Canadians mark Canada Day as Carney urges unity, heat grips parts of Central Canada

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Canadians ar celebrating the country's 159th birthday Wednesday with concerts, parades and fireworks from coast to coast to coast, though celebrations in much of southern Ontario and Quebec are taking place amid sweltering temperatures that have prompted health warnings and changes to some planned events.

Humidex values climbed into the 40s in parts of Central Canada, but conditions were expected to be closer to seasonal across much of Atlantic Canada, the Prairies, British Columbia and the North.

In Ottawa, crowds gradually filled the lawn in front of Parliament Hill as performers took the stage during Canada Day ceremonies. Headliners included Barenaked Ladies, Alessia Cara, Loud and Isabelle Boulay. As the performances got underway, dancers' hair stuck to their faces.

Carney said the past year has shown Canadians are strongest when they stand together.

"Small acts of kindness across the country, coming together to stand with each other in difficult times, whether it's forest fires, floods, working with Canadians, cheering for great Canadian teams," the prime minister said in an interview.

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In his speech, Carney acknowledged that Canada faces "a more dangerous and divided world," but said Canadians have responded with unity.

"We're aiming for the moon as well as the World Cup," the prime minister said.

He made several nods to Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, comparing the Artemis II's mission around the moon more than 400,000 kilometres away to "driving from St. John's to Victoria 50 times, the ultimate Canadian road trip." Hansen spoke on stage after Carney.

Carney announced Canada will join the Eurovision Song Contest next year and that the country will host the Francophonie Summit in the National Capital Region in 2028.

Carney said he would hit the road — or take to the air, rather — later Wednesday, travelling to Edmonton, where he grew up, to take part in one of the country's largest Canada Day celebrations. Alberta is set to hold a referendum in the fall on whether Albertans want a vote on separation from Canada.

"We're working very closely with the government of Alberta, more importantly the people of Alberta, to make Alberta stronger and make the country stronger," Carney said.

In her first Canada Day as Governor General, Louise Arbour struck a similarly optimistic tone despite global uncertainty.

In an earlier statement, Arbour, a Quebecer, said Canada continues to grapple with "persistent inequalities" while striving to do better. She pointed to reconciliation and the importance of amplifying Indigenous voices, and encouraged Canadians to celebrate "what unites us, not despite our differences but through them."

Former prime minister Justin Trudeau made an appearance. He said he hoped Canadians would use the holiday to reconnect with one another.

"Not just with your circle, but actually lean into conversations with people from the other end of the country, from a different perspective."

The calls for unity came after sovereignty and trade tensions with the United States boosted nationalist sentiment last year, fuelling "elbows up" campaigns encouraging people to buy local and Canadian-made products.

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U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra, who has often criticized those campaigns, extended Canada Day wishes of his own. He said the two countries' close relationship — highlighted this year by co-hosting the FIFA World Cup with Mexico — continues to strengthen both nations.

The day arrives as many communities grapple with different challenges.

Environment Canada heat warnings are in effect across much of southern Ontario and southern Quebec, where officials are urging people to drink plenty of water, seek air-conditioned spaces and check on vulnerable neighbours.

In Montreal, public health officials warned residents to take extra precautions because the hot weather coincides with the city's busy July 1 moving day. They urged people to start their moves early, take frequent breaks and limit alcohol consumption.

A party with live musical performances is planned in the city's Old Port as of 4 p.m. ET.

Quebec celebrated its own Fête nationale on June 24, with events and live music across the province. In Montreal, a parade in the city's east end culminated in a concert at Parc Maisonneuve.

Sipping an iced coffee in downtown Kitchener, Ont., Nishtha Tomer said she thought it felt hotter than at the same time last year.

"It is kind of sad that it's so hot, but I think we'll all get through it," said Tomer, sipping an iced coffee from Tim Hortons.

Elsewhere, celebrations continued as planned.

About 12,000 people were expected in Westville, N.S., for what organizers say is Canada's oldest Canada Day parade, a tradition dating back to 1907.

In Edmonton, this year's celebrations unfolded against the backdrop of Alberta's renewed separatist movement.

"I think they should just take the day off and just enjoy," said Faiz Malik.

Chloe Annett said she anticipated celebrations to "feel a little bit different" this year.

"With the separation groups, I don't know if they're going to celebrate Canada Day — or, at least, I don't know if they should!" Annett said, laughing.

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Others said the holiday evokes more complicated emotions. Mike Landon said Canada Day "doesn't really mean much these days," pointing to ongoing reconciliation efforts and the legacy of missing and murdered Indigenous women and children.

Vishakha Sunger said separatist voices remain "in the background" but hoped Canadians wanting to celebrate will be "even louder" on Canada Day.

"We can put it all aside for one day," she said, "because we're all still Canadian."

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