Canada welcomes new citizens as it celebrates 156th birthday
Evening show back on after weather prompted suspension
Canada Day celebrations in 2023 included speeches, a special citizenship ceremony and musical performances — though the weather in the capital isn't so festive.
Smoke and an overcast sky darkened Ottawa Saturday. Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm and tornado watch for the region.
"Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible," it said in an alert posted Saturday afternoon.
"This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation."
The weather prompted Canadian Heritage in the afternoon to suspend its planned Canada Day events in the capital, but the department said hours later that the evening show, including fireworks to close out the event, will go on.
WATCH | Canadians share their hopes for country's future:
- Cross Country Checkup wants to know, if you've immigrated to Canada, how did that move change you? When did Canada become your new home? Fill out the details on this form and send us your stories.
CBC's David Cochrane hosted coverage of the daytime celebrations, which took place at LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa. It opened with an Indigenous Reflection ceremony led by Indigenous elders.
Seventeen new Canadians swore oaths of citizenship at a special citizenship ceremony as part of the celebrations.
Afterward, Trudeau delivered remarks in which he referenced the fact that Canada's population recently passed 40 million.
"Given the citizenship ceremony we just had, we're now at least 40 million 17," Trudeau said.
WATCH | New Canadians take citizenship oath on Canada Day:
But the prime minister also mentioned issues facing Canada and the world, including climate change, natural disasters, the war in Ukraine and rising prices.
"But no matter the challenges we face, we will get through it the same way we always do — by staying true to our values," Trudeau said.
"Values like justice, openness and democracy. That's Canada's advantage in the world, now more than ever."
Earlier Saturday, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon released her Canada Day message, saying there's work to do for Canadians to combat climate change, to "care for our mental health in the same way we do our physical health," and "overcome obstacles to equality, fairness, justice and inclusion."
In his own video message released earlier Saturday, Trudeau said Canadians can take pride in a country that's the "envy of the world," where "differences are celebrated and diversity is embraced."
WATCH | The prime minister's Canada Day message:
"People fleeing violence and persecution dream of a life here. Businesses open headquarters in our cities and manufacturing plants in our towns. And world leaders look to us for leadership in times of crisis," he said.
Police removed several protesters from the park who brought flags protesting the prime minister.
Ceremonies to include Lightfoot tribute
The evening celebrations will begin at 8 p.m. and will include performances from several Canadian artists from across the country, including Jann Arden, Roxane Bruneau, Preston Pablo, Tegan and Sara, Dear Rouge, Madison Violet, Josh Q and many more.
There will also be a tribute to the late Canadian singer-songwriter Gordon Lightfoot, who died earlier this year.