Canada turns 159 on Wednesday, July 1 but the midweek holiday isn’t the only milestone Ontario residents should watch for. New auto insurance rules and amendments to the Liquor Tax Act also take effect next month. Canada Day 2026 July 1 has been a statutory holiday since 1879, according to the Government of Canada, honouring the anniversary of Confederation in 1867, when three British colonies united to form four Canadian provinces — now Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario and Quebec. On Oct.