'Changing the course of history': How Winnipeggers celebrated Canada Day
In-person Canada Day festivities made a return on Friday for the first time since the pandemic started, with residents bringing back old traditions and creating new ones.
Originally from Sri Lanka, Sachin Rodrigo chose to spend his first Canada Day at The Forks.
"All I have to say is like, I love Canada so much, because of, like I said, the diversified culture and all that happening. I really love this country, and you guys should visit here. It's awesome," said Rodrigo.
This year's celebration at The Forks looks a bit different. Instead of the traditional event, The Forks is hosting a "New Day" celebration, aiming for a more inclusive and reflective event.
"You can see already today a lot of our people are healing, and we're changing the course of history right now by The Forks recognizing Indigenous people on July 1," said Wayne Mason Jr., who was watching traditional drumming and dancing.
For many places in Winnipeg, this year marks the first Canada Day with in-person events since the pandemic started -- something the St. Norbert Farmers' Market is glad to have back.
"Great to be here again on Canada Day. We've obviously taken a two-year hiatus from bringing out local vendors and the community, and it's so nice to celebrate Canada Day together as a community,” said Danielle Mondor, the market's executive director.
The return to in-person festivities is being celebrated across the city, including at Assiniboia Downs.
"You can see everybody's smiling faces. Two years in the making, but it's well worth it. It's good to be out now in about," said Kim Wilson, who was spending Canada Day at Assiniboia Downs.
Regardless of where people gathered on July 1, the focus was on the country's accomplishments, history and future.
"It's important to recognize it and all the diversity and the cultures that come along now with it this day and age, and it's just a good time," said Wilson.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
WATCH LIVE | Experts voice privacy concerns over RCMP's use of 'intrusive' spyware
Expressing concerns over the RCMP's yearslong use of spyware in major investigations, privacy and civil liberties experts say the previously undisclosed tools are 'extremely intrusive' and they are calling for stronger oversight and regulation of spyware Canada-wide.

Ford throne speech says more can be done on health staffing but offers no new solutions
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says through his throne speech that more can be done to ease health system pressures, but is not yet offering up any new solutions.
Trump seeks to raise money off news of FBI search of his Florida home
Former U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday tried to turn the news of an FBI search of his Florida estate to his benefit, citing the investigation in text messages and emails soliciting political donations from his supporters.
Tracking active wildfires around the world
On CTVNews.ca, a satellite map using real-time NASA data shows active wildfires burning around the world.
Twitter down for thousands of users
Twitter was down for thousands of users on Tuesday, according to outage tracking website Downdetector.com.
Senegalese diplomat arrested by Quebec police owed former landlord more than $45,000
The detention and alleged beating by Quebec police of a Senegalese diplomat last week came as a bailiff was attempting to seize property at her residence to pay for a judgment against her.
opinion | Tom Mulcair: Why Pierre Poilievre's plan to work with provinces to reduce barriers is a good idea
The serious shortage of nurses and doctors has put the spotlight on a long overdue reform to the rules governing entrance requirements for foreign-trained professionals, says former NDP leader Tom Mulcair in an exclusive column for CTVNews.ca.
Canadian frigates absent from NATO naval forces for first time since 2014
For the first time in eight years, Canadian warships are not involved in either of two NATO naval task forces charged with patrolling European waters and defending against Russian threats.
Sask. RCMP issue Amber Alert for 7-year-old girl and 8-year-old boy
An Amber Alert was issued Monday evening by Shaunavon RCMP in Saskatchewan for seven-year-old Luna Potts and eight-year-old Hunter Potts.