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431-00019 (Holidays and observances)
- Keywords
- Public holidays
- Second World War
- Victoria Day
Original language of petition: English
Petition to the House of Commons in Parliament
We, the undersigned, residents of Canada draw the attention of the House to the following:
That for next year, Friday, May 8th 2020, be recognized as a National Statutory holiday across Canada, in recognition of the 75th Anniversary of the end of World War 2, and the signing of the treaty.
THEREFORE, your petitioners request that Parliament:
replaces Victoria Day for the year 2020, Friday, May 18th , and have this Statutory Holiday moved 10 days earlier (to Friday May 8th 2020) in order for Canadians to come together and celebrate the end of WWII and the 75th Anniversary of this Memorable event.
In doing so, we as proud Canadians can reflect on the loss of loved ones in this horrific conflict, and give thanks to the hundreds of thousands of men and women who "fought so valiantly" and sacrificed their lives for the freedom we enjoy. The UNITED KINGDOM has approved to move their MAY 2020 Bank holiday back 4 days to coincide Naming their holiday V- E DAY, May 8th 2020.
Response by the Minister of Canadian Heritage
Signed by (Minister or Parliamentary Secretary): Julie Dabrusin
The Government would like to thank the petitioners for expressing their interest in moving Victoria Day 10 days earlier in 2020, to allow Canadians to come together and mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
The Government recognizes that the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War is an important historical milestone. Commemoration activities across the country will provide opportunities to honour Canada’s ongoing and proud tradition of service and to honour our veterans and those who supported the war efforts at home.
The Government of Canada does not have the constitutional authority to unilaterally impose a change to a national holiday. In order to amend a national holiday, all provincial/territorial governments would need to be consulted and agreement required at both the federal and provincial/territorial levels. Statutory holidays in Canada are legislated at the national, provincial and territorial levels, namely, through Acts of Parliament or of the provincial and territorial legislatures.
Please rest assured that the federal government acknowledges this important moment of our collective history and will pay special tribute to those who bravely served and sacrificed on our behalf in defense of freedom and democracy.
- Presented to the House of Commons
-
Karen Vecchio
(Elgin—Middlesex—London)
December 9, 2019 (Petition No. 431-00019) - Government response tabled
- January 22, 2020
Only validated signatures are counted towards the total number of signatures.