Whitby MPP’s National Day of Service Bill gets second reading in Legislature

Whitby MPP Lorne Coe will receive second reading for Bill 51, legislation he introduced that will, if passed, proclaim every September 11th as the Provincial Day of Service.

The Bill, first tabled November 18, honours those who lost their lives in the attacks of September 11, 2001. It 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.

“I am honoured and humbled to table this legislation,” said Coe. “It exhorts the people of Ontario to rekindle the spirit of kindness, generosity and goodwill that unified us on that dark day.”

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.