Tensions remain high amid a heavy police presence as thousands begin to gather on the streets of downtown Ottawa, where residents continue to grapple with what police have acknowledged is “prolonged trauma” from the blockade of the convoy earlier this year.
Read more: Liveblog: Canada Day celebrations, protests across the country
In normal years, Canada Day festivities draw thousands to the lawns and streets around Parliament Hill for concerts, fireworks and parties. COVID-19 forced the celebrations to actually take place in 2020 and 2021. Instead, the official celebrations take place at LeBreton Flats, the festival site about 20 minutes’ walk west of Parliament Hill, as the Parliament grounds descend. Story continues below ad People are still encouraged to come to the Hill, even though the majority of events are elsewhere, Global’s Abigail Bimman reports. However, there are lines to get in, with security screenings. Parliament Hill is seen past a security screening area for people arriving for Canada Day celebrations at Lebreton Flats in Ottawa, Friday, July 1, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang Parliament Hill is seen beyond people waiting for the start of Canada Day celebrations at Lebreton Flats in Ottawa, Friday, July 1, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang Notably absent from the Canada Day scene, however, were some feisty protesters. Even when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau shook hands with the crowd, he received mostly cheers, rather than the vocal frustrations that protesters in Ottawa have voiced in recent months. Story continues below ad Several hundred protesters marched through the streets south of Parliament Hill on Friday afternoon, with a heavy police presence along the route as they walked and chanted “freedom”. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Lars Hagberg Crowds overall appear to have been smaller than in pre-pandemic years, where Canada Day events typically drew crowds in the tens of thousands, with about 56,000 people at the 150th anniversary. An official at the LeBreton Flats event told Global News’ Rachel Gilmore that there were about 5,000 people on the festival grounds for the main concert and events by noon Friday.
Read more: Here’s what to know as Ottawa prepares for Canada Day protests amid ‘prolonged trauma’
The day’s ceremony began at 11:30 am. eastern on Friday and lasted until 1:00 p.m Story continues below ad The evening show starts at 20.00 and lasts until 22.00, when the fireworks begin. 2:26 ‘Canada Day is Canadians’ Day’: Trudeau praises frontline workers and citizens for their contributions ‘Canada Day is Canadians’ Day’: Trudeau praises frontline workers, citizens for their contribution Performers during the day included Chantal Kreviazuk, Gurdeep Pandher, Lisa LeBlanc, Tenille Townes, Sarahmee, DJ Shub, Kellie Loder, Sebastien Gaskin, Riit and Boogat. The evening performance will feature Charlotte Cardin, Walk Off The Earth, Salebarbes, Ariane Moffat, Sarahmee, Riit, Cindy Bedard, Sebastian Gaskin, Gurdeep Pandher, Johhny Reid, Tenille Arts, Neon Dreams, Samian and William Prince. There’s also an official Canada Day playlist on Spotify and YouTube featuring music from the artists. 1:03 Ottawa police make arrests as city prepares for Canada Day weekend Ottawa police make arrests as city prepares for Canada Day weekend In his official message to Canadians, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called on citizens to recommit to the country’s values, including respect, hope and kindness. Trending Stories
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Story continues below ad Trudeau said the national holiday is an opportunity to commit to the values represented by the maple leaf, adding that the flag is more than a symbol.
Read more: Canadian flag represents promise of a better life, Trudeau says in Canada Day message
“It is also a promise – a promise of opportunity, a promise of safety for those fleeing violence and war and a promise of a better life,” he said. “No matter what our faith is, where we were born, what color our skin is, what language we speak or who we love, we are all equal members of this great country,” he said. “And today we celebrate the place we all call home.”
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During a speech to the crowd gathered at the official ceremony at LeBreton Flats, Trudeau touched on the work of Canadians to continue to build the country over the years. He highlighted the country’s Ukrainian communities as well as national heroes like Terry Fox, whose courage continues to inspire Canadians across the country each year at the Terry Fox Run. “Canada is about people constantly fighting for something, instead of against,” Trudeau said. Story continues below ad “We stand on the shoulders of all those who built this country before us, and we work hard every day for those who will follow. All the progress we’ve made didn’t happen by accident and it won’t continue without effort.” He added: “Canada has never been perfect and it is not perfect now. Yes, Canada is one of the best countries in the world, but our work to make it better never stops.” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his wife Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau are accompanied by their children Hadrien, Xavier and Ella-Grace as they arrive at Canada Day celebrations at LeBreton Flats in Ottawa on Friday, July 1, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick Governor General Mary Simon also spoke at the ceremony, making remarks in English, Inuktitut and French. He said after two years apart, it was a “wonderful” opportunity for Canadians to come together and applauded the work done over the past two years by health workers. “There are so many things to look forward to, so many milestones to celebrate,” he said. Story continues below ad 1:40 ‘So many things to look forward to’: Canada’s governor general thanks Canadians’ efforts in the COVID-19 pandemic ‘So many things to look forward to’: Canada’s governor general thanks Canadians’ efforts to the pandemic COVID-19 But for many, Canada Day will be a reminder of loss, Simon added. He pointed to indigenous peoples grieving the loss of culture and languages, as well as victims of recent natural disasters and those who have lost loved ones to COVID-19. He called on Canadians to “lead with kindness and compassion” in building an inclusive country. “I’m proud to call you all my neighbors,” Simon said.
Ottawans “on alert” after convoy interruptions
For Ottawans who lived through the chaos of the motorcade earlier in the year, questions about the protesters’ return to the core left them feeling “on guard” and wary, one local resident said. Story continues below ad Michael Del Mastro spoke to Global News from Strathcona Park on Friday, where a small group of anti-vaccine protesters gathered earlier in the day. He said that as a resident of one of the communities hit hard during the march, he wanted to show them that the majority of Canadians do not agree with them, citing Canada’s high vaccination rates. “I’m here to show the people in the convoy that the vast majority of Canadians do not agree with their views. They know that Canada is already one of the freest countries in the world and that all this escort is pointless,” Del Mastro said, adding that he hoped police would prevent another “occupation.” Both the police and officials from the federal and municipal governments describe the February demonstration as an “occupation” and illegal protest. Del Mastro added that he believes that changing the location for the celebration will have the effect of preventing confrontations. While protesting, he added that he is “on guard” and “cautious.” 2:13 Ottawa steps up security ahead of Canada Day celebrations, protests Ottawa steps up security ahead of Canada Day celebrations, protests Another local, Nicholas Fortura, said he believes the efforts so far in downtown Ottawa’s Centretown neighborhood are helping to keep things safe for residents. Story continues below ad Centretown is right next to the Parliament grounds and was one of the areas of the city hardest hit during the blockade, with big rigs parked for weeks and horns blaring along…
