Bill C-342

2nd Session, 40th Parliament,

57-58 Elizabeth II, 2009

house of commons of canada

BILL C-342

An Act respecting Nowruz Day

Whereas “Nowruz” means “New Day” in Persian and traditionally marks the astronomical beginning of spring and the beginning of the Persian new year;

Whereas it is a time of great joy and family celebrations shared by people of many faiths and in many countries that trace their history back to the ancient Mesopotamian civilization and the Persian Empire;

And whereas many Canadians celebrate Nowruz;

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 Nowruz Day Act.

NOWRUZ DAY

2. Throughout Canada, in each and every year, the vernal equinox (first day of spring) shall be known as “Nowruz Day”.

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