Bill 192 2011

An Act to proclaim Anatolian Heritage Day

The ancient region of Anatolia, which was also known as "Asia Minor", was the cradle of some of the greatest civilizations of world history.  These include those of the Hittites, Lydians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Seljuks and Ottomans, among others.

The historic legacy of Anatolia reflects a diverse heritage which closely resembles Canada's multicultural mosaic.  As the contemporary inheritors of that legacy, the Turkish Canadian Community has made many ongoing contributions to the social, cultural, economic and political development of Ontario and Canada.

The Turkish Canadian Community and the Anatolian Heritage Federation continue to promote enhanced international awareness of the great achievements of Anatolian civilization.  These achievements are found among the various European nations whose people's ancestral roots are shared in an Anatolian heritage.

Turkey's flag symbolizes the genius of Anatolian culture, with the crescent and the star representing the lofty ideals of progress and civilization and the colour red representing the blood of human struggle and sacrifice.

We should pay tribute to the singular achievements of Anatolian civilization by establishing a day on which all Ontarians may reflect on this rich and diverse heritage.

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

Anatolian Heritage Day

   1.  March 15 in each year is proclaimed as Anatolian 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 Anatolian Heritage Day Act, 2011.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims March 15 in each year as Anatolian Heritage Day.