Happy Birthday Canada! 150 Years and Counting.

Well, just about everyone loves a birthday party, and Canada had a big one last weekend. There were all kinds of events held to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Canada’s federation, when Canada, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick joined to form a dominion (basically a country) on July 1, 1867. In truth, Canada didn’t get real independence till 1931, with some finishing touches in 1982.

However, Queen Elizabeth II is still the sovereign of Canada. (And Australia and New Zealand as well as the United Kingdom.) It was fitting then that Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall make their appearance at celebrations held this past weekend.

Canada Day festivities were held on Parliament Hill, Ottawa. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke his message of inclusiveness:

“We don’t care where you’re from or what religion you practice, or whom you love–you’re all welcome in Canada.”

 Not everyone was prepared to have a good time. Many Indigenous people felt the celebrations were not for them and declined to participate. There were also rumblings about the construction of an oil pipeline. However Saturday and Sunday’s 150-year celebrations, despite rainy weather, seemed to be something that most Canadians chose to support and celebrate.

To cap it off, Donald Trump, head of state of Canada’s southern neighbor Tweeted:

“Happy Canada Day to all the great people of Canada and to your Prime Minister and my new found friend @ Justin Trudeau #Canada 150”

So what more could one ask for? Happy 150 Canada! Here’s wishing you another great 150!

( Does Canada really have a bright future? Log in and let us know what you think.)

 

 

 

Photo: Don The Up North Memories via flickr