Canada Day fireworks in Vancouver canceled, reinstated in Calgary after backlash
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Vancouver mayor Ken Sim has promised to work to restore the show for Canadians, saying he ‘will be reaching out to the Port Authority to discuss this further and hope to see a return of Canada Day fireworks in the coming years.’
(LifeSiteNews) — After Calgary canceled and then reinstated its Canada Day celebrations following public backlash, Vancouver has now announced it is canceling its annual city-wide firework show to celebrate the nation’s founding, crediting their decision to “tragic findings at residential schools.”
As cities across the nation prepare to celebrate Canada Day, Vancouver Fraser Port Authority is determined to permanently cancel the annual firework show that historically marked the national holiday, reported Global News.
“We also decided last year to take our July 1 event at Canada Place in a new direction, following national conversations about how to best celebrate Canada Day in light of the tragic findings at residential schools,” reported Port of Vancouver spokesman Alex Munro.
“The event was re-named Canada Together and has been planned collaboratively with representatives from the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations under the theme of ‘weaving together the fabric of a nation,’” he continued.
Vancouver is not alone in cancelling Canada Day celebrations. Last week, Calgary announced it planned to cancel the city’s annual firework show as well.
“We’re always trying to change the show, improve the show so that it’s more reflective and inclusive of Calgarians,” said Ben Brackett, team lead for festival and event planning at the City of Calgary.
However, Canadians are resisting the push to cancel their national holiday celebrations. In Calgary, the city was forced to reinstate the show following public backlash.
Calgary politicians, including Ward 13 Councilor Dan McLean and Calgary Nose Hill MP Michelle Rempel Garner, fought the decision. Furthermore, ten councilors signed a motion to reinstate the show.
Additionally, an online petition, created by Common Sense Calgary, reached over 12,000 signatures in just a few days.