EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Bill proclaims October 27 each year as Ontario Religious Freedom Day.

Bill 42 2021

An Act to proclaim Ontario Religious Freedom Day

Preamble

Canada for many years has been a home and safe haven for thousands of peoples fleeing religious persecution. These peoples have enriched our multicultural, multi-faith and multi-ethnic society, especially here in Ontario. By recognizing that religious freedom is a universal human right, Canada serves as an exemplar of the principles of freedom of speech and freedom of religion, which are cornerstone values in our society.

In an attempt to flee religious persecution, countless lives have perished and continue to perish around the world. It is important to honour these victims and remind humanity of this injustice in an effort to prevent atrocities worldwide. Unfortunately, even in our present time, we are witnessing a rise in religion-based violence and persecution around the world.

Organizations like the United Nations and nations like the United States have established international days to honour the victims of religious persecution. October 27 has long been recognized as the International Religious Freedom Day by democratic societies all around the world, who come together on that day to honour the victims of religious persecution and to advocate for religious freedoms. Ontario Religious Freedom Day will serve as a reminder that Ontario continues to protect and advocate for religious freedoms and will be a day for Ontarians to remember and reflect on religious persecution and to show respect to the victims of religious persecution around the world.

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

Ontario Religious Freedom Day

1 October 27 in each year is proclaimed as Ontario Religious Freedom Day.

Monument

2 The Minister of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries shall consider creating a monument to honour the victims of religious persecutions around the world.

Commencement

3 This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

4.  The short title of this Act is the Ontario Religious Freedom Day Act, 2021.