The first of July is Dominion Day in Canada the day Canadian citizens celebrate the nation's birthday. On July 1, 1867, the British Parliament passed the British North America Act, giving Canadians permission to "form and be one dominion under the name of Canada." On that date, the provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia were united as the Dominion of Canada. Ottawa became the new capital, and Sir John A. Macdonald, one of the main confederations supporters, was sworn in as Canada's first prime minister. Canadians celebrated with parades, picnics, sporting events, and fireworks, just as they do on Dominion Day today.