Canada welcomes new citizens as it celebrates 156th birthday

Canada Day celebrations in 2023 included speeches, a special citizenship ceremony and musical performances — though the weather in the capital isn't so festive.

Smoke and an overcast sky darkened Ottawa Saturday. Environment Canada issued a severe thunderstorm and tornado watch for the region. 

"Strong winds, large hail and heavy rain are also possible," it said in an alert posted Saturday afternoon.

"This is a dangerous and potentially life-threatening situation."

The weather prompted Canadian Heritage in the afternoon to suspend its planned Canada Day events in the capital, but the department said hours later that the evening show, including fireworks to close out the event, will go on.

WATCH | Canadians share their hopes for country's future:

CBC's David Cochrane hosted coverage of the daytime celebrations, which took place at LeBreton Flats Park in Ottawa. It opened with an Indigenous Reflection ceremony led by Indigenous elders.

Seventeen new Canadians swore oaths of citizenship at a special citizenship ceremony as part of the celebrations.

Afterward, Trudeau delivered remarks in which he referenced the fact that Canada's population recently passed 40 million.

"Given the citizenship ceremony we just had, we're now at least 40 million 17," Trudeau said.

WATCH | New Canadians take citizenship oath on Canada Day:

But the prime minister also mentioned issues facing Canada and the world, including climate change, natural disasters, the war in Ukraine and rising prices.

"But no matter the challenges we face, we will get through it the same way we always do — by staying true to our values," Trudeau said.

"Values like justice, openness and democracy. That's Canada's advantage in the world, now more than ever."