Bill 35 2001

An Act proclaiming
Irish Heritage Day

Preamble

Irish immigrants were among the earliest settlers in Canada. In 1845, Irish immigrants, fleeing the potato famine in Ireland, began settling in Ontario in large numbers. They brought to Ontario and Canada their values of hard work, devotion to family, service to the community and the perpetual hope for a better future for themselves and their fellow citizens.

Ontario citizens of Irish descent made significant contributions to the founding of Canada. They have made and continue to make significant contributions to the development of Canada, especially over the more than 150 years since the first large waves of Irish immigration. It is important to recognize and celebrate those contributions.

Today the rich cultural heritage of Canada's Irish community is an integral part of Canadian national culture and identity and belongs, by right, to all Canadians of all backgrounds. As evidence of that fact, the coat of arms of Canada bears several symbols of Irish heritage: the Royal Harp of Tara representing the historic coronation place of the High King or Ard Righ of Ireland and the Shamrock and Cross of Saint Patrick.

It is appropriate to recognize March 17, the day of Saint Patrick, the patron saint of the Irish, as Irish Heritage Day in Ontario.

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Irish Heritage Day

1. March 17 in each year is proclaimed as Irish Heritage Day.

Commencement

2. This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

3. The short title of this Act is the Irish Heritage Day Act, 2001.

___________

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims March 17 in each year as Irish Heritage Day.