Huge crowds gathered to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday at Canada Place on Saturday.
Among those celebrating Canada’s sesquicentennial were 150 people who received their citizenship at a Canada Place ceremony hosted by Global BC’s Chris Gailus.
New Canadian Yuvi Sharma said celebrating his citizenship on Canada’s 150th birthday was extremely special for him and his family.
The ceremony also recognized Byrdie Funk, a third-generation Canadian who became a first-generation Canadian Saturday after she regained her citizenship that was stripped from her just over a year ago by an arcane law.
New Canadian Leandro Lellis, who was born in Brazil, said he was “so honoured to be here and to become a Canadian today on Canada Day.
“It feels special and it means to me being part of… a great country that respects people.”
Crowds gathered outside Canada Place to enjoy family-friendly activities and live performances from Canadian musicians Hey Ocean!, Dragonette, Fefe Dobson, Sam Roberts and more.
NDP Leader John Horgan made an appearance at a Canada Day celebration in Surrey.
— With files from The Canadian Press