Dominion Day

noun

1. the former name for Canada Day

More About Dominion Day

What is Dominion Day?

Dominion Day is the former name of Canada Day, a Canadian national holiday that commemorates the day in 1867 when Canada’s three provinces were united into a dominion of the British Empire (formally called the Dominion of Canada).

The three provinces were Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Canada province (which was divided into Ontario and Quebec).

Canada was the first British colony to receive dominion status. This meant that it gained some power of self-government within the British Empire. The day is often celebrated as the first step toward full independence (and is sometimes referred to as Canada’s Birthday for this reason).

The holiday has always taken place on July 1. Today, it is often celebrated with patriotic events like parades.

More information and context on Dominion Day

Dominion Day was first celebrated in 1879. The day commemorates the anniversary of July 1, 1867. On this date, the provinces of Canada were joined into one country by the Constitution Act. It was officially renamed Canada Day in 1982, the year Canada became fully independent from Britain.

What are some terms that often get used in discussing Dominion Day?

• Canada Day
• Canada
• nation
• commonwealth
• Britain
• independence
• dominion
• holiday

How is Dominion Day discussed in real life?

Dominion Day has been called Canada Day since 1982.

"Dominion Day” on July 1st, 1952 at Riverdale park. Known as Canada Day starting in 1982. pic.twitter.com/vda88CuWH0

— Augustine Hahn (@Auggy806) June 7, 2021

Try using Dominion Day!

True or False?

Dominion Day was first celebrated in 1982.