Barrett bill to proclaim Simcoe Day

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 13, 2017

 

QUEEN’S PARK – Haldimand-Norfolk MPP Toby Barrett has introduced legislation The Simcoe Day Act, 2017 to proclaim the first Monday in August in each year as Simcoe Day.

Simcoe was the first Lieutenant-Governor of what is now Ontario, being appointed as the first vice-regal representative of Upper Canada on Sept. 12, 1791. He presided over the first sitting of the Ontario Legislature. Among Simcoe’s multitude of accomplishments was the installation of English common law, trial by jury, the standardization of weights and measures, the establishment of Yonge Street, the creation of Ontario’s system of municipal government and banning the importation of slaves to Upper Canada.

His wife, Lady Simcoe, also made a contribution to colonial history with her drawings of Ontario in the era.

“Although Simcoe laid the foundation for Ontario, many residents know little about the man,” Barrett said. “The City of Toronto recognizes Simcoe by naming the first Monday in August Simcoe Day. This Act would extend this recognition across the province by requiring any civic holiday on the first Monday of August to be named Simcoe Day.

Barrett’s proposed legislation is up for debate on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2017.

 

-30-

For more information, contact MPP Toby Barrett at 519-428-0446 or toby.barrett@pc.ola.org

 

OFFICIAL HANSARD

ONTARIO LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY

Oct. 12, 2013

Mr. Toby Barrett: The bill proclaims the first Monday in August in each year as Simcoe Day.

Further to that, John Graves Simcoe was the first Lieutenant Governor of the province now known as Ontario. He was also a member of the British Parliament, a colonial administrator, an army officer and a commander of the Queen’s Rangers during the Revolutionary War.

Although Simcoe laid the foundation for Ontario, many residents know little about the man. The city of Toronto recognizes Simcoe by naming the first Monday in August Simcoe Day. This act would extend this recognition across the province by requiring any civic holiday on the first Monday of August to be named Simcoe Day.