As it happened: Canada Day celebrations, protests held across the country

Communities across the country held the largest Canada Day celebrations since before the COVID-19 pandemic began.

Public events marking the holiday were put on hold due to the pandemic, but eased health restrictions have once again made large gatherings and celebrations possible.

Not all cities returned to staging major events, however. Montreal, Vancouver and other jurisdictions opted not to hold parades, for example, citing financial issues related to the pandemic as well as safety concerns.

Smaller street festivals and events focused on Indigenous reconciliation were held instead.

1:58 Canada Day Ottawa protest policing costs build up financial strains

Cities were also bracing for protests — particularly Ottawa, where residents continue to grapple with what police have acknowledged is “lingering trauma” from the convoy blockade earlier this year.

Organizers moved the festivities from the familiar backdrop of Parliament Hill to nearby LeBreton Flats, while police battened down the parliamentary precinct to prevent another blockade.

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Some of the organizers of the “Freedom Convoy” blockade and the following “Rolling Thunder” protests this spring returned to the capital on Friday, with police and the public bracing for the possibility of those protesters staying through the weekend.

Global News followed the events across the country and brought you the latest here.