Virtual Canada Day celebrations planned in Ottawa for second straight July 1
For the second year in a row, Canada’s biggest birthday celebration will be held virtually in Ottawa.
Canadian Heritage has announced plans for a virtual show on July 1, instead of the usual massive celebrations at Parliament Hill, Major’s Hill Park, and other venues across the national capital region.
"Canada Day is a one-of-a-kind event that brings together Canadians across the country," said Canadian Heritage in a media release.
"This year, more than ever, Canada Day presents an opportunity to show solidarity, understanding, and resilience. It invites Canadians to come together from coast to coast to coast to reflect on our history and culture."
The social media hashtag #CancelCanadaDay has been trending following the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children at the site of a former residential school in B.C. Earlier this week, the City of Victoria announced it is no longer planning to host a virtual Canada Day celebration on July 1. Instead, it will create a broadcast focused on broader Canadian history with guidance from local Lekwungen people.
Canadian Heritage said Canada Day provides a day to hold "truthful, reconciling and inclusive dialogue, strengthen the ties that unite us, and look toward our country’s future with optimism while acknowledging the past."
On July 1, Canadian Heritage will host "Lights on Canada Day" at 8 p.m.
"The spotlight will be on those whose job it is to bring beauty to our lives and make our culture shine,” the Canadian Heritage statement said. "Lights on Canada Day is the Canada Day evening program, where we will showcase artists and artisans in the entertainment industry across the country, highlighting the excellence of their work."
Lights on Canada Day will be hosted by Jully Black and Veronic DiCaire, and features Jann Arden, Tyler Shaw, Major Funk, Josee, Les Trois Accords and more.
Canada Day celebrations typically include a noon show and an evening show on Parliament Hill, featuring Canadian artists. This is the second straight year in-person Canada Day festivities have been cancelled in Ottawa due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"For the second year in a row, in light of the current and ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the government’s priority of keeping Canadians safe, Canada Day will bring all Canadians together and allow them to express their national pride and honour for others in a virtual environment," said Canadian Heritage.
Ottawa and Ontario entered Step One of Ontario's COVID-19 reopening plan on Friday, which allows outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people. Outdoor performing arts and live music events are allowed in Step Two, while large indoor and outdoor social gatherings and organized public events are prohibited until Ontario enters Step Three, which isn't expected until late July.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
There's actually no such thing as vegetables. Here's why you should eat them anyway
The rumours are true: Vegetables aren't real — that is, in botany, anyway. While the term fruit is recognized botanically as anything that contains a seed or seeds, vegetable is actually a broad umbrella term.
'It looked so legit': Ontario man pays $7,700 for luxury villa found on Booking.com, but the listing was fake
An Ontario man says he paid more than $7,700 for a luxury villa he found on a popular travel website -- but the listing was fake.
The Met Gala was in full bloom with Zendaya, Jennifer Lopez, Mindy Kaling among the standout stars
The Met Gala and its fashionista A-listers on Monday included Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya and a parade of others in a swirl of flora and fauna looks on a green-tinged carpet lined by live foliage.
Israeli forces seize Rafah border crossing in Gaza, putting ceasefire talks on knife's edge
Israeli tanks seized control of Gaza's vital Rafah border crossing on Tuesday as Israel brushed off urgent warnings from close allies and moved into the southern city even as cease-fire negotiations with Hamas remained on a knife's edge.
Canadian cadets rock mullets and place second at U.S. military competition
Sporting mullets, Canadian Armed Forces officer cadets placed second in an annual military skills competition in the U.S.
Highlights from the 2024 Met Gala exhibit: Sleeping Beauty would wake up for these gowns
Sure, she was a royal princess and all. But there’s no way Sleeping Beauty — either before or after her nap — ever had quite the fabulous wardrobe that’s been assembled at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Noelia Voigt resigns as Miss USA, citing her mental health
Noelia Voigt, who was crowned Miss USA in November 2023, has announced she is resigning from her role, saying the decision is in the best interest of her mental health.
Putin begins his fifth term as president, more in control of Russia than ever
Vladimir Putin began his fifth term Tuesday as Russian leader at a glittering Kremlin inauguration, setting out on another six years in office after destroying his political opponents, launching a devastating war in Ukraine and concentrating all power in his hands.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.