Toronto Canada Day goes virtual with El Mo performances, CN Tower light show, lots more

TORONTO, ON., June 20, 2020 — Today, Mayor John Tory announced the City of Toronto will help Torontonians mark Canada’s 153rd birthday virtually on Wednesday, July 1 through a livestream show, Canada Day 2020. The show will engage local residents, connect diverse communities and honour COVID-19 frontline workers.

Canada Day 2020 has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada. Throughout the day, the show will offer a mixture of live and pre-recorded performances streamed on YouTube.

Performers will include Haviah Mighty, Gordon Lightfoot, Jully Black, Kardinal Offishall, Choir! Choir! Choir!, Ali Hassan, Cris Derksen, The Next Generation Leahy and more. Program details are available at http://www.toronto.ca/canadaday. Information on more than 50 participating artists will be available June 24.

“It is more important than ever to unify our community and I am pleased Canada Day 2020 will bring Torontonians together virtually to enjoy music, entertainment and honour our frontline workers,” said Mayor John Tory. “I encourage everyone to participate in our virtual Canada Day and connect as a city. Yes, this Canada Day is unlike any other but it is no reason not to celebrate and show our Canadian pride.”

Canada Day 2020 will feature three livestreamed segments:

• The Great Canadian Pancake Breakfast will include a culinary exchange between MLSE Executive Chef Chris Zielinski and Mayor Tory, greetings from Chief Laforme of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and family friendly performances.
• The afternoon Culture Jam will showcase dozens of diverse Toronto artists, highlight neighbourhoods across the city, offer interactive family-focused programming and commemorate the national anthem’s 40th anniversary through a special performance of O Canada.
• The Ready for Prime-Time segment will offer high profile Toronto artists in live and pre-recorded performances, many from the iconic music venue the El Mocambo, and will invite all Torontonians to join together in song.

RespectTO, created in partnership with MAKERS, will honour COVID-19 frontline workers. Residents are invited to nominate their everyday hero at RespectTO.ca . Nominated names will be broadcast throughout the show.

The City worked in partnership with many community and cultural organizations to create this year’s virtual show. Canada Day 2020 is co-produced by Harbourfront Centre, with additional support from programming partner TO Live.

The City of Toronto is committed to providing an accessible event. Closed captioning will be available on all Canada Day 2020 streaming and broadcast services.

The CN Tower is also planning a 15-minute light show that will be live-streamed at cntower.ca  and set to the music of a diverse group of Canadian artists.

Based on the recommendations of the Medical Officer of Health, to stop the spread of COVID-19, the City is joining other municipalities across Canada in hosting a national virtual Canada Day. All in-person Canada Day events have been cancelled.

The Mayor encouraged Toronto residents to show their spirit and enthusiasm for the upcoming celebrations and for our great country by decorating their porches, front doors, balconies or windows.

Downloadable Celebration Kits offering interactive, creative and educational activities to enjoy at home are available at toronto.ca/canadaday.