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Bill C-282

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2nd Session, 36th Parliament,
48 Elizabeth II, 1999

The House of Commons of Canada

BILL C-282

An Act proclaiming Emancipation Day

Preamble

Whereas the British Parliament abolished slavery in the British Empire as of August 1, 1834 by enacting an Act being 3 & 4 Will. IV, c. 73 (U.K.) on August 28, 1833;

Whereas that Act resulted from the work of abolitionists who struggled against slavery, including Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe who promoted the passage of an Act restricting slavery in Upper Canada, being 33 Geo. III, c. 7 (U.C.) enacted on July 9, 1793;

Whereas Upper Canada was the predecessor of the Province of Ontario;

Whereas abolitionists and others who struggled against slavery, including those who arrived in Ontario by the underground railroad, have celebrated August 1 as Emancipation Day in the past;

Whereas it is important to recognize the heritage of Canada's Black community and the contributions that it has made and continues to make to Canada;

Whereas it is also important to recall the ongoing international struggle for human rights, which can best be personified by Lieutenant Governor John Graves Simcoe and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr,

And Whereas in consequence, it is appropriate to recognize August 1 formally as Emancipation Day and to celebrate it;

Now Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and the House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

SHORT TITLE

Short title

1. This Act may be cited as the Emancipation Day Act, 1999.

EMANCIPATION DAY

Emancipa-
tion Day

2. Throughout Canada, in each and every year, the 1st day of August shall be known as ``Emancipation Day''.