July 1, 2007 Canada Day

Happy Birthday Canada!

On July 1, 1967 the Dominion of Canada came into existence, marking today as Canada’s 140th birthday. How will you be celebrating Canada Day - going to Marina Park, Fort William Historical Park or Chippewa? enjoying a family picnic or barbeque? spending time at camp? enjoying the outdoors at Kakabeka Falls or Sleeping Giant? Are you patriotic? Will you be wearing red and white or a Canadian t-shirt? However you spend the day here’s some Canadian facts that may interest you...

What is the origin of the name Canada?
In 1535, Jacques Cartier was told about the route to kanata. The reference was to the village of Stadacona; kanata was simply the Huron-Iroquois word for village or settlement. But for want of another name, Cartier used Canada to refer not only to Stadacona (the site of present day Quebec City), but also to the entire area subject to its chief, Donnacona. The name was soon applied to a much larger area: maps in 1547 designated everything north of the St. Lawrence River as Canada. The first use of Canada as an official name came in 1791 when the Province of Quebec was divided into the colonies of Upper and Lower Canada. In 1841, the two Canadas were again united under one name, the Province of Canada. At the time of Confederation, the new country assumed the name of Canada. (www.canadianencyclopedia.ca)

Before we officially became a country, were any names other than Canada suggested?
There were a number of names suggested including Brittania, Laurentia and even Ursalia. (The Great Canadian Trivia Book)

When did the name change from Dominion Day to Canada Day?
Dominion Day was celebrated for 115 years, on July 9, 1982 a private member’s bill was passed by the House of Commons, which amended the Holidays Act, renaming it Canada Day. (1000 Questions About Canada)

When was O Canada first used as the National anthem?
O Canada was proclaimed Canada's national anthem on July 1, 1980, 100 years after it was first sung on June 24, 1880. The music was composed by Calixa Lavallée, a well-known composer; French lyrics to accompany the music were written by Sir Adolphe-Basile Routhier. The song gained steadily in popularity. Many English versions have appeared over the years. The version on which the official English lyrics are based was written in 1908 by Mr. Justice Robert Stanley Weir. The official English version includes changes recommended in 1968 by a Special Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Commons, changing two of the Stand on Guard phrases to From Far and Wide and God Keep Our Land. The French lyrics remain unaltered. (The Great Canadian Trivia Book)

Where can I get music for O Canada?
Sheet music, words, and various versions of O Canada can be downloaded from the Heritage Canada website, www.canadianheritage.gc.ca, select English or French, under subject select Citizenship and Identity, select Symbols of Canada and finally National Anthems O Canada. The library also has various recordings of O Canada on CD such as National Anthems of the World and O Canada by The Thunder Bay Children’s Chorus. This recording includes versions of O Canada in English, French and Ojibway.

What is Canada’s motto?
The motto on the Royal Arms of Canada is A MARI USQUE AD MARE - From sea to sea (2007 Canadian Almanac & Directory).

Are there any books on Canadian trivia?
Yes, access the online catalogue from the library’s homepage, www.tbpl.ca or www.mycatalogue.tbpl.ca, change the drop down default from title to subject, enter Canada - Miscellanea for a list of titles such as, The Great Canadian Trivia Book 2 by Mark Kearney and Randy Ray; 1000 Questions About Canada by John Robert Colombo. This title is available in both print and e-book format.

Here are a few suggestions for a quick overview of Canadian history:
A Short History Of Canada by Desmond Morton
A Brief History Of Canada by Roger Riendeau

Go ahead, be patriotic, celebrate living in this great country and if you’re lucky enough to share Canada’s birthday, I envy you, and wish a Happy Birthday to both you and Canada!

Judy Belrose, Library Technician