EXPLANATORY NOTE

The month of June in each year is proclaimed as Filipino Heritage Month.

Bill 189 2017

An Act to proclaim the month of June as Filipino Heritage Month

Preamble

Ontario is home to a large and vibrant Filipino community. Since the first Filipino immigrants arrived in Canada in the 1930s, Filipino Canadians from across Ontario have made and continue to make significant contributions across all fields, including in science, education, medicine, broadcasting, law, politics, business, sports and culture.  Filipino Canadians have helped build Ontario into the multicultural success story that it is. Today, the Philippines have become one of the largest source countries for newcomers to Canada.

June is a significant month for the Filipino community.  Each year in June, Filipino people around the world celebrate Philippine Independence Day in commemoration of their nation gaining independence on June 12, 1898.

Proclaiming a month to be Filipino Heritage Month in Ontario will provide an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate all Ontarians, including this generation and future generations, about Filipino Canadians and their continuing role in helping to foster growth, prosperity and innovation throughout Ontario.

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

Filipino Heritage Month

1 The month of June in each year is proclaimed as Filipino 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 Filipino Heritage Month Act, 2017.