Independence Day is observed on Thursday, July 4, this year, and is considered a federal holiday. In total, 2025 has 12 federal holidays across 11 days, according to the Office of Personnel The U.S. and Canada may both be celebrating holidays honoring our countries in July, but we've got differences, too. A federal statutory holiday, it celebrates the anniversary of Canadian Confederation which occurred on July 1, 1867, when the three separate colonies of the United Canadas (Ontario and Quebec), Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick were united into a single dominion within the British Empire called Canada. [1][2] In fact, Canada does not celebrate July 4, we celebrate Canada on July 1st! So to help our neighbours to the south, we thought we’d share some Canada Day Facts to help better understand that we aren’t celebrating with you, we actually have our own holidays too. July Fourth is a national holiday in North America, celebrating the anniversary of the uniting of three colonies into a single country called Canada on July 1, 1867. The holiday is observed on July 1, unless that date falls on a Sunday, in which case July 2 is the statutory holiday. Canada Day falls on Tuesday, July 1. Here's what’s open and closed during the federal statutory holiday. Fireworks, flags and fighter jets are all part of the Canada Day experience. But how did this annual July 1 holiday come about? Two top historians weigh in. What is the difference between Canada Day and 4th of July? Indeed, Canada Day and the Fourth of July are separated by more than 72 hours. One represents the confederation of a country that retained its ties to Great Britain, the other represents the breaking of ties with Great Britain. Official Canada Day sites Express your Canadian identity and show your colours where the action is! Canada Day in the capital is an experience not to be missed. When a due date falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday recognized by the CRA, your payment is considered on time if the CRA receives it on or before the next business day. Note that several provinces and territories have their own unique holidays. Therefore, due dates may be affected depending on where you reside. No, Canada does not celebrate the 4th of July. Because the 4th of July recognizes America’s independence from Great Britain, it’s a holiday closely associated with that specific country. Why don t Canadians celebrate 4th of July? Because the 4th of July recognizes America’s independence from Great Britain, it’s a holiday closely associated with that specific country. Instead, Canada has its own Independence Day that it celebrates. July 1st is Canada Day in which Canadians come together to celebrate all things Canadian. There are tons of holidays to celebrate in July, including Canada Day, the Fourth of July in the U.S. and Bastille Day in France. Learn all about the holidays on Kidzworld! Similar to the Fourth of July, Canada Day is celebrated widely, with firework displays, concerts, barbecues, patriotic parades, and celebratory festivals. The Canadian flag flies high across the country. List of statutory holidays in Canada celebrated nationwide and at the provincial level plus dates and information about all Canadian stat holidays. Did you know that the Fourth of July isn’t the only national holiday celebrated in North America each summer? Canada Day is an equally patriotic occasion and, from coast to coast to coast, Canadians are eager to honor their heritage and celebrate with friends old and new. While Americans celebrate their independence on the Fourth of July, Canadians celebrate their national day a few days earlier. Canada Day, on July 1, is the national holiday when Canucks However, the 4th of July isn’t North America’s only major summer holiday! Head a little further north to Canada around the 1st of July and get ready for some massive celebrations and a variety of Canada Day activities! What is Canada Day, you ask? News Is Canada Day a paid holiday and do I get the day off work? On July 1, all government offices are closed. Schools, post offices, banks, and libraries are also closed. Public transport will run on a reduced holiday schedule. In North America, when you think of fireworks, barbecues and parades during July your mind may go straight to Independence Day. However, the 4th of July isn’t North America’s only major summer holiday! Head a little further north to Canada around the 1st of July and get ready for some massive celebrations and a variety of Canada Day activities! What is Canada Day, you ask? Expat Explore is
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