ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½

But something changed this year.

“I think ‘elbows up’ makes this Canada Day celebration completely different,” he said Tuesday, referencing the slogan that has gained popularity across the country amid growing antagonism from the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump.

“More organizations got excited,” he added. “They say, ‘Let’s take our maple leafs and go to city hall or Queen’s Park.’” 

Djerdeian was one of thousands across the country who joined Canada Day celebrations and to show unity amid tariff and sovereignty threats from the U.S.

“We’ve decided not to pull apart and fight, but to come together and to build. Because that’s the Canadian way,” Prime Minister Mark Carney told an estimated 8,000 people gathered in Ottawa, alongside Prince Edward and Gov. Gen. Mary Simon.

“Our economy is being attacked by a trade war we didn’t start,” Carney said, alluding to Trump’s series of tariffs on Canada.

“Our values are being tested by attacks on democracy and freedoms — attacks that we must resist. And once again, as the world is becoming more divided and dangerous, Canadians are uniting,” he said.

Carney used his speech to tout legislation his government passed to speed up major projects, despite Bill C-5 attracting controversy from environmentalists, Indigenous groups and democracy advocates.

He called on Canadians to show the same industrious spirit that got the St. Lawrence Seaway built and 1967 Expo in Montreal, and to “build, baby, build” in the face of U.S. economic threats.

Simon said the country is on a journey of reconciliation that began by listening to each other, by honouring the past and “holding space for the pain and resilience” of Indigenous Peoples. “Kindness is the thread that weaves our communities together.”

In ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½, under sunny skies with humid temperatures topping 30 C, crowds joined celebrations across the city for the country’s 158th birthday, from Fort York in downtown to Thomson Memorial Park in Scarborough.

The south lawn of Queen’s Park was transformed into a mini carnival, with rides, face painting and performers entertaining families with kids and adults of all ages. 

At Nathan Phillips Square, people took photos with the iconic ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ sign and FIFA World Cup countdown clock in their patriotic garb.

At the 69th annual Canada Day Festival in East York, a parade kicked things off with hundreds of onlookers lining Cosburn Avenue from Dieppe Park to Stan Wadlow Park. Decked in red and white, and waving flags, they cheered on lumberjacks on stilts, patriotic jugglers and an appearance by a red-bedecked Mayor Olivia Chow.

Amesbury Park in North York featured a flea market, jumping castles and food trucks. At Mel Lastman Square in North York, all-day festivities included music, food and fireworks. A celebration of Chinese communities was held at Fort York and a lineup of live entertainment filled the day at Harbourfront Centre. Fireworks were set to light up the sky over the lake at Ashbridges Bay, and at six other celebrations in the city.

This year’s Canada Day is the first since the start of Trump’s second administration — which in the span of only six months has included the American president starting a trade war with Ottawa and repeatedly talking about annexing Canada.

In the past week alone, Trump pulled out of trade talks with the Canadian government over its plans to impose a digital sales tax on American tech companies. Talks resumed Monday, after Ottawa said it would eliminate the tax.

For Delilah Grey, Trump’s behaviour over the past few months has made Canada Day more meaningful.

“It’s more important because we are teaching (the U.S.) that we are better than that and we can do better than that,” she said under the shade of an umbrella at Nathan Phillips Square.

Others in ÎÚÑ»´«Ã½ saw Tuesday’s festivities as a chance to celebrate all the things they love about Canada. Over and over again, people brought up freedom and multiculturalism when asked what makes them proud to be Canadian.

Some also mentioned their immigration journeys to Canada.

“I had my dreams come true in this country,” said Eric at a picnic bench outside Queen’s Park. He came to Canada 30 years ago as a student from China, and has since raised a family and seen his children graduate from university.

“That’s why I’ve come here to this birthday celebration for this beautiful country.”

Amid the celebrations, there were also reminders of Canada’s colonial history.

Grandmother Kim Wheatley, an Ojibwe and Anishinaabe elder who carries the title “Head or Leader of the Fireflower,” told the crowd in Nathan Phillips Square that Canada Day can be difficult for some Indigenous people to celebrate as survivors of residential schools and cultural genocide.

“I know you’re celebrating, but we also want to celebrate our strength and resilience of still being able to stand here and share our truth in a good way with a good heart and a good mind,” she said.

Tuesday’s celebrations come after both the federal and Ontario governments passed separate bills aimed at fast-tracking development projects that faced pushback from Indigenous groups who say the pieces of legislation ignore their rights and self-governance.

A group of opponents to the legislation set up a table outside the event at Queen’s Park, and Robin Rice, also goes by “White Feathered Woman,” alluded to the bill before her jingle dance performance at Nathan Phillips Square.

“I want you all to reflect on what it means to have discussions first with First Nations individuals in Turtle Island before decisions happen,” she said.

Rice also gave the young dancers next to her on stage, Abby and Ayanna, a chance to introduce themselves into the mic before the performance, to a chorus of claps and cheers.

“It’s only right that we give that voice to our young ones as well, no matter what kind of space it’s at,” Rice said.

With files from Asma Sahebzada and The Canadian Press