Canada Day Reading Exercise

This Canada Day reading exercise helps you practice your reading skills while learning about a popular holiday in Canada.

Read the article and answer the questions below.

Canada Day

Canada Day is one of the most important holidays of the year. It is on July 1st. The holiday celebrates Canada’s independence from Britain. In 1867, the British North America Act was signed and the country of Canada was created. This was called Confederation. Confederation joined the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, and Quebec to make the Dominion of Canada. This Act started on July 1st, which is why this day is now called Canada Day. The other provinces and territories joined the country over the next 100 years.

The original holiday was called Dominion Day. This celebration started in 1868, one year after Confederation. In 1879, July 1st became a statutory holiday, which means Canadians do not go to work or school. In 1867, Canada celebrated its centennial with parties and nationalistic celebrations. Dominion Day became more popular with Canadians after this 100-year birthday. In 1982, Dominion Day was renamed Canada Day.

On Canada Day people across the country celebrate in many ways. There are parties, parades, festivals, concerts, and other events. People like to watch fireworks at night. Also, because Canada is a very diverse country, many Canada Day events celebrate music, food, and culture from around the world.

The biggest party is in Ottawa, the capital city of Canada. This festival is on Parliament Hill, which is where the Canadian Government buildings are. Every year Parliament Hill is filled with Canadians who go to watch a music concert with famous Canadian musicians.

It is not only Ottawa that has a celebration for Canada Day. Across the country, cities hold parties on July 1st. The most common thing is to have Fireworks that night. Some people even let off fireworks at their
homes.

Now that you have read the article, complete the questions.