The law proclaims September as a month of celebration of Ukrainian-Canadian heritage and culture.
20 Dec: Bill 215, the Ukrainian Heritage Month Act, 2024, received royal assent on Thursday, December 19, 2024, having been signed into law by the Honourable Edith Dumont. The legislation had received approval from the Ontario Legislature on December 12th with support from all major parties, and passed third reading following a brief discussion in the chamber.
The Ukrainian Heritage Month Act was introduced by Sheref Sabawy, Member of Provincial Parliament for Mississauga—Erin Mills in October 2024. The legislation proclaims the month of September in each year as “Ukrainian Heritage Month.” September is a significant time of year for the Ukrainian-Canadian community. September 7th marks the anniversary of the 1891 arrival of the first documented Ukrainian immigrants to Canada. Celebrations of Ukrainian heritage begin with the anniversary of Ukraine’s independence in 1991, and then continue for the rest of the month.
“I am very excited that my bill, the Ukrainian Heritage Month Act, has now been signed into law.” said Sabawy. “I am thankful to the entire Ukrainian-Canadian community for their support. I am proud to say that after many years of work trying to pass this legislation, it has now been successful. Next September, we will have a great time celebrating Ukrainian-Canadian heritage, learning more about their culture, and acknowledging the accomplishments of the community.”
In Ontario, over 340,000 Canadians identify as having a Ukrainian background. The Ukrainian- Canadian community has played an influential role in Canadian society. Famous Ukrainian- Canadians include philanthropists, religious leaders, business owners, veterans, athletes, political figures and a Supreme Court justice.
For over 130 years, Ukrainian immigrants have arrived in large numbers in Canada, in search of opportunity and a better life. To this day, Canada remains a safe haven and place of opportunity for Ukrainians fleeing persecution, violence, war, and oppression in their home country.
“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.”
The first ever Ukrainian Heritage Month in Ontario will be celebrated in September of 2025.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
- [Video] MPP Sabawy’s Third Reading of Bill 215: Ukrainian Heritage Month Act
- November 27, 2024 – [Transcript] Second Reading of the Ukrainian Heritage Month Act
- [Video] MPP Sabawy’s Second Reading of Bill 215: Ukrainian Heritage Month Act
- October 29, 2024 – MPP Sheref Sabawy Introduces Legislation to Proclaim Ukrainian Heritage Month in Ontario
