Victoria Cancels Virtual Canada Day Broadcast, Creates Event for Reflection Later This Summer

June 10, 2021

Today, Victoria City Council voted unanimously to change its plans for a virtual Canada Day broadcast. Instead, the City will produce a broadcast to air later this summer guided by the Lekwungen people and featuring local artists, that explores what it means to be Canadian, in light of recent events.

“As First Nations mourn and in light of the challenging moment we are in as a Canadian nation following the discovery of the remains of 215 children at a former Residential School, Council has decided to take the time to explore new possibilities, instead of the previously planned virtual Canada Day broadcast,” said Victoria Mayor Lisa Helps.

In their decision today, Council noted that while everyone will mark Canada Day in their own way on July 1, now is a time where the City can take leadership and provide an opportunity for thoughtful reflection and examination of what it means to be Canadian in light of recent events and what we already know from our past.