150 years of history, one day at a time!

Rediscover Canadian history from Confederation to today with the Library and Archives Canada (LAC) heritage collection. Throughout 2017, discover the today-in-history vignette highlighting a significant event that shaped our society.

Join the conversation! Subscribe to LAC ’s Facebook and Twitter pages or use the #Canada150 and #OnThisDay.

Visit Canada.ca/OnThisDay to read the August stories!</s>Marching bands, giant inflatables, colourful floats, jugglers, dancers and community groups helped Niagara Falls celebrate a special Canada Day with its annual downtown parade Saturday.

Residents and visitors, most decked out in red and white, lined the streets and waved Canadian flags as the country celebrates the 150th anniversary of Confederation.

Tanya Wright, a Canadian citizen who is now a permanent resident in the United States living in Grand Island, N.Y., felt it was important to bring her five-year-old daughter, Hadley, to the OPG Niagara Falls Canada Day Parade.

“She's inundated with American culture, so I felt it was very important to me that she understands her Canadian roots as well,” said Wright.

Wright's American husband, Hadley Dahlgren, was impressed by the parade and the people.

“The national pride is a lot less partisan here,” he said.

Niagara Falls resident Ryan Dionne and his wife, Genevieve, said the parade was a good way to start their Canada Day celebrations.

Their one-year-old son, George, took a particular liking to the vehicles in the parade.

“There's all kinds of events going on, so we wanted to come check this out, see what's going on,” he said.

Genevieve said the plan is to go and watch indie rock band Hollerado at Queen Victoria Park Saturday night.

“I think we're going to check out some of the music.”

Niagara Falls resident and local artist Sean O'Neill said he attends the parade every year, but that this year's event is extra special because it's Canada's 150th birthday.

“I'm proud of my country, and my son is a cadet, and he's in the parade this year,” he said.

Chris Yeo said he's normally working on Canada Day, but was fortunate to have the day off this year.

He attended the parade with his wife and his four-year-old daughter, Olivia.

“The excitement in her brings out the excitement in everybody else,” he said of his daughter.

“She's just excited to see the parade, and enjoy the Canada Day celebration. I think it's important to celebrate this country because of its diversity, and it's ability to enhance other people's lives.”

Canada Day weekend activities in Niagara Falls kicked off Friday between 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. with a concert at city hall featuring the winners of the 2017 Niagara Student Rock Concert.

Saturday’s festivities begin at 9 a.m. with a one-kilometre and five-kilometre run or walk for St. John Ambulance at Oakes Park.

A citizenship ceremony was held at the Niagara Falls public library on Victoria Avenue between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. About 20 people became Canadian citizens.

The Niagara Falls Concert Band performed out front of the library between 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

The OPG Niagara Falls Canada Day Parade started at 11 a.m. along Victoria Avenue to Valley Way and Queen Street, ending at Queen Street and St. Clair Avenue.

Hockey legends Marcel Dionne and Derek Sanderson, along with comedian Rich Little, were the parade grand marshals, plus special guest Marcy Mussari, Canada’s Next Designer.

Opening ceremonies were held at city hall at 12:30 p.m. It featured the singing of the Canadian national anthem with a large choir led by Choir Nation, the parade grand marshals, Oh Canada Eh!, Be Our Guest Beauty & the Beast Musical Revue, Camp Rock, The Rita Carrey Band, No Sugar Tonight and more.

There will be live entertainment on the main stage at city hall until 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

From noon until 4 p.m., the Scotiabank Children’s Zone and Scotiabank Children’s Stage, including free inflatables, rock climbing, sand castle sculptures, mini-putt, face painting, Reptile Kingdom and Electronic Animal rides, will be at Rosberg Family Park at the corner of Queen Street and Ontario Avenue.

There's also an art show celebrating Canadian artists along Queen Street between noon and 4 p.m., as well as a car show along Queen Street between Victoria Avenue and Crysler Avenue from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Big Brothers Big Sisters is hosting its Pepper Palace WingFest at Taps on Queen between noon and 6 p.m., featuring live bands, a silent auction and a spicy wing eating contest.

Live entertainment continues Sunday at city hall between noon and 5 p.m., provided by LiveStock Niagara.

Meanwhile, Niagara Parks will also mark Canada’s 150th anniversary with a full lineup of events during the weekend.

The weekend will feature the launch of a new Niagara Parks experience: Night Lights: Journey Behind the Falls After Dark; complimentary admission Saturday to Old Fort Erie and Laura Secord Hometsead; and bonus extended fireworks displays Saturday and Sunday.</s>Though the land we stand on now has been inhabited for much longer than 150 years, this Canada Day marks 150 years since confederation, and many businesses are taking the opportunity to offer special promotions to mark the occasion.

From Amazon to Best Buy, there are a wide range of tech deals, and there are also quite a few promos from Canadian carriers.

Here’s a list of all the carrier promotions that you may want to check out this long weekend.

Rogers is doing a lot in celebration of Canada’s 150th. First off, it’s offering the Huawei P10 and P10 Plus for $0 down with a bonus 1GB of data on select two year plans.

Furthermore the carrier is offering a home bundle with Rogers Ignite 150 unlimited wireless internet and download speeds up to 150mbps, a Select TV package with 100+ channels, local home phone and a Netbox HDPVR and Wi-Fi modem rental for $99.99 per month for the first year, returning to $177.97 on the 13th month.

Rogers is also offering Rogers Ignite 150 unlimited internet for $69.99 per month for 12 months.

Through Rogers’ website customers and non-customers alike can also purchase a Canada 150 commemorative coin set for $34.95, through the Shopping Channel.

Additionally, Rogers is offering 50 percent off the first three months of Sportnet Now after signing up for a Rogers Platinum Master card.

In an in-store-only promotion, customers who apply for a Rogers Platinum Mastercard will get $75 cash back rewards with an eligible two-year Share Everything plan.

Lastly, when customers sign up for Texture, they can get the first three months for $5, and Rogers is also offering Canada 150 deals for small businesses.

All deals are available until July 5th.

Freedom Mobile is offering a new LTE-Ready plan for the country’s birthday and is also selling numerous devices for discount prices until July 5th.

Freedom’s Canada 150 plan offers 3GB of data, unlimited Canada-wide talk — meaning if you’re away from the home network you still have unlimited calling — unlimited global texting and unlimited picture and video messaging to Canada and the U.S.

Additionally, the plan comes with 1 cent per minute international calling, caller ID, conference calling, call forwarding and calling waiting. The Canada 150 plan is available for $55 CAD per month and currently has no expiry date.

Freedom Mobile is also offering discounts on the Samsung Galaxy S8, S8+, LG G6, LG V20 and many other devices.

In celebration of Canada Day, Alberta-based Shaw has announced it’s providing free access to its Shaw Go WiFi network at more than 80,000 hotspots across Western Canada until July 3rd.

Users can access the Shaw Go WiFi guest network by choosing ‘ShawGuest’ from the list of available networks with WiFi-enabled devices. Those interested can access a list of Shaw Go WiFi hotspots or download a Shaw Go WiFi Finder application at the Play store and the App store.

East coast regional carrier Eastlink is offering a variety of Canada 150-specific deals for a limited time.

Firstly, every activation and upgrade on a 1GB, 2GB, 3GB or 5GB Data Plus plan gets an extra 2GB of data, while customers can also save $5 per month when adding lines to their account.

Additionally, as per the usual, all of Eastlink’s devices are $0 down with EasyTab and all customers who upgrade to or activate with a Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8+ will receive a free Samsung Galaxy Level Box Slim Bluetooth speaker (valued at $149.99) while supplies last, in-store only.

Note: Somewhat surprisingly, Rogers is the only major Canadian carrier to offer Canada 150 deals this weekend. Telus isn’t offering any special deals, and Bell’s Canada 150 sale is already over — though it is continuing its commercial about the telephone and its past 142 years of history.

If you’ve spotted any more Canada 150 deals from Canadian carriers, let us know in the comments.</s>OTTAWA — A statement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau marking Canada Day and the country’s 150th anniversary:

Today, we celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation. We come together as Canadians to celebrate the achievements of our great country, reflect on our past and present, and look boldly toward our future.

Canada’s story stretches back long before Confederation, to the first people who worked, loved, and built their lives here, and to those who came here centuries later in search of a better life for their families. In 1867, the vision of Sir George-Etienne Cartier and Sir John A. Macdonald, among others, gave rise to Confederation — an early union, and one of the moments that have come to define Canada.

In the 150 years since, we have continued to grow and define ourselves as a country. We fought valiantly in two world wars, built the infrastructure that would connect us, and enshrined our dearest values — equality, diversity, freedom of the individual and two official languages — in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. These moments, and many others, shaped Canada into the extraordinary country it is today — prosperous, generous and proud.

At the heart of Canada’s story are millions of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. They exemplify what it means to be Canadian: ambitious aspirations, leadership driven by compassion and the courage to dream boldly. Whether we were born here or have chosen Canada as our home, this is who we are.

Ours is a land of Indigenous Peoples, settlers and newcomers, and our diversity has always been at the core of our success. Canada’s history is built on countless instances of people uniting across their differences to work and thrive together. We express ourselves in French, English and hundreds of other languages, we practice many faiths, we experience life through different cultures, and yet we are one country. Today, as has been the case for centuries, we are strong not in spite of our differences, but because of them.

As we mark Canada 150, we also recognize that for many, today is not an occasion for celebration. Indigenous Peoples in this country have faced oppression for centuries. As a society, we must acknowledge and apologize for past wrongs, and chart a path forward for the next 150 years — one in which we continue to build our nation-to-nation, Inuit-Crown and government-to-government relationship with the First Nations, Inuit and Metis Nation.

Our efforts toward reconciliation reflect a deep Canadian tradition — the belief that better is always possible. Our job now is to ensure every Canadian has a real and fair chance at success. We must create the right conditions so that the middle class, and those working hard to join it, can build a better life for themselves and their families.

Great promise and responsibility await Canada. As we look ahead to the next 150 years, we will continue to rise to the most pressing challenges we face, climate change among the first ones. We will meet these challenges the way we always have — with hard work, determination and hope.

On the 150th anniversary of Confederation, we celebrate the millions of Canadians who have come together to make our country the strong, prosperous and open place it is today. On behalf of the government of Canada, I wish you and your loved ones a very happy Canada Day.</s>Baljit Ahuja says he will never forget the feeling of becoming a Canadian citizen on Canada's 150th anniversary of Confederation.

“It's an honour to be a Canadian,” said the native of India, who was one of 20 people from nine countries to take the oath of citizenship at a ceremony in Niagara Falls Saturday.

"It's the most loving and most beautiful country in the world. That's why I wanted to be here."

The 59-year-old said "whatever best I can do for my new country, Canada, and whatever I can pass on to my coming generations, I will."

"This is the best country in the world."

Gurpreet Singh, also a native of India, said he wants to "make a difference" now that he's a Canadian citizen.

The 33-year-old said it's "amazing" to become a Canadian citizen on such a special day for the country.

"I'm ecstatic to be a part of this ceremony on the 150th birthday of Canada. I can't be more proud."

There are 55 special citizenship ceremonies scheduled across Canada in the coming weeks to celebrate the nation's 150th birthday.

The ceremonies will welcome new Canadians, as well as reaffirmation ceremonies on Canada Day, where citizens recite the oath of citizenship to celebrate the rights and responsibilities Canadians share.

There will also be guided citizenship walks to explore Ottawa, Toronto, Winnipeg and Calgary, and a Canada Day 1 exhibit at the Halifax Stanfield International Airport.

Saturday's ceremony at the Niagara Falls Public Library on Victoria Avenue was overseen by citizenship judge Ted Salci.

Addressing the new citizens prior to the oath being taken, the former Niagara Falls mayor said the event is a "memory that you and your families will always cherish."

"As we look back on a century-and-a-half of our shared history, we can point to many accomplishments, and Canada can be proud of its place in the world," said Salci.

"Perhaps the aspect of our history that we can be most proud of is our great tradition of welcoming tens of thousands of new Canadian citizens every year. In fact, welcoming newcomers is the story of Canada itself. This country has been enriched by generations of people who have come from all over the world to make Canada a better place."

He said the new citizens were following in the footsteps of generations of "great Canadians before you."

"Our first prime minister, Sir John A. Macdonald, came here as an immigrant from Scotland with his family when he was only five years old. I have been the beneficiary of hard-working parents and grandparents who came to Canada in the early 1900s. My grandparents came to this country with little money in their pockets, but with big dreams for a better future for their children and grandchildren."

Salci said many of the new citizens have travelled from afar, and have had to adapt to a new culture, a new climate, and, for many, a new language.

"As a Canadian citizen, you live in a democratic country where individual rights and freedoms are respected, and thousands of brave Canadians have fought and died for these rights and freedoms," he said.

"The future of Canada, our freedom, our democracy, our peaceful society, equality under the law, and our prosperity .... now depends on you.”

Niagara Falls MPP Wayne Gates told the new Canadian citizens they are now part of the "greatest country on Earth."

He said while still a young nation, Canada has "accomplished a lot."

"This is a country that is open, inclusive and loves everybody - and gives you an opportunity. This is a community that will welcome you with open arms, and a community that is extremely happy that you are member of it."

Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati said the "world needs more Canada," and that he believes the new citizens have, and will continue to, "make this place a better place" than when they arrived.

"If you like volunteering, get involved. You brought your culture, your customs, your religion, your foods, whatever you bring, you enrich us," he said.

"We're happy for you, we're proud of you, and remember, it's not us and you, it's not us and them, it's just us - we're all in this together."</s>MONTRÉAL, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - July 1, 2017) - Bombardier is proud to join in Canada's 150th anniversary celebrations by honouring our collective Canadian spirit of innovation. For the past 150 years, Canadians have shaped the world we live in with breakthroughs ranging from scientific discoveries and inventions to new mobility solutions and day-to-day essentials.

Born in Québec 75 years ago and present in Ontario for the past 25 years, Bombardier has become a global aviation and rail transportation leader, operating production and engineering sites in 29 countries and employing 66,000 people worldwide. Today, we celebrate Canada as our home: a unique country whose dynamism and ingenuity have been at the heart of our history and are the guardians of the most promising future.

Bombardier is the world's leading manufacturer of both planes and trains. Looking far ahead while delivering today, Bombardier is evolving mobility worldwide by answering the call for more efficient, sustainable and enjoyable transportation everywhere. Our vehicles, services and, most of all, our employees are what make us a global leader in transportation.

Bombardier is headquartered in Montréal, Canada. Our shares are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (BBD) and we are listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index. In the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, we posted revenues of $16.3 billion. News and information are available at bombardier.com or follow us on Twitter @Bombardier.

To receive our press releases, please visit the RSS Feed section.

Bombardier is a trademark of Bombardier Inc. and its subsidiaries.</s>As Canada celebrates its 150th birthday, Kara ffolliott (Ott) will celebrate her 50th birthday. Kara is the first baby girl born in Canada on the centennial of Canada’s Confederation July 1, 1967. She grew up in Fort Qu’Appelle with her parents, Vivian and George, and 15 siblings and now lives in Abbotsford, B.C. with her husband and two children. The Fort Times reached out to ffolliott to see how she will spend her birthday this year as Canada celebrates its sesquicentennial. ffolliott said she always enjoyed sharing her birthday with such a notable national holiday. “It was great, it was…</s>Black Press reporters hit the streets to ask local residents why Canada brings them pride

What makes you most proud to be Canadian?

In celebration of Canada turning the big 150, Black Press reporters hit the streets in their communities to ask local residents their thoughts on being Canadian.</s>LaSalle celebrated Canada’s 150th all day long at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex with a Canada Day Splash Bash.

The official opening of the brand new splash pad and playground took place, as well as live music, magic shows, skating and swimming.

The Canada Day weekend celebrations will continue on Sunday with free swimming at the LaSalle Outdoor Pool from noon until 5.</s>Filipinos are familiar with young countries. The Republic of the Philippines is only 119th years old, and unlike Canada, it went through a lot of colonizers and bloodshed before it got its most coveted independence. This week marks the last week of a month-long independence celebrations, as it is very Filipino to stretch a party as far as we can.

Canada is a young country compared to most countries in Europe. Under Britain, who wanted the prestige of owning a large and vast piece of land away from the overpopulated continent to which it belonged, Canada was a prized possession. It was first called The Dominion of Canada, by the suggestion of New Brunswick’s Sir Leonard Tilley because he was inspired by the passage in the Bible from Psalm 72:28, referring to God’s dominion: “He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river unto the ends of the earth.” He wanted to make sure Canada ruled itself.

Like all independent countries, Canada has had its share of bloodshed and embarrassing moments, after all, politicians took it upon themselves to take over a country so vast, they couldn’t agree where to start governing. The first Prime Minister, Conservative Party’s John Macdonald, had to resign because of the Pacific Scandal which involved the accepting of bribes (why is this not surprising?) and the Liberals under Alexander Mackenzie took over. Through the years, the Liberals and Conservatives have been at each other’s necks trying to take control, yet on the bright side, it’s comforting to know that there are only two of them who bicker, unlike the Philippines where a new party is established every time there is an election. Let’s not include the NDP and the Greens in this discussion.

So, really, 150 years of Canada is a truly exciting celebration, that despite what has gone on for the last one and a half century, the country seems to be faring better than its neighbour to the south. Celebrating 150 years should be a grand celebration, and surely, Ottawa is doing its best to promote it. Filipino-Canadians should be extra proud as Fil-Canadian Ariana Cuvin, a graphics designer from Toronto, designed the logo, with careful thought to Canada’s history and diversity.

And how are we preparing for the celebration here in BC?

We’re bickering in the Parliament as to who gets to sit in the hot seat simply because Christie Clark has tied herself to the chair and doesn’t want to let go. As John Horgan and Andrew Weaver try to pry her glued hands to the chair, the entire mess overshadows the birthday of our dear Canada, turning the luster into a mud wrestling match. With only a few days away from July 1, the folks in the Parliament still have not reached an agreement, and Clark does not want to bow out with dignity, so here we are, in the middle of their mess, trying to put together a celebration worthy of all our hardships and journeys to settle in this great nation.

So, shame on you, dear politicians. For at least a week, we’d like you to stop biting each other’s heads off, and join us in celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday. Come and enjoy the stories and the triumphs of those who had to fly, swim, jump over bureaucratic red tape, survive discrimination, endure the despair of unrecognized university education and professional credentials, patiently wait to reunite with their families after years of separation, and empathize with deported and repatriated OFWs and TFWs, while you and your first world political problems take center stage just because you can control the situation. Come and join your constituents who you really don’t know, who oppose laws you have written but quietly keep their opinions to themselves, and who watch helplessly on the sides as you delay the passing of the laws that really matter. Sit with us who oppose the legalization of marijuana, assisted suicide, abortion, and other laws because they go against our beliefs, but you pass them because of a certain small group of people who make the bigger noise and because they will make you look better and more “inclusive”. Come join our simple meals because we want to celebrate the better life Canada has offered us, even without your help.

You can have cake and eat it, too. It’s on us.
Canada celebrates the sesquicentennial (150-year) anniversary of the Canadian Confederation.