WINDSOR

Remembrance Day could become a national statutory holiday

The Canadian Press Published Thursday, November 6, 2014 9:46AM EST Last Updated Thursday, November 6, 2014 12:08PM EST

While it is recognized as a national holiday and a federal statutory holiday, Remembrance Day is not fully recognized as a statutory holiday by all of the provinces. A private member's bill in the House of Commons hopes to change that.

Text:

A New Democrat MP's bid to make Remembrance Day a national statutory holiday is closer to reality.

Bill C-597, which would amend the Holidays Act to make Remembrance Day a statutory day off like Christmas or Canada Day, passed a second-reading vote in the House of Commons yesterday by a margin of 258-2.

The legislation, introduced by New Democrat MP Dan Harris, now moves to the Commons heritage committee for further study before coming back to the Commons for a final vote.

Ultimately, however, it would be up to the individual provinces where November 11th is currently not a holiday to change their individual labour codes.

They are Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Manitoba.

Harris said he's confident the measure will become law, particularly in light of the recent deaths of two Canadian soldiers.

This year is also the 100th anniversary of the start of the First World War, renewing feelings of national pride and sacrifice.