Will Canada Day Be More Patriotic this Year?
We are Canadian. We’re known for being polite and not boastful. Will July 1 bring out a surge of patriotism from Canadians due to the ongoing trade war?
This year, Canada Day has the backdrop of the tariff conflict with the United States. Celebrating Canada Day 2025 may bring even more meaning to the True North, strong and free.
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Why is Canada Day different this year?
Canada Day 2025 is expected to take on more significance than in previous years due to the tariff battle against Canada led by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Why the ramped up Canadian patriotism?
The reason for ramped up Canadian patriotism is tariffs. The U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods and Canada’s counter tariffs on America goods are creating a rally around the Canadian flag effect. Canadians are making efforts to buy Canadian products and vacation in Canada as part of the response to the trade war.
The trade war is helping to make Canada Day a symbol of unity for Canadians.
What’s going on with the trade war with the U.S.?
Prime Minister Mark Carney and U.S. President Donald Trump met at the G7 meeting in Alberta in mid-June and are going to try to reach a trade deal within 30 days.
The trade war between Canada and the United States began in early 2025 and it’s the most serious conflict between the two countries in years, affecting both country’s economies.
Many industries are being affected on both sides of the border due to tariffs. For example, in Canada manufacturing including the auto industry, oil and gas, agriculture, electronics, among others.
U.S. industries most affected include manufacturing, agriculture and food processing, consumer goods, and forestry and lumber.
What’s the theme of Canada Day 2025?
The official theme for Canada Day 2025 is Celebrating our Canada, loud and proud.
Canadians are being asked to express their unity and national pride. Canadians are also being urged to “wave our flag proudly and show the world what makes us the True North strong and free.”
Why are we the ‘True North, strong and free’? Where does that come from?
"True North, strong and free" comes from the English lyrics of Canada’s national anthem, O Canada: “With glowing hearts we see thee rise, The True North strong and free!
The expression, True North, strong and free, is generally understood as a source of pride for Canada’s northern geography, strength, and freedom.
It’s also a symbol of Canada’s identity.
Where are the main Canada Day celebrations?
Ottawa is the main location for national Canada Day festivities. The main stage for official activities is LeBreton Flats Park, west of Parliament Hill, but Parliament Hill is also a key location for Canada Day events.
Canada Day celebrations are held all across the country with the provinces and territories hosting events to mark the national holiday and Canada’s birthday.
How old is Canada?
On July 1, 2025, Canada will be 158 years old. Canada officially became a country on July 1, 1867.
What is Confederation?
Confederation refers to when the British North American colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada (now Ontario and Quebec) joined together to form the Dominion of Canada on July 1, 1867. It created the country of Canada, establishing a federal system with shared powers between provincial and central governments.
What was that ‘Elbows Up’ thing?
Canadian comedian Mike Myers joined Liberal Leader Mark Carney (now prime minister) in March 2025 to encourage Canadians to put their “elbows up” in a new video ad for the Liberals.
The hockey expression took off as a slogan to express unity among Canadians against the tariff threats and threats by President Donald Trump to annex Canada and make it the 51st U.S. state.
Elbows up is a defensive move where a hockey player keeps their elbows raised to protect themselves.
What do people say about Canadians?
People say Canadians are polite and friendly and that they have a reputation for saying "sorry" a lot.
The word "sorry" in Canada is often used for minor situations, like bumping into someone, instead of saying “excuse me.”
People also say that Canadians say “eh” a lot and it’s often used for confirmation or to turn a statement into a question.
People are aware that hockey is a big part of Canadian identity. Not everyone plays hockey, but many Canadians are passionate fans, especially during NHL playoffs and big games. It’s our national sport and it unites Canadians.
Canada won the 4 Nations Face-Off championship game in a 3-2 victory over the Americans in February. The Canadian victory came at a time when tensions were high at the beginning of the trade war and the victory was a moral boost for Canada. Sadly, the Edmonton Oilers lost the Stanely Cup for the second consecutive year to the Florida Panthers this year, 4 games to 2 games.
What else is special about Canada Day 2025?
The Canadian flag turned 60 on Feb. 15, 1965, and it’s going to be a visible part of Canada Day celebrations.
Fireworks are also a big part of Canada Day with major shows in cities such as Ottawa, Mississauga, and Vancouver, usually accompanied by live music and community gatherings.
Does Canada have an official animal that celebrates Canada Day?
Canada has two official national animals that are associated with Canada Day celebrations: the beaver and the horse.
The beaver: It’s Canada’s most iconic animal. The beaver became an official symbol on March 24, 1975, through the National Symbol of Canada Act. The beaver is rooted in Canadian history, from its role in the fur trade to its presence on early postage stamps and Indigenous totem poles.
The beaver is celebrated as a symbol of Canadian sovereignty, industriousness, and resilience.
The horse: The Canadian horse was designated as a national symbol in 2002. It’s not as prominent as the beaver in Canada Day celebrations, but it represents the Canada’s agricultural heritage and endurance.
Sometimes we see Mounties (members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police) on horses, but mostly during ceremonial events, parades, and public performances.
The RCMP’s Musical Ride is an example of where officers perform intricate drills and formations on horseback, showcasing their horsemanship and tradition.
To sum it all up
Canada Day 2025 is an opportunity for Canadians to celebrate our country and ramp up our patriotism. Let’s wave our Maple Leaf flags!
5 FAQs about Canada Day and Canada
What’s the history behind Canada Day’s name?
Canada Day was originally called Dominion Day. The July 1 holiday’s name was officially changed to Canada Day in 1982, the same year Canada’s Constitution was patriated, fully severing legal dependence on the Parliament of the United Kingdom in areas such as foreign affairs, national defence, and constitutional changes.
What symbols best represent Canada's identity on July 1?
The Maple Leaf is the most recognized symbol of Canada and is at the centre of our national flag. which is waved on Canada Day. The Beaver was officially recognized as our national animal in 1975. The Loon is featured on the one-dollar coin “Loonie” and it symbolizes Canada’s natural beauty and wildlife. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (Mounties) in their iconic red serge uniforms are a symbol of law, order, and tradition are often seen participating in Canada Day parades and ceremonies.
Did the Vikings come to Canada?
Norse explorer Leif Erikson reached Canada (specifically Newfoundland) around 1,000 years ago, centuries before other Europeans.
What French explorer discovered Canada?
The French explorer who is credited with discovering Canada is Jacques Cartier. In 1534, Cartier became the first European to navigate the St. Lawrence River and explore the Atlantic coast of what is now Canada. Jacques Cartier did attempt to establish a settlement near Quebec City, but in June 1542, Cartier abandoned the settlement and returned to France with the survivors.
What are some famous Canadian foods?
- Maple syrup: Canada produces about 85% of the world’s maple syrup
- Poutine: Originating in Quebec, it’s fries topped with cheese curds and a special gravy.
- Butter tarts: These sweet pastries have a flaky crust and a sugary filling.
- Nanaimo bars: Named after the city of Nanaimo, B.C., these no-bake dessert bars have a layered structure of crumb base, custard-flavored middle, and chocolate topping.
Other Canadian foods include Montreal bagels, Montreal smoked meat, Tortiere, Ketchup chips, Peameal bacon, Saskatoon berry pie, Nova Scotia lobster roll, Halifax Donair, and Beavertails.
