EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims the month of August in each year as Caribbean Heritage Month.

Bill 139 2019

An Act to proclaim the month of August in each year as Caribbean Heritage Month

Preamble

By proclaiming the month of August as Caribbean Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the economic, political, social and cultural achievements and contributions of Caribbean Canadians in all aspects of Ontario society. Like many immigrants who have made Ontario their home, Caribbean Canadians are proud to be part of diverse communities across the province.

The month of August is significant to the Caribbean community as August 1 is Emancipation Day, which is celebrated in Ontario and many of the countries in the Caribbean. Today, several festivals also take place across Ontario over the month of August that highlight the rich culture and diverse heritage of the Caribbean. Many of these celebrations reflect the traditions of popular festivals in the region, which celebrate independence or the end of harvest season.

Caribbean Heritage Month is an opportunity to recognize and reflect on the history of the Caribbean region, its culture and the significant contributions that Caribbean Canadians continue to make across Ontario.

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

Caribbean Heritage Month

1 The month of August in each year is proclaimed as Caribbean 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 Caribbean Heritage Month Act, 2019.