In 1864, in response to growing sentiment, representatives of Quebec, Ontario, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island met in Charlottetown (PEI) to negotiate a federation of their provinces. On 1 July 1867 the British Parliament formally approved the agreement, and this day is observed as the National Day of Canada. Although the day is primarily a secular holiday, many churches hold services with appropriate prayers, such as the collect for today (Anglican Church of Canada, Alternative Services Book).

written by James Kiefer