(CNN) Canada Day is coming up, and it's what it sounds like: a federal holiday to celebrate the country and show off national pride.
When is it?
July 1 is Canada Day. However, because that date falls on a Sunday this year, many Canadians will take off from work on Monday, July 2.
How did it start?
July 1 commemorates the joining of Canada's original three provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Canada province, which is now Ontario and Quebec) as one nation in 1867. The holiday was previously called Dominion Day, for the Dominion of Canada in the British empire.
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Happy Canada Day, Nation! As per tradition, today is the day where we can all sit around all day, drinking beer in the name of patriotism while also following along with how crazy the NHL general managers get with their owner’s money. It’s a timeless tradition really, and one that we’ll jump in on regardless of how busy the Oilers actually end up being. My friends, it’s time for the free agency live blog.
The draft is in the books, the Oilers somehow landed Bouchard, and now we’ve arrived at NHL shopping day. Isn’t it exciting? I can’t wait to see what the Oilers do! Actually, I assume it’s going to be a pretty boring day around here since the Oilers don’t really have much cap space to spend anyway. That said, there are still holes to plug and I expect Peter Chiarelli to get some of that patchwork done today with some guys pulled from the bargain bin. If I was a gambling man, I’d bet Gregor’s money on the Oilers adding one or two veterans to their bottom six by the end of the day.
And just because the Oilers probably won’t be all that busy today doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t still have a place to talk about what’s going on. You just know that someone is going to get a mental contract that will be worth making fun of regardless of whether the Oilers do anything. That’s why I rolled my ass out of bed to kick things off with this here live blog. Your old pal Baggedmilk knocked this article out from the lake and the plan for today is to update it throughout the day from my phone whenever anything interesting happens. The boys from Nation HQ will handle any breaking Oilers news that happens while I sit around drinking beer and talking to you guys in what was likely the biggest boss move that I’ve made in a while.
Feel free to join in on the conversation and see if you can match up to how day drunk I get. Deal? Deal. Happy Canada Day shopping to the NHL teams and happy Canada Day drinking to the rest of us!
THE SUSPECTS
Yesterday, Dusty Nielson summed up the latest rumours about where the Oilers are at and who they’re after and, admittedly, it’s not the sexiest list of UFA targets that I’ve ever seen. Without much cap room, the options are limited but this is still our free agency list and for that reason, we’ll treat it like it’s beautiful. Listed below are some of the names that have been mentioned by varying media members as players the Oilers have reportedly shown interest in, so we’ll have to see how many, if any, get crossed off the list.
The Golden Years Guild:
Blake Comeau (2017/18: 79GP – 13G, 21A for 34 points) – Leading off the ‘culture bringing veteran division’ is Blake Comeau, a veteran of 14 NHL seasons and would certainly be an upgrade to the team’s bottom six. As I wrote on Friday, Comeau played third line minutes for the Avalanche and averaged just under 16 minutes per night (15:52) with his time being split mostly between a checking type of role at even strength and the penalty kill.
Kyle Brodziak (2017/18: 81GP – 10G, 23A for 33 points) – I don’t think I have to remind you guys that the Oilers were really bad on the penalty kill last season (specifically at home) and they could definitely use some veteran guys that know how to do that. Brodziak can kill penalties. He can also win faceoffs, which is another area that the Oilers always seem to need help in and he would certainly check off that box. I can see this deal happening early in the day.
Jason Chimera (2017/18: 74GP – 3G, 10A for 13 points) – As Dusty mentioned in his article, word on the street is that the Oilers could be bringing back another old friend in the form of 39-year-old Jason Chimera. Again, Chimera is a guy that can still skate and kill penalties but I don’t know how much he would still have left in the tank at this point. To me, it seems like there are other options that could make sense for this role, no? I guess we’ll see.
Who else tho?
Tobias Rieder (2017/18: 78GP – 12G, 13A for 25 points) – When the Oilers traded Toby Rieder in March of 2013, the rationale was that he was another small, skilled forward that wasn’t likely to crack the lineup. Instead, they brought in Kale Kessy who is now selling life insurance to friends and family through a pyramid scheme of some sort. Alright, so I made that last part up but you get the point.
Brandon Davidson (2017/18: 51GP – 4G, 3A for seven points) – The Islanders didn’t qualify Davidson which sets him up for a third tour of duty with the Oilers if the organization wants him. A source I trust told me very specifically that Davidson would happily come back to Edmonton if they want him and, looking at the depth chart, he might be a nice fit as the seventh defenceman that can play when you need him.
Daniel Carr (2017/18: 38GP – 6G, 10A for 16 points) – Daniel Carr, an undrafted left-winger that has spent the last four years in Montreal’s system, is a name that’s floated around Twitter a little bit as a potential fit for the Oilers’ bottom six. The 26-year-old Sherwood Park native would definitely come cheap, but I don’t really know much else about him than that. Good idea? Bad idea? Meh.
The ‘I Hope Chia Takes a Swing’ collection:
Anthony Duclair (2017/18: 56GP – 11G, 12A for 23 points) – Duclair being available was a pretty big surprise for me considering he moved from Arizona to Chicago only this past season. Clearly, the Blackhawks didn’t think he was worth the money as they didn’t even tender him a qualifying offer. Now, who knows whether that was because they didn’t want him or they didn’t like the ask but, to me, Duclair looks like a low cost gamble that the Oilers should be all over, especially with the need for skilled wingers.
Nail Yakupov (2017/18: 58GP – 9G, 7A for 16 points) – Okay, so maybe I don’t really think Yak is a good fit to come back here but I am sincerely hoping to see him land somewhere either today or in the coming days. I guess I just wish that he can turn his career into something more than being known as one of the worst first overall picks ever. Remember the kid that bought food for homeless folks? Remember the kid that was filled with joy every time he scored? Remember the slide? It’s memories like those that will always have me pulling for the guy.
THE UPDATES…
8:31 am MST – Why the hell am I up so early? On the bright side, Baileys. Here’s to Canada! Thank you.
9:00 am MST – Seems like Brodziak is a done deal, huh? I don’t mind that. Oilers need penalty killers and upgrades to the bottom six. Let’s see what happens.
9:27 am MST – Andy Strickland says that the Flames and Maroon could be a thing and I think I’m gonna be sick.
10:02 am MST – Blake Comeau to Dallas. Scratch one old boy off the list.
10:12 am MST – Oilers apparently signing Kevin Gravel. Who is that? I have no idea.
12:14 pm MST – GORD DAMN MY LAKE INTERNET SUCK! I’ve been trying to update this for an hour and I’m just now getting through. So obviously Tavares signed with the Leafs for some pretty huge money and it’s going to be interesting to see how they navigate the cap. They’ll be fine this year but they could be in trouble as early as next season.
12:16 pm MST – RIEDER! Coming back to finally right the wrong that was Kale Kessy. Sorry, Kale, I’m sure you’re nice.
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Every July 1st, Canadians across the country celebrate Canada's birthday, on what's known as Canada Day.
But it wasn't always called that — it was, in fact, first known as Dominion Day, after Canada was formally acknowledged as the "Dominion of Canada" at the time of Confederation on July 1, 1867.
It's a day that marks the real start of summer — school's out, the weather is finally warm, and it's a signal to get out of town if you can.
Automobiles head up the highway, northward bound on Dominion Day in 1960. 0:18
So how did it happen that the name of the special birthday holiday had Dominion in front of it, and that it was changed to the simpler and more obvious Canada Day?
As we hear in this CBC Television clip from 1959, Canada was the first among the Commonwealth members to assume the "Dominion" title.
Queen Elizabeth, seated in the garden of her Ottawa home-away-from-home, delivers a congratulatory speech to Canadians on Dominion Day.
Queen Elizabeth, speaking from Government House in Ottawa, congratulates Canadians on Dominion Day. 0:57
In 1967, Canadians celebrated the start of the year marking 100 years since Confederation with the lighting of the Centennial Flame.
And they invited the world to Expo 67, the centrepiece of the year's celebrations.
Sky Ride and crowd at La Ronde during Expo 67. (Library and Archives Canada)
Canadians across the country marked Centennial year with countless special events and activities, and partied extra-hard on Dominion Day.
As we can see in this news report on the day in Toronto, there were parades, pony rides, a beard contest, and go-go music. Even the mayor brought his camera along.
Toronto joins Canada's 1967 celebrations with parades, pony rides, a beard contest and go-go music. 1:48
In 1970, then-prime minister Pierre Trudeau made the day a double celebration.
That year, Manitoba marked 100 years since joining Confederation. The prime minister and 19 members of his cabinet travelled by steam train to Lower Fort Garry, outside Winnipeg, exiting the train sporting engineer's caps and escorted to the festivities by a piper.
Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau arrives at Lower Fort Garry, July 1, 1970 (CBC Archives)
A heckler's shout threatened to take the joy away from the occasion, but the prime minister was able to bring the laughter from the audience.
With a quick responsive quip he was able to get back to his intended speech — including in it a little history lesson — with "Relax, buster ... this is a fun day."
A special steam locomotive brought Prime Minister Trudeau and 19 cabinet members to Fort Garry for Dominion Day and Manitoba centennial celebrations in 1970. 1:26
The day eventually came to be known in as Canada Day, with the squeaking through of a change to the National Holidays Act on July 9, 1982.
Trudeau was not even present in the House, but he announced the change in Kingston, Ont., that night.
Jackie Dunham, CTVNews.ca
Turnout was down for the annual Canada Day festivities on Parliament Hill, amid record-setting temperatures.
According to Canadian Heritage, there were approximately 6,000 people on Parliament Hill for the noon show, down considerably from the 25,000 estimated to be on the Hill for last year’s major celebration in honour of the country’s 150th anniversary.
By 5 p.m. on Sunday, as the temperature slightly dipped, more than 19,000 people had attended the festivities on the Hill, a Canadian Heritage spokesperson said.
Heritage Minister Melanie Joly thanked attendees for braving the heat, which had surpassed 30 C by noon with the humidex value reaching a record-setting 47 C at the airport, the highest it’s ever been recorded in Ottawa.
“Today is a day for all people in Canada. It is our day. And as Canadians, we know how to deal with weather, especially on Canada Day. Thank you so much for braving the heat and joining us at Canada’s biggest party today,” Joly told the cheering crowd.
Throughout the afternoon show, the grounds appeared to be less full than the year prior, and according to the Parliamentary Protective Service (PPS) wait times had been minimal, if any, to get on to Parliament Hill, a stark contrast from last year when long line ups hampered many visitors' plans.
The Ottawa Paramedic Service tweeted that as of 7:30 p.m. they had attended to 88 patients at various Canada Day events across the city for heat-related illnesses.
Before 9 a.m., the rising heat and humidity had already become too much for some. Two people had collapsed on the grounds from the scorching weather, CTV News’ Michel Boyer reported.
Organizers advised attendees to stay hydrated, wear light clothing, and keep out of the sun as much as possible. They also instructed visitors to watch for symptoms of heat-related illnesses. Environment Canada lists effects such as, swelling, rash, cramps, fainting, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke as potential risks to be aware of in extreme heat.
A number of cannons spouting light mist were set up within the grounds to refresh overheated visitors as well as stations offering water.
Those braving the sweltering outdoors on the Hill took in a flyby by the Canadian Forces Snowbirds, performances from the Arkells, Lights, Brigitte Boisjoli, and Martina Ortiz Luis, among others.
More performances took place in the evening, and will cap off with a fireworks show.
Speeches highlight diversity, reconciliation
Joly also took the opportunity to praise Canadian women standing up for women’s rights as part of the #MeToo movement and to recognize Indigenous peoples. She spoke of the government’s commitment to reconciliation and announced upcoming legislation to protect Indigenous languages for future generations.
“We need to recognize the harm that was done in the past and make things right,” she said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau also highlighted the importance of reconciling with Indigenous peoples and promoting diversity when she took to the stage later in the show.
“Let’s continue to connect with each other from coast to coast to coast. Why? Because it simply makes us stronger as a society,” she said.
Gregoire Trudeau also introduced her husband who appeared on screen via video link from Leamington, Ont., where he was attending a community event on Sunday morning.
“I’m really excited to get out and celebrate where Canadians are as we celebrate from coast to coast to coast,” he said. “As we celebrate Canada on this day, we also celebrate Canadians. It’s an opportunity for us to stand together, to lean on each other, whether we’re right here in the tomato capital of Canada or anywhere across the country.”
The prime minister skipped the celebration in Ottawa to visit Leamington before travelling to Regina, Sask. for a Canada Day event with Canadian steel workers in the afternoon. He finished the day in Dawson City, Yukon where he attended a community barbeque in the evening.
It’s unusual for a prime minister to skip Canada Day celebrations on Parliament Hill. Former prime ministers Stephen Harper, Paul Martin and Jean Chretien were all present on the Hill for Canada’s birthday every year during their time in office.
Earlier on Sunday, Trudeau issued a statement wishing Canadians a happy Canada Day and praising workers across the country.
“From Ontario steel to Quebec aluminum, from agriculture and the energy sector in the Prairies and the North, to forestry in British Columbia and fisheries in the Atlantic, Canadians get the job done - and build our communities along the way.”
He also vowed to continue advancing reconciliation efforts with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples, as well as building a country where everyone has a “real and fair chance to succeed.”
Governor General Julie Payette also commended the country’s openness and diversity when she addressed the crowd at her first Canada Day event in the role.
“Even in these fast-changing times, we must stay true to ourselves and stay true to our values and continue to look out for people who have less, to stand up for those who can’t, to welcome those who seek harbour, and to use our land intelligently,” she said.
The Governor General gave a shout out to the country’s military serving overseas and at home. She also thanked everyone working at the festivities, including the men and women in uniform patrolling in the uncomfortable heat.
Lastly, Payette took a moment to urge Canadians to explore their country.
“Go out there and meet your neighbours, have fun, and wear your maple leaf with pride,” she said. “Happy birthday Canada.”
It’s not even 9am and someone has already collapsed on Parliament Hill. It’s already 28 degrees here. Heading for a high of 36. #CanadaDay pic.twitter.com/twuRK2VuTb — Michel Boyer (@BoyerMichel) July 1, 2018
