140th Canada Day A Multicultural Celebration

This weekend's Canada Day was a time for Canadians to celebrate the country's ethno-cultural heritage. In the Montreal (Quebec ) parade, there were proud contingents of dozens of cultural and ethnic community groups. The Filipino Association of Montreal, the Polish Canadian

Congress, and the Irish Heritage Association, were joined by Chinese-Canadians with dragon puppets, Danish-Canadians in Viking hats, and German-Canadians in lederhosen. A Vancouver (British Columbia ) park hosted a multicultural performance of Arabic, Indian, and Persian song and dance. St. John's (Newfoundland and Labrador ) showcased its Irish community with a presentation of Irish music and dance. Parades, festivities, and ceremonies across the country celebrated Canada's distinct multicultural flavour.

Of the many community celebrations nation-wide, Ottawa's Parliament Hill was the focal point of Canada Day festivities. Governor General Michaelle Jean and Prime Minister Stephen Harper addressed the thousands gathered there for the day-long celebration, which included a 21-gun salute, a fly-past by the Snow-birds, concerts and fireworks. The Governor General took the opportunity to underline the value of Canadian freedom, stating, "it is our responsibility to spread this freedom all around us and around the world."

Earlier in the day, Jean had sworn in 49 new Canadians at a special Canada Day citizenship ceremony. There were a total of 34 such ceremonies across the country in which 1,700 individuals became Canadian citizens.