Bill 142 2013

An Act to proclaim Major William Halton Day

Preamble

Major William Halton came to Upper Canada, the present day Ontario, in 1806, as the private secretary to Lieutenant Governor Sir Francis Gore (1806-1811, 1815-1816). In 1816, Halton was named to the position of Provincial Agent in England. He became known for his courageous efforts to assist veterans and their families in Upper Canada after the War of 1812.

Halton's role in Ontario's early development was celebrated in the numerous provincial place names established in his honour, including Halton County which became The Regional Municipality of Halton. Initially settled by United Empire Loyalists and immigrants from Britain, Halton Region is today a dynamic home to nearly half a million people of the various backgrounds reflecting the Canadian multicultural mosaic. Halton Region is presently the fastest growing municipality in Canada. Also, both the House of Commons of Canada and the Legislative Assembly of Ontario have ridings named for William Halton.

Major William Halton died in England on September 22, 1821.

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

Major William Halton Day

   1.  September 22 in each year is proclaimed as Major William Halton Day or, in its short form, Halton 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 Major William Halton Day Act, 2013.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims September 22 in each year as Major William Halton Day or, in its short form, Halton Day.