MPP Sheref Sabawy Introduces Legislation to Proclaim Ukrainian Heritage Month in Ontario
If passed by the Ontario Legislature, the bill would designate September as a month of celebration of Ukrainian-Canadian heritage and culture.
Tuesday, October 29, 2024
TORONTO – On Tuesday in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, Sheref Sabawy, Member of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga—Erin Mills, introduced legislation for Bill 215, the Ukrainian Heritage Month Act, 2024.
If passed, the legislation would proclaim the month of September in each year as “Ukrainian Heritage Month.” That month represents the anniversary of the September 7, 1891 arrival of the first documented Ukrainian immigrants to Canada. The time of year also celebrates the anniversary of Ukraine’s independence in 1991.
“I am very excited to introduce the Ukrainian Heritage Month Act to the Ontario Legislature. This bill recognizes the significant accomplishments that Ukrainian people have had on Ontario, and celebrates their culture and heritage.” said Sabawy. “I can hardly wait to celebrate with the Ukrainian-Canadian community next September.”
According to the 2021 census, over 1.2 million Canadians reported Ukrainian heritage. In Ontario, Ukrainian-Canadians number over 340,000 people. The Ukrainian-Canadian community has played an influential role in Canadian society.
“We are very pleased to be supporting the establishment of a Ukrainian Heritage Month in September for Ontario,” said Taras Bahriy, President for the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Ontario Provincial Council. “Ontarians of Ukrainian descent have left and continue to leave a historic mark on our province. Their contributions span communities across Ontario and are reflected in our economic, political, social and cultural life. Having a designated Ukrainian Heritage Month allows us to channel, properly recognize and celebrate these contributions.”
For over 130 years, Canada has served as a safe haven and a place of opportunity for Ukrainians fleeing persecution, violence, war, and oppression in their home country. Ukrainians have immigrated to Canada in large numbers throughout this time. This includes a wave of agricultural workers at the end of the 19th century, families fleeing Soviet rule during the Cold War, and increased immigration following the independence of Ukraine. Most recently, large numbers of refugees and immigrants have arrived in Canada following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Bill 215 is scheduled for second reading debate in the Ontario Legislature on November 27, 2024.
QUICK FACTS
- Canada is home to more than 1.2 million Canadian of Ukrainian origins, with more than 340,000 in Ontario.
- Influential Ukrainian-Canadians include philanthropists, religious leaders, business owners, veterans, political figures and a supreme court justice.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Office of MPP Sheref Sabawy:
Constituency Office: 4181 Sladeview Cres, Unit 40 Mississauga ON L5L 5R2
Phone: 905-820-8851
Email: Sheref.Sabawy@pc.ola.org