Canada Day this year takes on an extra resonance, given the recent surge in patriotic Canadian pride in response to talk of annexation from our neighbour to the south. That will place additional attention on the official activities in Ottawa on July 1, and today (May 29), the official program for Canada Day 2025 was unveiled by Steven Guilbeault, the recently appointed Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages.
"Celebrating Our Canada, Loud and Proud" is the tagline. In a statement, The Department of Canadian Heritage stated that "The July 1 festivities will allow us to celebrate our unity and express our national pride, while affirming our sovereignty, our identity and our culture."
"More than ever, this year is the perfect opportunity to wave our flag proudly and show the world what makes the True North strong and free. Canadians are encouraged to take part in celebrations in their communities across the country and in the heart of Canada’s Capital Region.”
Both a noon and evening show feature some well-established major national stars, alongside emerging talents. Featured on the Canada Day evening show , running from 8 to 10 pm ET on July 1, at Ottawa’s LeBreton Flats Park, are such platinum-selling artists as Sarah McLachlan, Coeur de pirate Tom Cochrane, Amanda Marshall, Randy Bachman, Mitsou, Josh Ross, Roch Voisine, Edith Butler and TALK, as well as Fredz, Dumas & Ivan Boivin-Flamand, Muzion, Billie du Page and Morgan Grace.
Joining them from such locales as Summerside, PEI, Vancouver and Yellowknife are Blue Rodeo, Dear Rouge, Alex Wells, Crook the Kid, Brenda Montana and more.
Hosted by Isabelle Racicot, the evening show will broadcast live on CBC, CBC News Network, CBC Gem, CBC Radio, the CBC News YouTube channel and CBC News streaming channels as well as ICI RDI, ICI TÉLÉ and ICI TOU.TV. It culminates with a Canada Day fireworks display,
The national noon ceremony will officially kick off the celebrations and will be broadcast on CBC, CBC News Network, CBC Gem, CBC Radio, the CBC News YouTube channel and CBC News streaming channels as well as ICI RDI, ICI TÉLÉ and ICI TOU.TV. Performers here will include Amanda Marshall, Garou, Thompson Egbo-Egbo, Rafaelle Roy and Alli Walker, with Sonia Benezra hosting.
More information here.
Stephen Macklam (left) and Sam Feldman.Courtesy Photos