Today Is July 1

The British North America Act took effect on July 1, 1867 created a federal dominion  with The Province of Canada, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia all joining into confederation to create the modern nation of Canada. Although still a British colony, Canada gained an increased level of political control and governance over its own affairs, the British parliament and Cabinet maintaining political control over certain areas. This date is commemorated annually in Canada as Canada Day, a national holiday.

Canada Day parade in Montreal By Martin C. Barry (Marty555)

Upon Confederation in 1867, the name Canada was officially adopted for the new Dominion. Alternative names proposed were Tuponia, Borealia, Cabotia, Transatlantica, Victorialand and Superior.

Canada became the only nation in the world with the Dominion in its name. The name the Dominion of Canada is based on Psalm 72; "He shall have Dominion... From sea to sea." Canada stretches from the Pacific to the Atlantic and so was called the Dominion of Canada by its founding fathers.

By the 1950s, the term Dominion of Canada was no longer used by the United Kingdom, which considered Canada a "Realm of the Commonwealth". In 1982 the name of the national holiday was changed from Dominion Day to Canada Day

The first census of the Dominion of Canada in April 1871 listed the population as 3,689,257.

Canada Day is observed on July 1, unless that date falls on a Sunday, in which case July 2 is the statutory holiday.