Ukrainian Heritage Day Act in Ontario

Toronto (UCC-OPC) - On March 24th, Members of Provincial Parliament in the Ontario Legislature voted unanimously in support of Bill 155, An Act to proclaim Ukrainian Heritage Day. Ukrainian Canadian community leaders from across Ontario observed the debate and vote from the legislative gallery.

The Ukrainian Heritage Day Act proclaims September 7th of each year as Ukrainian Heritage Day in the Province of Ontario. Bill 155 was introduced by Gerry Martiniuk, MPP for Cambridge was co-sponsored by Donna Cansfield, MPP for Etobicoke Centre and Cheri DiNovo, MPP for Parkdale-High Park.

The Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Ontario Provincial Council provided input during the drafting of the bill and solicited feedback from community leaders across the Province.

During the debate of the Ukrainian Heritage Day Act, MPPs of all three parties rose to voice their support for the bill and reflect upon the many contributions that Ukrainian Canadians have made in Ontario. Speaking in support of the bill were its MPP sponsor Gerry Martiniuk and co-sponsor Donna Cansfield, as well as other MPPs including: Rosario Marchese - Trinity-Spadina; Tony Ruprecht – Davenport; Jerry Ouellette – Oshawa; and Michael Prue - Beaches-East York.

Bill 155 was put to a vote where it received unanimous support from all members of the Legislature. The Ukrainian Heritage Day Act will receive Royal Ascent and become law before the upcoming provincial election. After the debate, a reception was held where community leaders had a chance to thank the MPPs for their support and kind remarks.

“On behalf of the Ukrainian Canadian community, I would like to thank Gerry Martiniuk, Donna Cansfield and Cheri DiNovo for co-sponsoring the Ukrainian Heritage Day Act, all MPPs who spoke and all members of the legislature for their unanimous support” stated Yvan Baker, UCC-OPC President. “This bill not only establishes September 7th of each year Ukrainian Heritage Day in Ontario, but will remind us of the role Ontario has played in welcoming Ukrainian immigrants seeking a better life, and [recognizes] the contributions of generations of Ukrainian Canadians to Ontario and to Canada”.

September 7, 1891 is the date on which the first Ukrainian immigrants, Vasyl Eleniak and Ivan Pylypiw, arrived in (Halifax) Canada, making their way to the Prairies in the West.

 
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Yvan Baker, UCC-OPC, President, Gerry Martiniuk, MPP - Cambridge, Donna Cansfield, MPP - Etobicoke Centre