History professor Dr. Matthew Hayday offered insight on tensions around Canada Day and national symbols with two national media outlets.  

Speaking to The Globe and Mail, Hayday provided examples of how Canada Day has always been a controversial holiday, noting: “It’s constantly shifting.” 

Hayday also told Ottawa Morning with Robyn Bresnahan on CBC Radio 1 that tensions around Canada Day between those who choose to celebrate and those who don’t are “as old as the holiday itself.” He also discussed the current climate around national symbols like the Canadian flag.  

Chair of the Department of History, he researches nationalism and identity politics, Canadian political history and Canada Day celebrations.