Bill 124 2010

An Act to proclaim May as Dutch Heritage Month

Preamble

Ontario is home to about 500,000 Dutch Canadians.  Since the early 1800s, the Dutch Canadian community has made and continues to make significant contributions to the growth and prosperity of the Province of Ontario.

By proclaiming the month of May as Dutch Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the important contributions that Dutch Canadians have made to the economic, political, social and cultural fabric of Ontario's society. 

May is a historically significant month for the Dutch Canadian community.  On May 5, 1945, the Canadian forces were instrumental in the liberation of the Netherlands from occupation during World War II.  The Netherlands celebrates its independence and liberty, along with the heroic efforts of the Canadian forces, with a national holiday known as Liberation Day, which takes place annually on May 5.

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

Dutch Heritage Month

   1.  The month of May in each year is proclaimed as Dutch Heritage Month.

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 Dutch Heritage Month Act, 2010.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims the month of May in each year as Dutch Heritage Month.