WATCH: Canadians celebrated Canada’s birthday across the country. Ceilidh Millar reports.
There was no shortage of red and white across Victoria on Sunday as more than 40,000 people gathered to celebrate Canada Day.
“We travel a lot and anytime we go some place we say thank goodness we live in Canada” said one man attending the celebrations.
Festivities in Downtown Victoria featured family-friendly activities and main-stage entertainment.
More than 3,000 people lined the lawns of the B.C. Legislature to participate in a living Canadian flag.
The idea, which started in Victoria twelve years ago, has been adopted by other cities across the country.
There was also a community picnic held along the Gorge Waterway which included music, events and food.
“It’s one of the most incredible days when the community all gets together,” said another man. “It makes living in this country just so great!”
A small group of protesters gathered in Victoria to call for action from the government on Indigenous rights.
“They’re making decisions without consulting with the people,” explained protester Rose Henry. “What they’re not doing is taking care of the things that are going to be destroying everything that we’ve worked so hard for.”
Others expressed their love and appreciation for the country they get to call home.
“I see the faces of so many people who came to Canada to give their children better opportunities in life,” said Victoria City Councillor Charylayne Thorton-Joe.
“I spent about 32 years in the Navy so I have traveled the world,” said one person enjoying the celebrations. “I really cannot think of another country that I would rather live in.”
Canada Day will go out with a bang in Victoria with fireworks beginning at 10:20 p.m. in the Inner Harbour.
Ceilidh Millar
