“Canada Day celebrations in Nathan Phillips Square hold special meaning to many Torontonians. We can’t let City Hall take that away from residents.” – Mark Saunders

Toronto - As Mayor, Mark Saunders will let Torontonians celebrate Canada Day and bring back celebrations to Nathan Phillips Square this year.

On Tuesday, the City announced that this year’s Canada Day celebrations in Nathan Phillips Square have been cancelled.

“I’m disappointed by City Hall’s decision and, as Mayor, I would immediately reverse it,” said Mark Saunders. “As the son of Jamaican immigrants, Canada Day holds special meaning to me, my family, and many other Canadians who came here for a better life. We are so fortunate to call such a peaceful, beautiful, and diverse country home – and that’s worth celebrating!”

Every year, different parts of the city celebrate Canada Day. Toronto hosts the East York Canada Day Parade, fireworks at Downsview Park, the Rhythms of Canada festival at the Aga Khan Museum, the annual Toronto Blue Jays Canada Day game, and many, many other community events. Yet the City’s own Nathan Phillips Square, a place that hosts year-round festivals, celebrations, and a skating rink in winter, will not play host to any Canada Day celebrations.