CANADA DAY- Formerly known as “Dominion Day,” Canada Day marks the anniversary of the Constitution Act of 1867, joining Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Canada province (now Ontario and Quebec) into a single country. The Constitution Act granted Canada a substantial amount of independence from England, although complete independence was not given until 1982. Prior to 1900, there was little Canadian nationalism as many Canadians regarded themselves as British citizens. The first official celebration was held in 1917 to honor Canada’s 50th birthday. It was not until 1946 that Phileas Cote, a member of the Quebec House of Commons, sent a private member’s bill to rename Dominion Day as Canada Day. The Senate responded by recommending the holiday be named the “National Holiday of Canada.” Since no one could agree on the name, the bill was defeated. The government first recognized Canada Day in 1958 by holding a trooping of the color on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. Canada’s centennial marked the first widespread celebration in 1967. The event promoted nationalism and Canadian pride. The holiday continued to grow in the late 1960’s and many Canada Day events were televised and broadcasted throughout the country. In the 1980’s, the government began funding Canada Day activities in smaller communities. The holiday was finally made official by a unanimous vote on October 27, 1982; the same year that the Canada Act was passed, removing any remaining dependence of Canada on the United Kingdom. While the public had recognized the holiday for decades, this marked a significant change in the magnitude of the celebrations.
In addition to independence from the United Kingdom, Canada Day also marks a number of revolutionary breakthroughs and significant events. The first national radio hookup was initiated by the Canadian National Railway on July 1, 1927. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) held their first cross-country broadcast on Canada Day in 1958. The first color television transmission in Canada was held on July 1st of 1966. In 1967, the Order of Canada was inaugurated. “O Canada” was also named the official national anthem on Canada Day, 1980.
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In celebration of Canada Day weekend we continue celebrating this great holiday with a triple feature on Friday June 29 and Saturday June 30. For an extra special welcoming of summer, instead of the usual triple feature we are welcoming our dusk till dawn on Sunday!!
Please check each Drive-in theatre for movies and show times:
Mustang Drive-In Theatre, London
Starlite Drive-in Theatre, Hamilton
Sunset Barrie Drive-in Theatre
