and the residential schools and the missing and murdered aboriginal women and refusing to sign the UN declaration of indigenous rights, I'm proud too."
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 2:32 PM on July 2, 2015 [7 favorites]
posted by feckless fecal fear mongering at 2:32 PM on July 2, 2015 [7 favorites]
Many friends and I celebrated while sharing our wories about harper et al. My big Canada Day activity was circulating the petition against recent changes to Canadian Citizenship Law. [Look! I did it again!]. Seemed apropos as Canada Day is a big swearing-in day for new Canadians. My Canada includes immigrants!
And then I enjoyed this Canadian nature tourism video.
posted by chapps at 5:02 PM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
And then I enjoyed this Canadian nature tourism video.
posted by chapps at 5:02 PM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
"yeah, except for the genocide and the residential schools and the missing and murdered aboriginal women and refusing to sign the UN declaration of indigenous rights, I'm proud too."
I agree... and I never feel "proud", exactly. It seems like a word that doesn't fit Canada We're not much for flag waving and anthems and many of us are wary of nationalism ... I think I want to feel engaged, I want to connect with why I care about this place and the people in it.
posted by chapps at 5:11 PM on July 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
I agree... and I never feel "proud", exactly. It seems like a word that doesn't fit Canada We're not much for flag waving and anthems and many of us are wary of nationalism ... I think I want to feel engaged, I want to connect with why I care about this place and the people in it.
posted by chapps at 5:11 PM on July 2, 2015 [2 favorites]
I became Canadian this year - I'm from the UK originally. I've always been wary of national pride and patriotism, and it's actually nice to have been citizenised into a country where wariness of national pride and patriotism seems like part of the national character. Perversely, it is something I feel sort of patriotic about.
Also, I spent an hour of my Canada Day stuck in traffic while CBC played Rush and Arcade Fire and The Band at me, which also felt pretty Canadian.
posted by Jon Mitchell at 5:16 PM on July 2, 2015 [8 favorites]
Also, I spent an hour of my Canada Day stuck in traffic while CBC played Rush and Arcade Fire and The Band at me, which also felt pretty Canadian.
posted by Jon Mitchell at 5:16 PM on July 2, 2015 [8 favorites]
Celebrating Canada Day is always tempered by me being 'brain drain' and not being able to vote in elections. The latter has changed but I never feel that joyous celebration of my country that e.g. I will be exposed to tomorrow. Maybe for the 150th?
posted by hydrobatidae at 7:40 PM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by hydrobatidae at 7:40 PM on July 2, 2015 [1 favorite]
On the fireworks, Calgary has this one that is kind of like a set of sprinkers on the bridge that wave back and forth firing blasts in a sequence. [at about 7m00s]
Fireworks fans, is this just a function of where the video is taken (closer up) or is this actually kind of novel? I feel I haven't seen something like that before.
These videos are kind of cool just because you can scroll along and see snaps of the various shapes of fireworks throughout, then pick a part to view.
posted by chapps at 3:18 PM on July 3, 2015
Fireworks fans, is this just a function of where the video is taken (closer up) or is this actually kind of novel? I feel I haven't seen something like that before.
These videos are kind of cool just because you can scroll along and see snaps of the various shapes of fireworks throughout, then pick a part to view.
posted by chapps at 3:18 PM on July 3, 2015
Hi chapps - I was at the Calgary fireworks, and it is not a function of how/where the video was taken - it was literally like oscillating sprinklers were on the bridge, shooting fireworks. It was one of the highlights of the night in my family's opinion; I've never seen it before but then I rarely go see fireworks.
posted by nubs at 4:43 PM on July 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
posted by nubs at 4:43 PM on July 3, 2015 [1 favorite]
Thanks, nubs, I've never seen that either, and wondered if it is because I'm a back of the crowd type!
posted by chapps at 9:27 PM on July 3, 2015
posted by chapps at 9:27 PM on July 3, 2015
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posted by nubs at 9:59 AM on July 2, 2015 [7 favorites]