Remembrance Week Act

By Alyssa Leonard

A new bill declaring the week leading up to Remembrance Day as Remembrance Week has received Royal Assent.

Earlier this month, Ontario passed Bill 55, Remembrance Week Act, 2016 to remember and honour all who gave their lives for Canada in war. The act declares the week preceding Remembrance Day as Remembrance Week and for the people of Ontario to observe two minutes of silence on Remembrance Day at 11 a.m.

Ontario MPP Percy Hatfield, who was present when the bill passed, said it was a private member’s bill by Ontario MPP Jim Wilson. Hatfield said Royal Canadian Legion members in Wilson’s riding suggested having a Remembrance Week to recognize all the events leading up to Remembrance Day.

Wilson is one of the three Ontario MPPs who sponsored the act. He said it builds on other recent initiatives to honour veterans. He said having lived close to Canadian Forces Base Borden in his childhood he developed a great respect for the military and the “tremendous work” they do.

“The people of Ontario must never forget the extraordinary courage and profound sacrifice made by the men and women who bravely and unselfishly gave their lives for Canada in wars and in peace support operations,” said Wilson.

Among those attending this year’s Remembrance Day ceremony at City Hall was Kim Salter, an employee at Ouellette Avenue Eye Care Centre. She said she attends the Remembrance Day ceremony every year. Her husband, Matthew Salter, is a retired Corporal who served for 13 years and has two children in Cadets. Salter said she believes it is very important to remember veterans and for parents to bring their children to the ceremony. She thinks the new bill was a great idea.

“The more recognition that the vets get is great,” said Kim Salter. “You can remember them in June, you can remember them in January, but the more recognition the better.”

Mike Dupras is a retired veteran of the 2nd Battalion of the Queen’s Own Rifles. He said he feels the bill is important because he does not think people really know what Remembrance Day stands for.

“For me personally, it stands for my father, my grandfather, my wife’s father and grandfather,” said Dupras. “They fought for what we have today.”

Hatfield said there are many events and ceremonies occurring over the course of the week that build up into Remembrance Day. He said even when Remembrance Day falls on a weekend, veterans are still in schools the Thursdays and Fridays before, talking about its importance.

“It’s a celebration for the whole week,” said Hatfield.