Bill 49 2005

An Act to celebrate and recognize rural Ontario

Preamble

Rural Ontario has achieved much in the past and continues with new endeavours. Rural Ontario has a great future.

The Rural Ontario Day Act, 2005 will proclaim and recognize rural values and culture.  Rural Ontario is an important part of Ontario. Since the first settlements in Upper Canada, our rural areas have contributed to the success and prosperity of Ontario.  The Rural Ontario Day Act, 2005 will help Ontarians become more aware of their rural heritage and rural roots.

This day will also recognize those who have made a commitment to building strong rural communities.  It will highlight the rural way of life and reflect on its unique attributes, including volunteers, health care services, schools, tourism, small business, arts, leisure and recreation, and the beauty of the landscape.

It is appropriate to celebrate the rich history, recognize the current situation and address future growth of rural Ontario by naming the Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day in each year as Rural Ontario Day. Rural Ontario Day will fall in the middle of Ontario Agriculture Week. It will help to highlight and promote the importance of Ontario Agriculture Week, which begins the week immediately before Thanksgiving Day. Thanksgiving Day is the annual celebration on which Ontarians express thanks for the bounties of the harvest. It is an appropriate time to celebrate and acknowledge the hard work of rural Ontarians.

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Rural Ontario Day

1.  The Wednesday before Thanksgiving Day in each year is proclaimed as Rural Ontario 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 Rural Ontario Day Act, 2005.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims the Wednesday immediately before Thanksgiving Day in each year as Rural Ontario Day.