CanadaCalendar of Events

January

11 January: Sir John A. Macdonald Day - Sir John A. Macdonald Day marks the birth, in 1815, of Sir John Alexander Macdonald, the first Prime Minister of Canada and one of the Fathers of Confederation.

26 January: International Customs Day - International Customs Day recognizes the efforts of the men and women working in customs organizations worldwide and marks their contribution to the security and prosperity of our communities.

February

February: Black History Month - Black History Month celebrates the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians, who have made Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation we know today.

6 -12 February: International Development Week (first full week of February) - International Development Week highlights the contributions of Canadians to international development and raises public awareness of the importance of these contributions to developing countries.

15 February: National Flag of Canada Day - Canada's red and white maple leaf flag was first raised on 15 February 1965. National Flag of Canada Day is celebrated each year in commemoration of that event.

23 February: National Aviation Day - The first powered flight in Canada took place on 23 February 1909. National Aviation Day marks the anniversary of this event, honours Canadian accomplishments in civilian and military aviation and celebrates people who work or have worked in those fields.

March

6 -12 March: International Women's Week (week that includes 8 March) - International Women's Week (IWW) focuses on women's contributions to the community as well as on their achievements and history.

8 March: International Women's Day - Established in 1977 by the United Nations, International Women's Day (IWD) provides an opportunity to reflect on the progress made to advance women's equality, to assess the challenges facing women in contemporary society, to consider future steps to enhance the status of women and to celebrate the gains made in these areas.

14 March: Commonwealth Day (second Monday in March) - Commonwealth Day is observed every year by all Commonwealth countries to celebrate the Commonwealth's values and principles.

20 March: Journée internationale de la Francophonie - The Journée internationale de la Francophonie celebrates the French language and the cultural diversity of French-speaking populations worldwide through various activities and events.

21 March: International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - Established by the United Nations in 1966, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination raises public awareness of the issue of racism through various activities that take place across Canada.

April

9 April: National Day of Remembrance of the Battle of Vimy Ridge - It was during the Battle of Vimy Ridge, which took place on 9 April 1917,that Canadians fought together in a battle for the first time. This is considered by many to be a turning point in history and the beginning of Canada's march towards nationhood.

10 - 16 April: National Wildlife Week (week that includes 10 April) - Established in 1947, National Wildlife Week is celebrated during the week that includes 10 April, the birth date of the late Jack Miner, one of the founders of Canada's conservation movement.

10 - 16 April: National Victims of Crime Awareness Week (dates vary) - National Victims of Crime Awareness Week aims to increase public awareness of crime victims' needs, highlight advancements in victim issues and recognize the dedication of those who work to support and assist victims.

28 April: National Day of Mourning - The National Day of Mourning is observed in remembrance of workers killed or injured in the workplace, or who have suffered from work-related illnesses.

May

May: Asian Heritage Month - Asian Heritage Month acknowledges the long and rich history of Asian Canadians and their contributions to Canadian society.

1 - 7 May: Emergency Preparedness Week (first complete week of May) - Emergency Preparedness Week aims to increase public awareness of emergency preparation and management in Canada.

9 - 15 May: National Mining Week (starts on the Monday of the second complete week of May) - First celebrated in 1996, National Mining Week recognizes the importance of the Canadian mining industry to the economic development of Canada.

9 -15 May: National Police Week (week that includes 15 May) - National Police Week pays tribute to the work of police officers across Canada.

25 May: National Missing Children's Day - National Missing Children's Day raises public awareness of the Canadian children who go missing each year, and highlights the success of the federal program Our Missing Children.

25-28 May: Aboriginal Awareness Week - Aboriginal Awareness Week aims to increase awareness of Aboriginal cultures among public service employees.

June

5 June: Canadian Forces Day (first Sunday in June) - Canadian Forces Day honours members of the Canadian Forces and recognizes their contributions across Canada and abroad.

5 - 11 June: Canadian Environment Week (week that includes 5 June) - Canadian Environment Week coincides each year with World Environment Day (5 June) and aims to raise public awareness of the environment and of the benefits linked to its protection. The week encourages and celebrates local community action.

8 June: Clean Air Day Canada (Wednesday of Canadian Environment Week) - Clean Air Day aims to increase public awareness of two key environmental priorities: clean air and climate change, as well as to encourage the public to take action in these sectors.

8 June: World Oceans Day - First celebrated in 1992, World Oceans Day aims to raise public awareness of the beauty of oceans and of the need to protect our seas and coasts from pollution.

(Environment Canada, Parks Canada and the Canadian Museum of Nature also participate in the organization of World Oceans Day. The Canadian Wildlife Federation, Scouts Canada and the Canadian Association of Principals also sponsor this event.)

12 - 18 June: National Public Service Week (week ending third Saturday in June) - National Public Service Week recognizes the work of federal employees and aims to build pride in the public service of Canada.

21 June: National Aboriginal Day - Established in 1996, National Aboriginal Day encourages Canadians to recognize the diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities and highlights their contributions to the development of Canada.

23 June: National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism - National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Terrorism aims to denounce terrorism and honour the memory of its victims.

27 June: Canadian Multiculturalism Day - Canadian Multiculturalism Day celebrates Canada's cultural richness and diversity and the contributions made by various cultural groups and communities to Canadian society.

July

1 July: Canada Day - Canada Day was established in 1879 under the name "Dominion Day" and became known by its current name in 1982. Canada Day encourages Canadians to celebrate their country. Since 1985, Canada Day Committees are established in each province and territory to plan, organize and coordinate the Canada Day celebrations locally.

16 July: Canada's Parks Day (third Saturday in July) - Established in 1990, Canada's Parks Day showcases Canada's parks and historical sites through numerous events taking place throughout the country.

August

9 August: National Peacekeepers' Day - National Peacekeepers' Day honours and remembers all Canadian peacekeepers who have served or who are currently serving in peace keeping operations around the world.

15 August: National Acadian Day - National Acadian Day is a celebration of the Acadian people, who have contributed for centuries to Canada's economic growth and cultural and social vitality. It is also a day to learn about the rich historical and cultural heritage of Acadians.

September

3 September: Merchant Navy Veterans Day - Merchant Navy Veterans Day acknowledges the contributions of the veterans of the Merchant Navy who have served honourably and courageously to defend Canada, therefore ensuring the freedom and democracy enjoyed by Canadians.

8 September: International Literacy Day - International Literacy Day is celebrated across Canada to promote and increase reading and writing skills among Canadians.

October

October: Stamp Collecting Month - Stamp Collecting Month promotes stamp collecting and encourages young Canadians to adopt this hobby.

October: Women's History Month - Since 1992, Women's History Month highlights the contributions of women to Canadian society and recognizes the achievements of women as a vital part of the Canadian heritage.

1 October: International Day of Older Persons - The International Day of Older Persons aims to foster international public awareness of the important social role of seniors in society and the benefits of intergenerational respect and support.

14 October: World Standards Day -World Standards Day aims to raise public awareness of the global importance of standardization activities and organizations.

14 - 24 October: National Science and Technology Week (dates vary) - National Science and Technology Week celebrates the importance of science and technology in our daily lives.

16 - 22 October: Small Business Week (third full week of October) - Small Business Week pays tribute to the contributions that small and medium-sized businesses make to the national economy.

17 - 23 October: Citizenship Week (third week of October) - Citizenship Week recognizes the value of immigration and citizenship and focuses on the rights, privileges, obligations and responsibilities of citizenship.

18 October: Persons Case Day - Since 1979, the Persons Case Day commemorates the recognition of women as persons under Canadian law. The Governor General's Awards in Commemoration of the Persons Case are presented on or around 18 October.

November

5 - 11 November: Veterans' Week - Veterans' Week encourages Canadians to pay tribute to Canada's veterans and to uphold the principles of peace and freedom for which they fought.

14 - 21 November: Restorative Justice Week (third week of November) - Restorative Justice Week aims to promote awareness and increase conversation about restorative justice as a theory and practice.

20 November: National Child Day - National Child Day celebrates two historic events for children: the adoption of the United Nations' Declaration on the Rights of the Child (1959) and Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).

20 November: Sir Wilfrid Laurier Day - Sir Wilfrid Laurier Day marks the birth, in 1841, of Sir Wilfrid Laurier, the first Prime Minister of French descent.

December

6 December: National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women - The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women coincides with the anniversary of the massacre of young women at the École Polytechnique de Montréal in 1989 and encourages Canadians to think about the results of deliberate acts of violence against women.