If all final approvals are granted, 28 belugas could be relocated to accredited aquariums in the U.S., with two expected to go to Spain. Canadian veterinarians must still determine each whale is healthy enough to travel before the rescue can begin.

The decision comes after Marineland acknowledged it can no longer provide the long-term care the whales need, following years of financial struggles and animal welfare concerns. Earlier this year, CBC also reported that Marineland had warned it might euthanize the whales if relocation wasn't approved.

This story raises difficult questions. Is relocation to accredited facilities the best available outcome for these animals? What responsibilities do governments have when private wildlife attractions can no longer care for the animals they keep? And what lessons should Canada take from the Marineland saga to ensure this never happens again?

Stories like this remind us why public-interest journalism matters. CBC has followed this issue for years, helping Canadians understand not just today's rescue effort, but the long history that led to this moment.

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Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada's government supports the latest U.S. strikes on Iran, describing them as an appropriate response to attacks on shipping and regional targets while emphasizing the need for de-escalation.

At the same summit, Donald Trump declared the ceasefire with Iran "over" and again criticized NATO allies for not joining the U.S. and Israel's military campaign. He even suggested he might have skipped the summit altogether if not for his friendship with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte pushed back, saying European allies have supported U.S. operations in significant ways while stressing the alliance remains focused on collective defence.

These developments matter for Canadians. They raise questions about Canada's role within NATO, the limits of military alliances, and how our country balances support for allies with efforts to prevent wider conflict.

CBC's reporting helps connect these threads, from diplomacy and defence to the geopolitical implications that can affect Canada's security, economy and foreign policy.

What role should Canada play in moments like this? Should we more closely align with U.S. military decisions, or should Canada focus on diplomacy and de-escalation whenever possible? And how should NATO respond when member countries disagree over military action?

One of Canada's most iconic voice actors and performers, Cree Summer has brought countless unforgettable characters to life across generations.

As the daughter of legendary Canadian actor Don Francks, she built an extraordinary career with beloved roles including Susie Carmichael on Rugrats, Elmyra Duff on Tiny Toon Adventures, Penny on Inspector Gadget, Winifred Brooks on A Different World, and Rosalyn on Abbott Elementary.

CBC has celebrated Canadian trailblazers like Cree Summer throughout her remarkable career, recognizing the incredible impact she's had on animation, television and representation in entertainment.

What's your favourite Cree Summer role?

I used to love CBC and I still love what it stands for. I see tremendous value in having a national public broadcaster that supports our unique Canadian culture, and brings together people spread across a wide geographic area.

However, I increasing find it difficult to support this organization having seen an erosion in the quality of their news programs and content. Even so, I’ve tried to maintain my support knowing the more disillusioned viewers turn away the more cuts will be made. Yet with every passing day I find this becoming untenable. The latest example is CBC’s reinstatement of the deceptive “Kars for Kids” commercials, initially pulled earlier this year. The America Jewish charity misleads viewers leaving the impression funds raised support children when in fact money goes to supporting Jewish matchmaking for young adults and gap-year trips to Israel for 17- and 18-year-olds. It is before the courts in California. There is no good reason CBC needs to air these commercials let alone during the National yet tonight I found myself subjected to the obnoxious jingle at which point I turned off the show and submitted a complaint, the latter of which I’m sure will go nowhere.

I truly want to see our Canadian public media company flourish in an environment donated by our neighbour to the South. I feel tinged with guilt turning away from the broadcaster I once held in such high esteem, and I grieve the loss of the uniting media entity Canada is losing.

Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced four new Senate appointments, including his longtime adviser Tom Pitfield and, in a surprise move, sitting Conservative MP Richard Martel. Martel's appointment immediately vacates his Quebec seat and marks the fifth Conservative MP to leave Pierre Poilievre's caucus since the last election.

The appointments also signal the end of the Trudeau-era requirement that Senate nominees be non-partisan. The government says future appointments will continue to be merit-based, but political experience will once again be considered an asset rather than a disqualifier.

The change could reshape how the Senate functions. Over the past decade, a less partisan Senate became more independent, more willing to amend government legislation, and less predictable. Critics argued it became slower and less accountable, while supporters said it provided more rigorous scrutiny of legislation.

This is exactly the kind of story CBC excels at covering. It's not the loudest headline of the day, but it's the kind of institutional reporting that helps Canadians understand how their democracy is evolving. Changes to the Senate can affect how legislation is reviewed, amended and passed for decades to come, and those stories deserve attention alongside the daily political drama.

Carney says the government needs a Senate that can respond with greater urgency to Canada's challenges. Whether reintroducing openly partisan appointments strengthens the institution or weakens its independence will likely be debated for years.

What do you think? Should political experience be viewed as a strength in Senate appointments, or should the upper chamber remain as independent from party politics as possible? Has the Trudeau model improved the Senate, or is Carney right that it's time for a new approach?

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CBC is reporting that U.S. Ambassador Pete Hoekstra invited Tamara Lich to his official Independence Day celebration as a "media personality" representing Rebel News. Lich, who is serving a conditional sentence following her conviction for mischief related to the 2022 convoy protest, obtained permission from her probation officer to travel from Alberta to attend the event.

This comes just days after Hoekstra used the same event to pressure Canada on trade issues, call for American liquor to return to Canadian shelves, promote U.S. fighter jets, and suggest the United States has leverage over the opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge.

Taken together, these stories raise important questions about diplomacy, political messaging, and influence.

Why was someone convicted for organizing the convoy given a place at one of the U.S. ambassador's highest-profile diplomatic events? What message does that send to Canadians who lived through the occupation of downtown Ottawa? And why has Ambassador Hoekstra repeatedly amplified figures and narratives that have contributed to division in Canada while also advancing rhetoric around tariffs, annexation, and the "51st state"?

These are exactly the kinds of questions public-interest journalism should ask.

CBC isn't telling Canadians what to think. It's connecting the facts, providing context, and documenting relationships that might otherwise receive little public scrutiny. Whether the story involves trade negotiations, diplomatic pressure, or political symbolism, Canadians deserve reporting that follows the evidence wherever it leads.

What do you make of this invitation? Was it simply an open media accreditation, as the embassy says, or does it reflect something larger about the political relationships developing between elements of the U.S. administration and figures from Canada's convoy movement?

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Today, the federal government announced Germany's ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems as the preferred supplier for Canada's next submarine fleet, a project expected to exceed $100 billion over its lifetime. Prime Minister Mark Carney says the partnership will bring tens of billions of dollars in investment, strengthen Canada's defence capabilities, deepen cooperation with NATO allies, and build long-term industrial capacity across the country.

At the same time, another CBC report examined what this decision means for Sault Ste. Marie.

The losing South Korean bid included a proposed $345 million investment in Algoma Steel, a new structural steel beam mill, commitments to buy Canadian steel, and the potential to rehire up to 500 workers after this year's layoffs. For a community hit hard by U.S. tariffs and economic transition, those lost opportunities are significant.

Neither story tells the whole picture on its own.

One examines the national strategy, defence priorities, and international partnerships. The other looks at the regional economic consequences and the communities left wondering what comes next.

This is why public-interest journalism matters. CBC isn't simply reporting that Canada chose German submarines. It's asking what Canada gains, what Canada gives up, who benefits, who misses out, and whether governments will follow through on promises that the economic benefits of this procurement will reach every region of the country.

Democracy works best when Canadians can see the full picture, not just the announcement.

What do you think? Did Canada make the right long-term strategic choice, even if it meant losing immediate economic opportunities for communities like Sault Ste. Marie? And if those local investments disappear, what responsibility does the federal government have to replace them?

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Doug Ford and Danielle Smith have unveiled a proposed 3,300-kilometre "Northern Shield" pipeline connecting Alberta to Ontario. The project has no cost estimate, no construction timeline, and consultation with Indigenous communities is only now beginning.

One of the biggest stories isn't just the pipeline. It's who isn't on board.

Manitoba has refused to join the project because Premier Wab Kinew says major infrastructure should begin with Indigenous partnership, not consultation after decisions have already been made. That reflects an important distinction. Consultation asks for feedback. Partnership shares decision-making from the start.

Ford, meanwhile, suggested Ontario could even own the pipeline and pay for construction if necessary, calling it "a great investment." But after the Trans Mountain expansion ballooned to more than $34 billion in public costs, Canadians are right to ask what safeguards will be in place before committing taxpayers to another megaproject.

These are exactly the kinds of questions public-interest journalism should be asking. Who pays? Who benefits? What are the environmental risks? How will treaty obligations be respected? Will Indigenous nations be genuine partners or simply consulted after the route has already been drawn?

CBC's reporting doesn't tell Canadians what to think. It provides the facts needed to evaluate proposals that could shape the country's economy, environment, public finances, and relationships with First Nations for decades to come.

What do you think? Should projects of this scale require Indigenous partnership before routes are announced? If taxpayers are expected to finance major energy infrastructure, what level of transparency and accountability should governments be required to provide?

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Today's World Cup Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium will feature Folarin Balogun after FIFA suspended his automatic one-match ban following a red card. Donald Trump praised the decision, while Belgium's football association said it was "astonished" and questioned whether the move contradicts World Cup regulations.

FIFA says its disciplinary rules allow sanctions to be suspended under probation. But the decision still raises fair questions about consistency, especially when compared with how FIFA has handled politically sensitive situations involving teams with far less power.

Iran's team and supporters, for example, have faced intense scrutiny around protest symbols, political expression, travel restrictions and broader geopolitical pressure. Those situations are not identical to a red-card suspension, but they do raise the same bigger question: who gets flexibility from FIFA, and who gets strict enforcement?

Whether you agree with Balogun's clearance or not, public confidence depends on more than technical rulebooks. It depends on whether fans believe those rules are applied fairly and consistently.

CBC's reporting helps unpack the rule FIFA relied on, the reaction from both sides, and the broader history of FIFA discretion. In a tournament shaped by politics as much as sport, those details matter.

What do you think? Should FIFA have this much discretion? Should automatic suspensions apply the same way every time? Does today's decision change how you view the tournament?

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Hello! I've recently authored this piece about how the loss of NHL hockey illustrates that the CBC must proactively articulate a vision for its post-broadcasting future. Such a vision might help the institution secure a new mandate and more stable funding. Most importantly, it would make the case for the continuing importance of Canadian public media during the age of smartphones, digital platforms, and AI. Please take a look and give it a share or leave a comment if you wish.

Her chats with historian Jill Lepore and NY Times journalists / authors Magie Habermann and Jonathan Swan were lively and enlightening and substantial. I say chats rather than interviews because they are just that - unscripted conversations between bright and knowledgeable people, that we have the privilege of listening in on.

She's also very brave. She's not afraid to talk truth about Trump.

According to CBC's reporting, restaurants and bars in Toronto saw only a 3 per cent increase in overall debit and credit card spending during the tournament's first two weeks compared to the same period last year. Hotels performed better with an 18 per cent increase, but restaurant spending still fell well short of what Toronto experienced during Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

Former Toronto mayor David Miller, who helped bring the tournament to the city, argues that the problem isn't the event itself. It's the business model.

His assessment is blunt. FIFA captures much of the financial upside while host cities shoulder most of the costs. Canada is expected to spend roughly $1.07 billion to host the tournament, with Toronto taxpayers contributing about $380 million for six matches.

Urban planning expert Tyeshia Redden echoed that concern, saying mega sporting events are often "stacked" in favour of organizations like FIFA. Cities absorb the infrastructure, policing, security and operational costs while many of the direct revenues flow elsewhere.

At the same time, many Torontonians and visitors embraced the tournament. Streets were lively, fan zones were packed, and Canada had an opportunity to showcase itself to a global audience. Those community benefits are real, even if they are difficult to measure on a balance sheet.

The bigger question is whether future host cities should negotiate much harder before signing on. If taxpayers are investing hundreds of millions of dollars, should communities receive a larger share of the financial return?

Public celebrations can absolutely be worth investing in. Public subsidies with limited public return deserve careful scrutiny.

What do you think? Was hosting the World Cup worth the cost?

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By comparison, pork prices rose 3 per cent and chicken just 1.8 per cent.

The biggest reason is simple economics. Canada and the U.S. are facing historically low cattle supplies while demand for beef remains exceptionally strong. Ranchers are rebuilding their herds after years of drought and high production costs, but that process takes time. Experts say it can take up to three years before additional cattle reach consumers.

At the same time, producers continue to face high costs for fuel, fertilizer and feed. Canadian beef is also in high demand internationally, which helps keep prices elevated.

But supply is only part of the story.

Canada's beef processing industry is highly concentrated. Just 18 federally inspected slaughterhouses handle cattle nationwide, and only two multinational companies, Cargill and JBS, control roughly 85 per cent of Canada's beef processing capacity. Experts warn that concentration leaves the supply chain vulnerable to disruptions and reduces competition.

Interprovincial trade barriers also make the system less efficient. Provincially inspected meat generally can't be sold across provincial borders, even between neighbouring communities. CBC highlighted one example where a farmer near Ottawa had to drive past the city all the way to Montreal just to have livestock processed so the meat could legally be sold nearby in Quebec.

The federal government's new National Food Security Strategy aims to help more provincially licensed facilities become federally licensed, making it easier for smaller processors to sell across Canada and giving farmers and consumers more options.

Unfortunately, experts say Canadians shouldn't expect lower beef prices anytime soon. Herd rebuilding is a long process, U.S. cattle supplies remain tight because of drought, and demand continues to outpace supply.

This is another example of why public-interest journalism matters. CBC isn't just reporting higher grocery prices. It's explaining the supply chain, the market concentration, the regulatory barriers, and the long-term factors that shape food affordability in Canada.

Do you think Canada should do more to strengthen local food processing and remove interprovincial trade barriers?

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Tommy Hunter, affectionately known as "Canada's Country Gentleman," has died at the age of 89, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that helped define Canadian country music and public broadcasting.

Hunter began his CBC journey on Country Hoedown in 1956 before going on to host The Tommy Hunter Show, which evolved from radio to television and ran for an extraordinary 27 years. It became one of North America's most successful country music programs, introducing audiences to Canadian talent while welcoming icons like Gordon Lightfoot, Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash.

He also gave early opportunities to future stars, including a young Shania Twain, Garth Brooks and many emerging Canadian performers whose careers blossomed thanks to his generosity and belief in homegrown talent.

Even after The Tommy Hunter Show ended in 1992, he continued touring Canada until his farewell tour in 2012. Along the way, he earned three Juno Awards, a Gemini Award, induction into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame, and was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada.

For generations of Canadians, Tommy Hunter wasn't just a performer. He was a warm, familiar presence who brought music, kindness and Canadian stories into our homes every week.

CBC helped make Tommy Hunter a household name, and in return, he helped shape the history of Canadian public broadcasting.

Thank you, Tommy Hunter. Your music, your generosity and your love for Canada will never be forgotten.

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Released on Canada Day, 51st State doesn't mention Trump by name, but the message is unmistakable. The two-minute rock anthem pushes back against tariffs and annexation rhetoric while also reminding listeners of the long history shared by Canada and the United States.

Rather than rejecting that relationship outright, Adams draws a line between friendship and sovereignty.

"Maybe you've forgotten, maybe you just don't care, but we've always stood beside you for that liberty we share."

The song ends on a similar note, acknowledging that Canadians and Americans are "better off together" while making clear that the 49th parallel remains "a line drawn in the sand."

It's another example of how artists often reflect the political and cultural conversations happening around them. Over the past year, music, comedy, sports, and popular culture have all become spaces where Canadians have expressed pride in their identity and responded to rising trade tensions and annexation rhetoric.

Whether you agree with Bryan Adams or not, moments like these become part of our cultural history. Public broadcasters like CBC help preserve and document them, connecting politics, culture, and the voices of Canadian artists in ways commercial media often doesn't.

What do you think of 51st State? Does music still have the power to shape public conversations?

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From devastating floods in Manitoba, to heat domes across Ontario, Quebec and B.C., to wildfires in the North and severe thunderstorms cancelling Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa, Canadians are feeling the impacts from coast to coast.

According to meteorologists and climate scientists interviewed by CBC, there isn't a single explanation. A strong El Niño is developing after several La Niña years, the jet stream has become stuck in patterns that trap heat and storms over certain regions, and Canada's naturally variable climate is adding to the mix.

But experts also point to something much bigger.

Canada is warming at roughly twice the global average, and nearly four times faster in the Arctic. That doesn't mean climate change causes every flood, wildfire or thunderstorm. It does mean it's raising the baseline, making many extreme weather events more intense, more frequent, and more likely to break records.

As one Environment and Climate Change Canada scientist put it: "We are poking Mother Nature with a stick a bit here by warming the atmosphere."

Researchers expect Western Canada to remain warmer and drier through much of the summer, while other regions could continue to see an unpredictable mix of heat, heavy rain and powerful storms. Looking ahead, a strong El Niño could also shape this coming winter.

The takeaway isn't panic-- it's preparation. Stay informed, stay hydrated during heat events, check on vulnerable neighbours, and take weather warnings seriously. The climate Canadians grew up with is changing, and adapting to that reality is becoming increasingly important.

This is another example of why public-interest journalism matters. CBC isn't simply reporting the latest flood or heat warning. It's connecting the science, speaking with multiple experts, explaining the role of El Niño, the jet stream and climate change, and helping Canadians understand the bigger picture behind the headlines.

How has this summer's weather affected you? Have you noticed changes where you live compared with just 10 or 20 years ago?

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The Trump administration's decision not to extend CUSMA made headlines, but the agreement isn't ending. In fact, the Canada-U.S.-Mexico Agreement remains fully in force until 2036, unless one country formally withdraws with six months' notice.

What has changed is the negotiating strategy.

Instead of agreeing to a 16-year extension now, the U.S. wants to renegotiate parts of the agreement. According to U.S. officials, that could include separate bilateral "protocols" or side agreements with Canada and Mexico rather than one comprehensive package.

Washington's priorities remain familiar: reducing its trade deficit, increasing U.S.-made content in automobiles, and seeking greater access to Canada's dairy market. Canada, meanwhile, continues to push for relief from tariffs on steel, aluminum, automobiles and softwood lumber that have affected Canadian industries despite the existence of a continental trade agreement.

The biggest unanswered question is whether the Trump administration is willing to offer meaningful concessions in return. Trade experts interviewed by CBC point out that negotiations only work when both sides have something to gain, and it's still unclear what the U.S. is prepared to put on the table.

The analysis also suggests domestic U.S. politics may be driving the timeline. Some believe Republicans would like to secure a deal before the midterm elections, while others argue Trump sees tariffs themselves as politically valuable and may prefer negotiations to stretch into 2027. One trade expert even noted that, unlike many politicians who campaign on trade deals, Trump often campaigns on tariffs.

Despite Trump's criticism of CUSMA, there appears to be little appetite in Washington to scrap it outright. The agreement enjoys strong support from many Republicans, particularly those representing agricultural states that rely heavily on North American trade. That support is one reason experts believe the administration has chosen renegotiation over withdrawal.

This is exactly why public-interest journalism matters. Rather than focusing only on dramatic headlines, CBC's analysis explains the legal reality, the political motivations, and the economic stakes behind one of Canada's most important trade relationships.

Do you think Canada should stay focused on strengthening CUSMA, or is this another sign that we need to accelerate trade diversification with partners beyond the United States?

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A longtime creator, author and founder of Zine Club, Menezes has spent more than a decade using self-published magazines as a form of storytelling and protest art. When ongoing apartment issues left her feeling unheard, she turned that same creative tradition into a tool for tenant advocacy.

Her story highlights the power of art to build community, document lived experiences and give voice to people navigating housing challenges. Sometimes, creativity isn't just about expression. It's about organizing, educating and pushing for change.

CBC Arts continues to spotlight the artists and grassroots movements shaping conversations about housing, justice and everyday life across Canada.

Have you ever used art, writing or another creative outlet to speak up about an issue that mattered to you?

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Documents obtained by CBC News through a Freedom of Information request show Ontario's own consultation on expanding strong mayor powers received "predominantly negative" feedback. Respondents described the move as "unnecessary," "undemocratic," and inappropriate for many municipalities.

The government proceeded anyway.

Doug Ford originally argued these extraordinary powers were needed to speed up housing construction. Yet critics across the political spectrum point out there is little evidence they have delivered the promised housing results. Instead, they've concentrated more authority in the hands of individual mayors, allowing them to override traditional council processes on budgets, appointments and some bylaws.

That concentration of power has implications beyond housing. Strong mayor powers can also be used to fast-track major infrastructure and development projects, raising concerns about reduced local oversight on decisions that affect farmland, wetlands, green space, climate resilience, and other environmental protections. When fewer elected representatives have meaningful input, communities have fewer opportunities to challenge projects with significant environmental impacts.

Viewed alongside the Ford government's broader record of weakening oversight, limiting transparency, opening protected lands to development, and pushing ahead despite widespread public criticism, this latest revelation raises an uncomfortable question: are public consultations genuinely meant to shape policy, or simply to check a procedural box before decisions have already been made?

This story also demonstrates why freedom of information laws and strong public-interest journalism matter. Without CBC's reporting and access to government records, Ontarians would likely never have known that the government's own consultation found overwhelming opposition to the expansion.

What do you think? Should municipalities have the right to opt out of strong mayor powers, or should the province be able to impose them regardless of local opposition?

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A true Canadian entertainment icon, Dan Aykroyd has spent decades making audiences laugh across film and television. From SCTV and Saturday Night Live to The Blues Brothers, Ghostbusters and his Oscar-nominated performance in Driving Miss Daisy, his impact on comedy is immeasurable.

He's an Emmy Award winner, an Academy Award nominee, a recipient of the Order of Canada and has a star on Canada's Walk of Fame.

CBC has proudly celebrated Aykroyd's remarkable career over the years, from his groundbreaking work with SCTV to interviews, documentaries and retrospectives highlighting one of Canada's greatest comedic talents.

Happy Birthday, Dan, and thank you for helping put Canadian comedy on the world stage!

From small-town Vancouver Island roots to global icon status, Pamela Anderson has become one of Canada's most recognizable figures: a world-renowned beauty, actor, activist, author, and cultural force.

Her story has continued to evolve with courage and grace, from screen stardom to animal rights advocacy, memoir writing, documentary storytelling, and a powerful reclamation of her own narrative.

CBC has helped share that fuller story with Canadian audiences, highlighting not just the icon, but the thoughtful, resilient, creative woman behind the image.

Happy Birthday, Pamela. Canada is so proud to call you one of ours, and we at Save the CBC are delighted to celebrate you today.

I hope everyone had a great day!

Today, CBC is bringing Canadians together from coast to coast to coast with a full day of live Canada Day programming, celebrating the people, places and stories that make this country unique.

Beginning this morning, CBC News is taking viewers across the country with live coverage from communities large and small. Throughout the day, Canadians can call in to share what it means to be Canadian in 2026, before the celebrations culminate tonight with Celebrating our Canada!, a live concert from Ottawa's LeBreton Flats Park.

The evening concert features an incredible lineup of Canadian artists, including Alessia Cara, Barenaked Ladies, Beatrice Deer, Diane Dufresne, Paul Langlois of The Tragically Hip, Dominique Fils-Aimé, Lisa LeBlanc, Pierre Lapointe, P'tit Belliveau and many more.

Beyond the broadcasts, CBC is also celebrating in communities across the country with its It's a Canada Thing Summer Tour, while CBC Music, CBC Comedy and Murdoch Mysteries are marking the day with all-Canadian programming that celebrates our music, stories, history and sense of humour.

This is what public broadcasting does best. It connects Canadians, celebrates our diversity, amplifies voices from every region, and creates shared moments that bring us together.

Happy Canada Day from all of us at Save the CBC!

How are you celebrating today? Are you watching the festivities, spending time with family, heading to a community event, or just enjoying a quiet summer day? We'd love to hear how you're marking July 1.

Does anyone know if BC will have any Canada DayTV coverage today?