Whitby MPP’s 9/11 Provincial Day of Service Bill receives Royal Assent in legislature

A Whitby MPP’s bill to honour those who lost their lives on 9/11 received Royal Assent Thursday in the legislature.

Lore Coe’s Private Member’s Bill – the Provincial Day of Service Act, 2022 – honours those who died September 11, 2001, pays respect to Ontarian families and friends who lost loved ones and “demonstrates support for the members of the military, first responders and intelligence personnel who continue to fight against all forms of terrorism.”

The September 11 terrorist attacks in the United States took the lives of thousands of citizens from 90 countries, including 24 Canadian citizens, 11 of whom were from Ontario. In response, more than 40,000 Canadian Armed Forces members would deploy to Afghanistan between 2001 and 2014. More than 150 Canadian soldiers died during the 12-year campaign, and thousands were wounded, physically and psychologically.

“I want to thank MPP Coe for bringing forward this important bill,” said Christine Hogarth, Parliamentary Assistant to the Solicitor General. “As we mark the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, it is a fitting time to pay respect to the fallen. It is a fitting moment to acknowledge the ongoing loss felt by their families and friends, and to pay tribute to the heroism of first responders and military personnel.”

The legislation also received the blessing of Wounded Warriors Canada and from Maureen Basnicki, Founding Director, Canadian National Day of Service Foundation.

“On the Anniversary of this horrific act of hate let us show our gratitude to all who serve their country and communities in official and unofficial ways,” she said. “Let us rekindle the kindness, compassion and service demonstrated by Canadians … who opened their hearts, their pocketbooks, and their homes.”

“It is a fitting living memorial and legacy for the Canadians taken on that day.”