Bill 183 2016

An Act to proclaim Girls' Government Day

Preamble

Women in Ontario are experiencing greater opportunities and career prospects than ever before. Despite this, women continue to be underrepresented in Canada's municipal councils, provincial legislatures, and the House of Commons. It is crucial that the Province of Ontario take action to increase representation of women in elected offices.

By proclaiming April 12 in each year as Girls' Government Day, the Province of Ontario will create an important opportunity for girls and their elected representatives to come together. Girls' Government Day will complement the Girls' Government program, a non-partisan initiative aimed at addressing the issue of underrepresentation by creating more engaged political citizens, and will promote diversity and create opportunities for girls to have greater participation in the political process.

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

Girls' Government Day

   1.  April 12 in each year is proclaimed as Girls' Government 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 Girls' Government Day Act, 2016.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims April 12 in each year as Girls' Government Day.