"Headliners" released for 2020's virtual Canada Day

Jun 15 2020, 2:15 pm

Canada Day might not have its usual flare of fireworks, people, and parties, but Canadians from coast to coast to coast will still be able to virtually get together to celebrate our country pride.

The Minister of Canadian Heritage, Steven Guilbeault, unveiled the programming for this year’s Canada Day which will include an array of virtual celebrations in wishing our country a happy birthday.

This year commemorates an important one in Canada’s history as it marks the 40th anniversary  of the official adoption of our national anthem, “O Canada.”

Guilbeault says Canadians can expect an “exciting and engaging” lineup of musicians and activities for this year’s virtual party, focusing on what makes Canada strong: its diverse cultures, athletic and artistic excellence, Indigenous languages and cultures, and our spirit of innovation.

The Canada Day Daytime Show will bring hosts Serena Ryder and Pierre-Yves Lord on a cross country trip to meet talented artists from Yellowknife, Calgary, Winnipeg, Sudbury, Montréal, Québec City, and Moncton. And, from 1 pm to 2 pm (local time), CBC will be airing Canada Day Across the Country.

In celebration of Canada’s 153rd year of Confederation, the following acts and speakers will take turns delivering performances about Canada’s culture:

  • Paul Brandt
  • Marc Hervieux
  • Julie Nesrallah
  • National Arts Centre Orchestra
  • Laurence Nerbonne and SarahmĂ©e
  • Leela Gilday
  • Atlantic Ballet of Canada
  • Sierra Noble, Faouzia, Kelly Bado, Olivia Lunny, JP Hoe, and Jason Burnstick
  • Patricia Cano

The night will conclude with highlights of the best Canada Day fireworks from previous years, featuring:

  • Alanis Morissette
  • Avril Lavigne
  • Sarah McLachlan
  • Shane Koyczan
  • Charlotte Cardin
  • Loud
  • Roxane Bruneau
  • Alan Doyle
  • The Sheepdogs
  • Corneille
  • Alexandra StrĂ©liski
  • Joel Plaskett
  • Ria Mae
  • Alex Nevsky
  • Radio Radio and Damien Robitaille
  • Haviah Mighty
  • The Jerry Cans
  • Natasha KanapĂ© Fontaine
  • Guillaume CĂ´tĂ©, The National Ballet of Canada
  • Vanesa Garcia-Ribala Montoya, Les Grands Ballets Canadiens
  • Alanna McAdie, Royal Winnipeg Ballet

And obviously, we can’t have Canada Day without fireworks and “through the magic of technology,” a Tim Hortons-presented app will let you enjoy virtual fireworks from the comfort of your own home.

“This year isn’t like other years. But even these challenging times are a good opportunity to think about what it means to be Canadian,” says Guilbeault. “I’m inviting you, whoever and wherever you are, to take part in all the great activities we have planned. Today Canada’s history—our values, our talents and our creativity—are on display for the whole world. Today is our day. Happy Canada Day!”

A virtual Celebration Kit is available through the Canada.ca website which offers interactive, creative, and educational activities for the whole family to enjoy from now until July 1.

Ty JadahTy Jadah

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