Bill 195 2007

An Act to proclaim Family Day

Preamble

The institution of the family has traditionally been one of the foundations for the well-being of a healthy society. Among other benefits, stable families help to promote happiness, educational achievement and respect for the law. They often provide a higher standard of living than if family members live separately. Stable families also help to provide a healthy environment in which to raise children. Children are vitally important since they ensure the survival of human kind.

Unlike other jurisdictions, such as Saskatchewan and Alberta, Ontario has not yet had a day to recognize the importance of the family as one of the great institutions of civilization. It is important to remedy that deficiency.

The timing of Family Day coincides with Presidents' Day in the United States of America, which is a day that Americans often use to gather in their families and to recognize the importance of the family as an institution.

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

Family Day

   1.  The third Monday in February in each year is proclaimed as Family 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 Family Day Act, 2007.

______________

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims the third Monday in February in each year as Family Day.