July 1st is the Canadian equivalent of the American July 4th, replete with fireworks and celebrations. It honors the anniversary of the July 1, 1867 enactment of the British North American Act which created Canada as a single country of four provinces (Nova Scotia, News Brunswick, Quebec and Ontario). Britain maintained moderate control over the country until 1982, when Canada became it's own autonomous country.
Like Australia, Canada still recognizes the British Monarchy, but they no longer hold political dominion here. The queen's face is still on the money. Until 1965, the Union Jack was still the flag of Canada when it was replaced by the familiar Maple Leaf on a white field with a red stripe on either side.
One great thing is that the Space channel (Canadian equivalent of SciFi) is holding a Stargate marathon showing all of the movies interspersed with SG-1 episodes. Unfortunately, our VCR is one of the originals (20 years old) and doesn't pick up any channel higher than 18. Space is channel 44, so I can't record anything.
Kurt Russell and James Spader aren't bad as Jack O'Neill and Daniel Jackson, but they weren't very distinguished, either. Richard Dean Anderson and Michael Shanks are much better in the parts.
The original movie grossed over 200-million world wide and all of the television series' (which are written and produced in Canada using Canadian actors) are still going strong.
Later today we plan on a picnic at a local park and then stay for the fireworks later tonight (fireworks are legal in Canada).
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Comments: 7
Wednesday is such an awkward day for it. Some people had fireworks last weekend already up here, there is a big one planned for tonight but we likely won't go...we usually just enjoy whatever fireworks we can see from our deck.
Happy Canada Day!
If I remember correctly, you're Quebecois, so today is "moving day". :)
nope.... not me...I'm only a few hours away from you guys in Ontario... used to live in Waterloo, but now I'm up past Barrie
Hey Flit! I know where you are. Weren't you near Georgian Bay for a while? A lot of my relatives on my Dad's side have cottages up there.
Right on Georgian Bay ... we're in Victoria Harbour near Midland
Walker! This was an absolutely awsome piece of writing, and very educational to those who may not know what Canada Day is. I think it's great, having been written by an AMERICAN!! Canadians know plenty about the 4th of July, and I think Americans need to know more about Canada Day. Thanks a million for writing this.
I've sent it on to Maryann L, who mentioned homeschooling her kids, and wanting to teach them a bit about Canada Day, along with the 4th of July.
enjoy your day!