Bill 208 Royal Assent (PDF)
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Explanatory Note was written as a reader’s aid to Bill 208 and does not form part of the law.
Bill 208 has been enacted as Chapter 19 of the Statutes of Ontario, 2021.
The Bill proclaims November 30 in each year as Scottish Heritage Day.
Bill 208 2021
An Act to proclaim Scottish Heritage Day
Preamble
Beginning in the 1700s, the Scottish Highland Clearances displaced many of its citizens, forcing them out of their homes with no means to support their families. Many looked to Canada to start a new life, settling in various locations across Upper Canada, joining their fellow countrymen who had fought for the Crown during the American War of Independence.
Once they established their homes and livelihood, they immediately set about building schools to educate their children and helped to establish the institutions necessary to build a strong and secure country. Pride in their culture gave Scots a strong sense of identity and self-worth, which contributed to their success and left Upper Canada with firmly rooted Scottish traditions such as Highland games and competitions.
St. Andrew’s Day is celebrated on November 30th and is Scotland’s official national day.
Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:
Scottish Heritage Day
1 November 30 in each year is proclaimed as Scottish 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 Scottish Heritage Day Act, 2021.