Bill 52 2016

An Act to proclaim the month of October Hindu Heritage Month

Preamble

Ontario is home to a large and vibrant Hindu community. Since the first Hindu immigrants arrived in Canada at the beginning of the 20^th century, Hindu Canadians from across Ontario have made significant contributions across all fields: science, education, medicine, law, politics, business, culture and sports. Hindu Canadians have helped build Ontario into the multicultural success story that it is and have helped to build this province into the best place to live, work and raise families. They continue to help foster growth, prosperity and innovation throughout Ontario.

October is an important month for Hindu culture. Each year, three significant celebratory festivals that members of the Hindu community celebrate occur in or around October. These festivals include, Navratri, a devotional festival celebrated over nine nights; Diwali, the festival of lights and the New Year in some Hindu traditions; and the Durga Puja, a festival commemorating the victory of good over evil.

By proclaiming the month of October as Hindu Heritage Month, the Province of Ontario recognizes the important contributions that Hindu Canadians have made to Ontario's social, economic, political and cultural fabric. Hindu Heritage Month is an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Hindu Canadians and the important role that they have played and continue to play in communities across Ontario.

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

Hindu Heritage Month

   1.  The month of October in each year is proclaimed as Hindu Heritage Month.

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 Hindu Heritage Month Act, 2016.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Bill proclaims the month of October of each year to be Hindu Heritage Month.