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‘It's special this year:' Ottawa celebrates Canada Day amid surge of national pride
CTV's Jackie Perez on what to expect from the festivities at the National Canada Day ceremony in Ottawa.
A sea of red and white packed into LeBreton Flats when gates opened to kick off Canada Day festivities across the nation's capital.
Early festivalgoers snagged a spot along the stage where dignitaries and performers will appear throughout the day before a fireworks show to celebrate Canada's 158th birthday.
'It's special this year, I'm especially proud to be Canadian, said Heloise Vostie, who came from Quebec City.
'It's different this year. So many things happening right now with our neighbours to the south. Really proud of the position we take on inclusion, equality and respect.'
Canada Day
Heloise Vostie and Stephane Poulin came from Quebec City to celebrate Canada Day in Ottawa. (Jackie Perez/CTV News Ottawa)
Canada Day
Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds do a fly over during Canada Day celebrations at LeBreton Flats in Ottawa on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby
(Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press)
Ryan Reynolds
Canadian-American actor Ryan Reynolds, centre, is invested as an Officer to the Order of Canada by Gov. Gen. Mary Simon, right, during Canada Day celebrations at LeBreton Flats in Ottawa, on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Spencer Colby
(Spencer Colby/The Canadian Press)
This year's Canada Day celebrations come amid a growth of national pride and patriotism in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to annex Canada and make it the 51st state while levying stiff tariffs on imports.
Speaking to the crowd gathered under a warm and humid day in the nation's capital, Prime Minister Mark Carney called for national unity in his first Canada Day remarks.
'We find ourselves in a situation where our economy is being attacked by a trade war that we didn't start. We find ourselves in a situation where our values are being tested by attacks on democracy and freedoms – attacks that we must resist,' he told the crowd.
'As the world becomes more divided and dangerous, Canadians are uniting.'
Carney was also spotted greeting people at the Seniors and Families Breakfast Canada Day celebration in Barrhaven Tuesday morning.
Canada Day Barrhaven
People wear Canadian themed shirts as they attend the Seniors and Families Breakfast at the Canada Day in Barrhaven celebration in Ottawa on Tuesday, July 1, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang
(Justin Tang/The Canadian Press)
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A child holds a maple leaf flag on Canada Day in Barrhaven Tuesday, June 1, 2025. (Katelyn Wilson/CTV News Ottawa)
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A child plays a carnival game on Canada Day at Walter Baker Park in Kanata. (Katelyn Wilson/CTV News Ottawa)
Governor General Mary Simon and the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, also made remarks. Actor Ryan Reynolds and musician Heather Rankin were invested as officers of the Order of Canada.
The Canadian Forces Snowbirds flew over LeBreton Flats and will return to perform a non-aerobatic display at Parliament Hill at 4 p.m.
The daytime activities will be followed by a national evening show featuring performances by Sarah McLachlan, Coeur de Pirate, Josh Ross, Tom Cochrane, Mitsou and more.
Fireworks will begin at 10 p.m.
With files from CTV News Ottawa's Jackie Perez and The Canadian Press
This story will be updated
