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Globe and Mail
an hour ago
- Politics
- Globe and Mail
Canada's national anthem is 45 years old today
While the country will celebrate it's birthday next week, O Canada got a head start on Friday, celebrating its 45th year as the official national anthem. While it was often used as the de facto national anthem for years, O Canada was officially adopted through the National Anthem Act on June 27, 1980. A few days later, on Canada Day, the Act was proclaimed by Gov. Gen. Edward Schreyer at a public ceremony on Parliament Hill in front of thousands of Canadians, making O Canada an official national symbol. The song actually has existed for more than a century, though its lyrics have changed several times over the decades. Commissioned to mark Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day celebrations in Québec on June 24, 1880, O Canada's music was composed by Calixa Lavallée and its French lyrics were written by Adolphe-Basile Routhier. While many different English versions of the song emerged as it grew in popularity across the country, the most well-known English lyrics were written in 1908 by Robert Stanley Weir, a lawyer and judge. Opinion: 'O Canada' without the cross - why it's time to revisit the lyrics of the national anthem The Government of Canada website says the lyrics of the official French version have remained unchanged since 1880. Weir's English lyrics underwent several modifications over the decades on their way to becoming the official English version. Previous versions of the song included closing lines like 'Defend our rights, forfend this nation's thrall' and 'Bless our dear land this day and evermore.' Some lines were changed more than once. In 1913 the original line 'True patriot love thou dost in us command' became 'True patriot love in all thy sons command.' In 2018 that line changed again to 'in all of us command.' The Canadian Encyclopedia says discussions about discriminatory aspects of the anthem, including the gender-exclusive use of the word 'sons,' began in the 1950s. Former Liberal member of Parliament Mauril Bélanger, who pushed to drop 'sons' from the lyrics for years while battling ALS, introduced a private member's bill in 2016 to change the line. It was approved in the House of Commons as Bill C-210 a month later by a vote of 225 to 74. It wasn't until 2018 — after several debates in the Senate and after Bélanger had passed away — that the change became official when the bill became law. The new gender-neutral lyric received mixed reviews and Conservative senators abstained from the final vote in 2018. While the original manuscript of 'O Canada' no longer exists, there are two copies of the first edition. One is held in the archives of the Séminaire de Québec and the other is at the Université de Montréal.
The Province
an hour ago
- Climate
- The Province
Cooking ban in effect at Belcarra Regional Park after an increase in bear encounters
Metro Vancouver says bears have been rummaging through picnic baskets at Belcarra, which is unusual. This photo shows a bear at Belcarra Regional Park in June, 2025. Photo by Metro Vancouver As the weather warms up it's going to be a busy weekend and Canada Day at Metro Vancouver's regional parks. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors But if you're hoping to barbecue some food on Canada Day, you may want to pass on təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park, where a cooking ban is in place because of a recent increase in bear conflicts. 'I've definitely noticed more bear activity this year than I've had in the past,' said Marcel LaBreche, park operations supervisor for Metro Vancouver. In May, a large bear rummaged through several picnic tables at White Pine Beach, which is on Sasamat Lake at Belcarra Regional Park in Port Moody, a popular area for swimming, picnics and cooking food on the barbecue. LaBreche said staff had to close the beach for a week 'because the bear just wouldn't leave.' When the park reopened, staff imposed a food ban and closed the concession. Essential reading for hockey fans who eat, sleep, Canucks, repeat. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. But Metro Vancouver has since changed that to a no-cooking order instead because it's believed the cooking smell was attracting the bears from far away. 'We've had a few conflicts this year with bears getting into food, picnic baskets, stuff like that and that's unusual,' he said. 'We don't normally have that happen.' This photo shows a bear at Belcarra Regional Park in June, 2025. Photo by Metro Vancouver Park rangers will be patrolling Belcarra on the weekend and on Canada Day to ensure beachgoers aren't lighting up the barbecue. 'If we do come across someone with a barbecue, we're going to ask them to put it away and put it back in their car and just have the regular food out,' he said, adding the concession will be open this weekend to purchase food. LaBreche said the bears this year have been different than the ones staff usually see in the parks at this time of year. For example, one of the bears at White Pine Beach was much larger and a cinnamon colour than the smaller bears that usually roam the area. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. LaBreche said Metro Vancouver parks follow Bear Smart actions, such as bear-proof garbage cans and signs asking people to keep their picnic tables clear of food. This photo shows a bear at Belcarra Regional Park in June, 2025. Photo by Metro Vancouver 'Hopefully the bears will be out munching away on berries and stuff like that, as opposed to coming to the picnic area,' he said. Sightings are also up on the trails at Lynn Headwaters Regional Park on the North Shore and he urged people to hike with friends and make noise on the trails. 'If you do come across bears, just give them lots of space, and obviously don't leave any food out for them,' he said. 'Don't run. Stay calm. Talk to the bear with a confident voice. And then make sure the bear has a clear exit. So if you can kind of get out of the way of the bear and give it space and let it walk by, it might just walk by you.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Bears that learn to associate food with human activities often lose their natural avoidance of humans. They become bolder and more aggressive in seeking food, putting themselves and people at risk, according to Metro Vancouver. B.C.'s Environment Ministry said there are some provincial parks that have been really busy recently with bear activity, such as Golden Ears. Postmedia has requested an interview with a conservation officer about the issue. ticrawford@ Read More Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks News NHL
Global News
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Global News
Lethbridge jam-packed with summer events ahead of Canada Day
With ribs smoking on the grill, dragon boats making waves in the water and residents parading for their beliefs, Lethbridge, Alta., is chock full of events leading up to Canada Day. Ribfest has once again stopped in Lethbridge, but this time the trucks are here for five days, wrapping up on July 1. Meanwhile, the 25th Rotary Dragon Boast Festival is set to entertain thousands just across the street at Henderson Lake. Meanwhile, on Saturday, the annual Lethbridge Pride Parade will liven the streets downtown. All this combines for a busy weekend and it doesn't even include the weekly events and activities, such as the summer farmers markets, Nikka Yuko Japanese Gardens and more. 'We're super excited to be back in Lethbridge. It's such a beautiful city and the community here is always so welcoming,' said Kelsi McInnes, festival director for the Western Canada Ribfest Tour. Story continues below advertisement Ribfest has become a summer staple in the southern Alberta city and McInnes says the fact it lines up with the Dragon Boat Festival, Pride and other events is great for each activity. 'I think (patrons) are kind of hopping from event to event. They're going to hopefully go support the dragon boat races, but then they might come here and grab some ribs and grab a beer and listen to the music.' At the water's edge, Steven Urquhart, event chair for the Dragon Boat Festival, agrees the events only compliment one another. 'I think it's great for people to sort of circulate between these events. Of course, you can't be everywhere at once but I think it's wonderful to have these big events, it helps the city feel alive and also shows how much is going on.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy For a quarter century, the dragon boats have entertained the masses, becoming one of the largest annual events in Lethbridge. However, Urquhart says there's a whole lot more happening at Henderson Lake this weekend than just some skilled paddling. 'There's a whole festival side, you see all the food trucks, the beer garden. It's a whole weekend in and of itself and I think that's wonderful.' He says the economic impact of the festival surpasses on the million-dollar mark every year, making it crucial to hotels, restaurants and other industries. Story continues below advertisement 'We have teams that come from out of province, teams from (British Columbia), Saskatchewan, then from the United States, from Montana,' said Urquhart. The events aren't just for Lethbridge or southern Alberta residents, either. Related News Pickering Rotary Ribfest returns for 2025 'We're going to Ribfest, the dragon boat festival, (the farmers' market),' said Susan Thompson. Out enjoying Henderson Lake with her niece, Abbey Zellmer, Thompson recently travelled from out of province to take in everything Lethbridge has to offer this weekend. 'It's the perfect time we came,' said Thompson. For Zellmer, it's an exciting way to launch the summer, which she says is her favourite season. 'I feel really lucky because I just graduated and now I get to enjoy the summer break. My aunt (Thompson) and uncle just came in from B.C., so it's really cool that they get to experience this all too,' said Zellmer. For some of the youngest residents in the city, Canada Day itself will be the highlight of all upcoming events. 'Last year there was a dance and I liked watching the dances and there's really fun things to do,' said Isabela Morgado. She wasn't the only kid eagerly awaiting a chance to celebrate Canada's birthday. Story continues below advertisement 'I like seeing all the celebrations and I love to taste the food,' said Justin Soares. However, no food is worthy of tasting if it isn't made with love. Luckily, for guests at Ribfest, a chance meeting in 2022 means the food should be worth the wait. Ned Simpson and Brooke Weir both currently work for Blazin' BBQ, but three years ago they were on opposite grills, though nothing could keep them apart. 'We owe a lot to the ribs and the people who came out and supported us, kept us going throughout the years. So, it's fun to be here. We put a lot of that love we have for each other into our food,' said Simpson. For Weir, barbecue represents far more than great-tasting food. 'We're very lucky that we got so much out of barbecue that wasn't just barbecue. We've gotten so much out of this, it's fantastic.' Now she says Ribfest has transformed from a community event into something that feels a lot more like a family gathering. 'We cook dinner for everyone and you look out in the parking lot and everyone's eating the food you made for them. It's almost like one big family meal sometimes. It feels really good, really special,' said Weir.
Vancouver Sun
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Vancouver Sun
Redblacks' Daniel Adeboboye hopes to "make Canada proud" when facing former team
Missing their No. 1 passer for the third straight week, the Ottawa Redblacks could once again lean on their running attack Sunday against the Toronto Argos. And with veteran William Stanback's snap count limited by the Canadian Football League's ratio rule, that sets up the potential for a multifaceted storyline centred around Daniel Adeboboye. The 26-year-old from Mississauga will be facing his hometown and former team for the first time in the Redblacks' annual 'Canada Day' game at TD Place. Adeboboye is not only the first Canadian starting tailback for the Redblacks since Kienan LaFrance helped them to the 2016 Grey Cup, but he's on a short list of ball carriers born north of the border to suit up for any Ottawa CFL team — a group that includes former Rough Riders Orville Lee, Darren Joseph and the legendary Ronnie Stewart. Start your day with a roundup of B.C.-focused news and opinion. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Sunrise will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Adeboboye made a loud statement last week in Calgary when he was the Redblacks' leading rusher, authored the day's biggest offensive play, and scored the game's only touchdown in Ottawa's first win of the season. He would like nothing better than to help set off fireworks for a 158th birthday party in the nation's capital with contributions to another victory. 'This country is what I call home,' said Adeboboye. 'I grew up in Canada, and I love Canada. I'm Canadian through and through. Getting the opportunity to play on a day that celebrates our country is a blessing. 'I love the opportunity to celebrate Canada Day playing the game I love. So I'm going to give my best and hopefully make Canada proud on that day.' Adeboboye did a good job of that last Saturday with 10 carries for 96 yards, just six shy of matching the production the Argos have received from their top rusher — former Ohio State Buckeyes star Miyan Williams — on 19 carries over three games. It hasn't taken long for the 5-foot-8, 218-pound product of the comparatively tiny Bryant University in Rhode Island to prove that Redblacks GM Shawn Burke pulled off a coup when he obtained Adeboboye from Toronto for a conditional fifth-round pick and the negotiation rights to American defensive lineman Andre Carter. 'Even from the time he was in college, I remember watching his draft film and thinking he was a heck of a back,' said Redblacks head coach Bob Dyce, who confirmed that Dustin Crum will make his second consecutive start at quarterback in place of injured starter Dru Brown (hip), and that standout cornerback Adrian Frye (knee) is likely to be replaced by Alijah McGhee for the Argos game. 'He got into this league and excelled on special teams, and now you look at him having an opportunity to almost share the backfield with William, and he's just gotten better and better the more comfortable he gets in the offence, through the protections and how much (offensive coordinator Tommy Condell) moves the backs around. He's really immersed himself in it. 'I was watching practice (Thursday) and after just a simple play inside zone, I went to (running backs) Coach (Nate) Taylor, and I said: 'Man, Daniel is really a great back'. He's seeing everything that he needs to see, and it's a joy to watch.' Drafted 15th overall by the Argos in 2022, Adeboboye is a religious man who rarely misses an opportunity to thank God for his blessings. Among them, he says, are the opportunities he had to work in Toronto with former all-stars A.J. Ouellette, Ka'Deem Carey and Andrew Harris, the most productive Canadian running back to play in the CFL, and now in Ottawa with Stanback, who surpassed the 5,000 yards rushing mark last week. 'Through my faith, I've been able to have patience, and patience is something that I've needed through my entire career, because of the great running backs ahead of me,' said the perpetually smiling Adeboboye. 'Playing with all those stars, there's only so many times you can touch the ball in a game, right? But I kept my patience, and I kept on working hard every day, understanding that someday my time would come. And if it doesn't, then so be it, I have no regrets. 'But at the end of the day, I thought, if I get the opportunity, or when I get the opportunity, I'm just going to take advantage of it and bring glory to God in all that I do.' Those chances, to this point, have been limited. As a rookie, Adeboboye had 15 carries for 72 yards, while making 17 special teams tackles to earn the Argos' nomination for the CFL's most outstanding special teams player. In 2023, he ran the ball 41 times for 287 yards, including his first triple-figures game with nine carries for 109 yards on Oct. 21 against Saskatchewan. Last season, he shared the Argos backfield with Carey and Deonta McMahon and had 63 carries for 244 yards. Over the three years, Adeboboye has continued making major special teams contributions while proving to be durable by only missing two games. When informed he was traded, Adeboboye took the news in stride. 'It's business,' he shrugged. 'I got drafted by the Argos, and it was a great opportunity to go back home after a couple of years away at school. When I heard that I got traded to Ottawa, I had reassurance that I was going to a good organization. Playing against them for the last couple of years,I saw the kind of team that they were building. If I got traded to a team that wasn't so good, then I'd be a little shaky. But I knew that I was being put in good hands, and it was great that I also got to stay in Ontario, not too far from home, where my parents (Marian and Tai) and family can still come in and see me play. And Ottawa is a great city. I love Ottawa. It's nice, it's quiet, it's chill, it's relaxing. And the fans give such great energy.' And now he has fewer ticket requests. 'It was easy for my parents to get people to come to games (in Toronto),' Adeboboye said with a chuckle. 'My church is there as well, so we'd have 30, 40, 50 people coming, but they don't want to travel as much nowadays, so it's a little smaller group.' Adeboboye didn't know he was approaching the 100-yard mark against the Stamps when he was on the wet and frigid field and sidelines. 'It was too cold to be thinking about stats,' he said, laughing. 'I was thinking about how to stay warm and the hot shower at the end of the day. When I saw that I was four yards short, one more carry would have been nice. But I'm grateful for 96. It's a testament to our offensive line. Stanback had a great game and (as a team) we rushed for more than 200 yards. Our offensive line has been showing out. In the two previous games, we just didn't get the opportunity to run the ball as much, but it shows that when we want to run the football, we can run the football. 'And I love to run the football, so let's run the football.'
Ottawa Citizen
2 hours ago
- Sport
- Ottawa Citizen
Redblacks' Daniel Adeboboye hopes to "make Canada proud" when facing former team
Article content Missing their No. 1 passer for the third straight week, the Ottawa Redblacks could once again lean on their running attack Sunday against the Toronto Argos. Article content And with veteran William Stanback's snap count limited by the Canadian Football League's ratio rule, that sets up the potential for a multifaceted storyline centred around Daniel Adeboboye. Article content Article content The 26-year-old from Mississauga will be facing his hometown and former team for the first time in the Redblacks' annual 'Canada Day' game at TD Place. Article content Article content Adeboboye is not only the first Canadian starting tailback for the Redblacks since Kienan LaFrance helped them to the 2016 Grey Cup, but he's on a short list of ball carriers born north of the border to suit up for any Ottawa CFL team — a group that includes former Rough Riders Orville Lee, Darren Joseph and the legendary Ronnie Stewart. Article content Article content Adeboboye made a loud statement last week in Calgary when he was the Redblacks' leading rusher, authored the day's biggest offensive play, and scored the game's only touchdown in Ottawa's first win of the season. Article content He would like nothing better than to help set off fireworks for a 158th birthday party in the nation's capital with contributions to another victory. Article content 'This country is what I call home,' said Adeboboye. 'I grew up in Canada, and I love Canada. I'm Canadian through and through. Getting the opportunity to play on a day that celebrates our country is a blessing. Article content Article content 'I love the opportunity to celebrate Canada Day playing the game I love. So I'm going to give my best and hopefully make Canada proud on that day.' Article content Adeboboye did a good job of that last Saturday with 10 carries for 96 yards, just six shy of matching the production the Argos have received from their top rusher — former Ohio State Buckeyes star Miyan Williams — on 19 carries over three games. Article content It hasn't taken long for the 5-foot-8, 218-pound product of the comparatively tiny Bryant University in Rhode Island to prove that Redblacks GM Shawn Burke pulled off a coup when he obtained Adeboboye from Toronto for a conditional fifth-round pick and the negotiation rights to American defensive lineman Andre Carter. Article content 'Even from the time he was in college, I remember watching his draft film and thinking he was a heck of a back,' said Redblacks head coach Bob Dyce, who confirmed that Dustin Crum will make his second consecutive start at quarterback in place of injured starter Dru Brown (hip), and that standout cornerback Adrian Frye (knee) is likely to be replaced by Alijah McGhee for the Argos game. 'He got into this league and excelled on special teams, and now you look at him having an opportunity to almost share the backfield with William, and he's just gotten better and better the more comfortable he gets in the offence, through the protections and how much (offensive coordinator Tommy Condell) moves the backs around. He's really immersed himself in it.
