Which federal department organizes the main Canada Day shows in Ottawa?

Canadian Heritage organizes the main federal Canada Day shows and celebrations in Ottawa.

The department is responsible for major national celebrations, including the official ceremonies, musical performances and programming held in Canada’s capital region. These events have traditionally centred on Parliament Hill, although venues can change when construction, security or event planning requires it.

Canada Day programming has a long history. Annual celebrations on Parliament Hill began in 1958, and the federal government has used national holiday programming to showcase Indigenous, Francophone, Anglophone and multicultural performers. Canadian Heritage also supports community celebrations across the country through federal celebration programs.

The National Capital Commission is an easy source of confusion because it has also held important responsibilities in Ottawa. In 1984, the NCC received a mandate to organize Canada Day festivities in the capital, while Canadian Heritage remains the federal department associated with the national celebrations and their programming.