It’s a big day today in Canada. Not only is it Quebec Moving Day but it’s also Canada Day! Moving Day is a tradition, not a legal requirement, in the province of Quebec. It started when the province used to mandate fixed terms for leases of rental property. Canada Day is the national day of
Canada, which celebrates the anniversary of the enactment of the Constitution Act of 1867. That act united three colonies into a single country, Canada, within the British Empire.
History of Quebec Moving Day
This tradition began due to the French colonial government of New France, who forbade landlords from evicting their tenant farmers before the winter snows had melted. In the 18th century, May 1 was set as the starting date for all legal agreements, including leases.
Later, this turned into urban leases to begin on May 1 and end on April 30. The day was set in the Civil Code of Lower Canada of 1866. Then in 1973, the Quebec government decided to move
Moving Day to the summer. They decided the summer so children could finish the full year at their school. Another factor about moving the day to July 1 was the rough weather in May.
History of Canada Day
Usually referred to as “Canada’s birthday,” the holiday marks the joining of the British North American colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada into a federation of four provinces on July 1, 1867. The holiday was originally called Dominion Day but was later remained in 1982 which is also the year the Canada Act was passed.
To celebrate
Canada Day, communities around Canada hold public events such as parades, festivals, barbecues, air shows, fireworks, and free musical concerts. Canada Day isn’t just celebrated in Canada. There are annual celebrations that take place in Hong Kong, Afghanistan (where Canadian Forces members mark the holiday at their base), Mexico (at the Royal Canadian Legion in Chapala and the Canadian Club in Ajijic), and China (in Shanghai by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce).
So, grab a nice hot cup of coffee from Tim Hortons, celebrate both Canada Day and Moving Day, and enjoy July 1!