A federal program that funds Canada Day events is adapting to evolving social values, with a growing emphasis on reconciliation and diversity, according to a Department of Canadian Heritage report.
Blacklock's Reporter says the report highlights a trend where some communities have altered or even canceled traditional July 1 celebrations to acknowledge the history of colonialism in Canada.
"Societal values are continuing to shift," the report stated. It emphasized efforts to promote reconciliation with Indigenous peoples and increase focus on equity and diversity.
Officials noted "opportunities to work towards even greater engagement of Indigenous peoples and more outreach to equity communities" to ensure government-funded events reflect the evolving Canadian identity.
The Celebration and Commemoration Program distributes an average of $25.5 million annually to community organizers, with 76% of funds going toward Canada Day events. National Indigenous Peoples Day received 8%, Canadian Multiculturalism Day 5%, and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day 4%, according to the evaluation.
Recent program adjustments have sought to make July 1 celebrations more inclusive. For example, Vancouver's annual event was renamed "Canada Together" and adopted the theme "weaving together the fabric of a nation."
The department noted that claims of unmarked graves at a Kamloops, B.C. residential school in 2021 prompted many Canadians to reconsider how Canada Day should be observed.
The report cited the rise of the social media hashtag #CancelCanadaDay and noted that more than 50 municipalities across the country canceled July 1 festivities that year.
“As Canadians learn more about the history of colonialism in Canada and Indigenous culture, there are changing ideas about how to celebrate Canada Day and other longstanding events and historical figures,” the report stated. It suggested further aligning celebrations with priorities of reconciliation, equity, diversity, and inclusion.
While no specific examples of planned changes were provided, the report acknowledged that awareness of alternative national celebrations remains low. A 2017 federal survey found most Canadians were unaware of Multiculturalism Day (June 27) and National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21).
A follow-up survey in 2020 found that 51% of Canadians were "very proud" of their country, citing freedoms and a sense of national strength. When asked what makes them proud to be Canadian, 4% of respondents cited hockey, while 7% pointed to "good government."