Canada's 150th birthday marked by celebrations across the country

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau kicked off celebrations to mark the country's 150th birthday amid heavy security.

Trudeau, accompanied by Prince Charles, shook hands with some of the thousands of people who came in to attend the festivities in Ottawa.

"Canada is a country made strong not in spite of our differences but because of them. We don't aspire to be a melting pot. Indeed, we know true strength and resilience flows through Canadian diversity," The Guardian quoted Trudeau, as saying to the crowd.

The Canada Day festivities featured a "large outdoor celebration in front of the national parliament, complete with acrobats, fireworks and musicians, including Bono and other members of Irish rock band U2."

The Guardian reported that Toronto, Canada's largest city, had "a giant rubber duck floating in its harbour, while Calgary had a "living flag" composed of people wearing red and white. The yellow duck, which cost C$200,000 (£118,400) including the rent, according to the Globe and Mail, drew criticism from some who described it as a waste of taxpayers' money."

Saturday marked the 150th anniversary of the day Canada officially became a country. Britain had ruled it before 1867.