by Eileen Dolan, Technical Services Librarian

July 1st is Canada Day. Today celebrates the uniting of the colonies of Canada (Ontario and Quebec), Nova Scotia and New Brunswick into the Dominion of Canada. The confederation was formed when on July 1, 1867, the Constitution Act, 1867 (a.k.a. the British North America Act) was passed. While still part of the British Empire this was the beginning of the political process that would bring full independence.

Canada became completely independent on April 17, 1982 when Queen Elizabeth II and Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau signed the Proclamation of the Constitution Act, 1982 bringing it into force.

 O Canada became the national anthem on July 1, 1980.

Celebrations include picnics, concerts, parades, and fireworks.