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Ontario Bill 65

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.

October 26, 2023

Honouring Our Veterans Act, 2023

Royal Assent received. Statutes of Ontario 2023, chapter 14
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Bill 65, also known as the Honouring Our Veterans Act, was enacted in 2023 as Chapter 14 of the Statutes of Ontario. It amends the Remembrance Week Act, 2016. The bill requires members of the Legislative Assembly to observe two minutes of silence on the last sessional day before Remembrance Day each year to honor those who died serving their country in wars and peacekeeping efforts. After the silence, members are allowed to give speeches for 15 minutes, with specific time allocations for different parties. The Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

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SteelmanSpren in Favour

One steelman argument in favor of this Explanatory Note is that it provides clarity and context for readers of Bill 65. By explicitly stating that the Explanatory Note does not form part of the law, it helps readers understand the purpose and scope of the document they are reading. This can prevent confusion and ensure that readers focus on the actual content of the bill itself. Additionally, the inclusion of the Explanatory Note demonstrates transparency and accountability in the legislative process. By providing a separate section to explain the intent and background of the bill, it allows for greater understanding and engagement from the public. This can foster trust in the legislative process and encourage citizens to participate in discussions and debates surrounding the bill. Furthermore, the Explanatory Note serves as a useful tool for lawmakers and legal professionals. It provides a concise summary of the key changes and amendments made by Bill 65, allowing them to quickly grasp the main provisions of the law. This can save time and effort in interpreting and analyzing the bill, facilitating more efficient and effective decision-making processes. Overall, the inclusion of this Explanatory Note in Bill 65 enhances transparency, clarity, and understanding for readers, promotes public engagement, and facilitates efficient decision-making processes for lawmakers and legal professionals.

SteelmanSpren Against

Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 65: Bill 65, also known as the Honouring Our Veterans Act, 2023, amends the Remembrance Week Act, 2016 to require members of the Legislative Assembly in Ontario to observe two minutes of silence on the last sessional day before Remembrance Day each year. While the intention behind this bill may be to honor those who died serving their country, there are several reasons why this legislation should be opposed. Firstly, this bill infringes on the principles of limited government and individual freedom. The government should not dictate how individuals choose to honor or remember veterans. Mandating a moment of silence in the Legislative Assembly restricts the freedom of expression and forces individuals to participate in a specific form of commemoration, regardless of their personal beliefs or preferences. Furthermore, this bill is unnecessary and redundant. Remembrance Day is already widely recognized and observed across the country, with various ceremonies and events taking place at local, provincial, and national levels. The government's role should be to facilitate and support these existing initiatives, rather than imposing additional requirements on elected officials. Additionally, the bill's provision allowing members of the Legislative Assembly to make speeches after the moment of silence raises concerns about political grandstanding and the potential for the event to be used for partisan purposes. This undermines the solemnity and significance of the moment of silence and shifts the focus away from honoring veterans towards political rhetoric. Moreover, the bill fails to address the root causes of the issues faced by veterans. Instead of symbolic gestures, the government should prioritize concrete actions to improve the lives of veterans, such as ensuring timely access to healthcare, mental health support, and employment opportunities. This bill distracts from the real challenges faced by veterans and may give the impression that the government is taking meaningful action when, in reality, it is merely paying lip service. In conclusion, while the intention behind Bill 65 may be well-meaning, it is important to consider the principles of limited government, individual freedom, and the potential for political exploitation. Rather than mandating a moment of silence in the Legislative Assembly, the government should focus on substantive measures to support and honor veterans.