Bill S-228

3rd Session, 40th Parliament,

59-60 Elizabeth II, 2010-2011

senate of canada

BILL S-228

An Act respecting Giovanni Caboto Day

Whereas history records that the Italian navigator and explorer Giovanni Caboto — known in English as John Cabot — commander of the ship Matthew sailing out of Bristol, arrived on the shores of what is now Canada on June 24, 1497;

And whereas Giovanni Caboto was, by virtue of this momentous event, the first of many individuals of Italian origin to contribute to the rich history of Canada;

And whereas it is expedient to provide for a day for all Canadians to celebrate the contributions of Italians and Italian Canadians to Canada’s history and culture, on the anniversary of Giovanni Caboto’s landing on Canada’s shores;

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

SHORT TITLE

1. This Act may be cited as the Giovanni Caboto Day Act.

GIOVANNI CABOTO DAY

2. Throughout Canada, in each and every year, the 24th day of June shall be known as “Giovanni Caboto Day”.

3. For greater certainty, Giovanni Caboto Day is not a legal holiday or a non-juridical day.

4. For greater certainty, nothing in this Act affects any designation respecting the 24th day of June by the legislature or government of any province.