Bill 80 2006

An Act to name
the first Wednesday in October
Hamilton Day

Preamble

The City of Hamilton was named after George Hamilton (1788-1836) who set out the first plan of the city in 1820. Hamilton was incorporated as a town in 1833 and as a city in 1846. Since that date, Hamilton has continued to be a significant contributor to Ontario's political, economic and social spheres.

Hamilton is renowned for its rich history, contribution to music, art and its cultural diversity. It has been considered home by many interesting people. Originally home to several Native American Tribes, Hamilton was then known as "The Head-of-the-Lake" for its location at the western end of Lake Ontario. The Hamilton area then served as a new home to several United Empire Loyalists, who escaped persecution form the war torn Union States. During the War of 1812, Hamilton was the sight of two decisive battles between invading American troops and defending British regulars and Canadian militia.

Hamilton has proudly served and provided important contributions to the Boer War, and most significantly to World War One and World War Two. During the two world wars, Hamilton became one of the friendliest and most diverse immigrant cities in Canada, seeing an influx of immigration from many war ravaged European countries. Hamilton's impressive industrial growth, especially in the steel sector, guaranteed a constant supply of materials for the allies during both world wars, and provided thousands of jobs for local and for recent immigrants.

Today Hamilton continues to grow with a zeal that is unmatchable. It has become home to a new generation of immigrants, who will leave their own distinct mark on the city as have all the others before them. Hamilton's medical and educational sectors are experiencing an unprecedented expansion that is creating innovation and new opportunities.

It is truly fitting that Hamilton should have its own distinct day of recognition, and the first Wednesday in October in each year provides a perfect day for Hamiltonians and Ontarians to celebrate and pay respect to a city that has provided so much for Ontario, and for Canada.

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

Hamilton Day

1.  The first Wednesday in October in each year is hereby named Hamilton 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 Hamilton Day Act, 2006.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The purpose of the Bill is to make the first Wednesday in October of every year known as Hamilton Day.