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Canada declares April 2 'Pope John Paul II Day'
From: jason.kenney@parl.gc.ca
Dear Friends, I'm delighted to inform you that the Act to Establish Pope John Paul II Day (Bill C-266), recognizing St. John Paul II as a champion of human dignity and freedom, has finally become law. The Pope John Paul II Day Act was proposed by my colleague, Wladyslaw Lizon, MP, and was adopted by the House of Commons on June 12, 2013 by a vote of 237 to 42. The bill then went to the Senate where, unfortunately, Liberal Senators delayed its final consideration for a year and a half. However, I am pleased to inform you that yesterday the bill was finally adopted by the Senate, and received Royal Assent, to become law. Shockingly, almost the entire Senate Liberal caucus voted against the Pope John Paul II Day Act (by a margin of 16 to 3). I frankly cannot understand why the Liberals would oppose a symbolic opportunity to recognize an apostle of peace, who played an indispensable role in the fall of Soviet Communist tyranny, and the peaceful end of the Cold War. For more information on the Pope John Paul II Day Act, please see the below new release from MP Wladyslaw Lizon. As always, please share this message with friends and family. Sincerely,
Hon. Jason Kenney, PC, MP MP LIZON’S BILL C-266 RECOGNIZING POPE JOHN PAUL II DAY RECEIVES ROYAL ASSENT December 16th, 2014 - Referring to it as a “proud but very emotional moment,” MP Wladyslaw Lizon (Mississauga East-Cooksville) was in the Senate Chamber this evening to witness the 3rd reading of Bill C-266 - An Act to establish Pope John Paul II Day. The bill subsequently received Royal Assent, thereby completing its final step before becoming law. Bill C-266, An Act to establish Pope John Paul II Day, was introduced to the House of Commons as a Private Members’ Bill by MP Lizon in 2011, and designates the second day of April annually as “Pope John Paul II Day”. As stated in the Bill, “Pope John Paul II Day” is not a legal holiday or a non-juridical day. “Pope John Paul II’s work transcended so many boundaries,” said Lizon. “He promoted the values of peace and tolerance along with his strong stand against human rights violations. These are values that resonate deeply in our country and with Canadians. This was the motivation of this legislation.” MP Lizon’s Bill passed with substantial support from all parties in the House of Commons in April of 2013. This culminated with passing final vote tonight in the Senate and receiving Royal Assent. “Pope John Paul II presented a valuable message of courage, a defense of freedom and profound statements of hope and commitment to all people,” said Lizon. “His work to help others continues to touch the lives of people throughout the world.” “As a Canadian Parliamentarian I can truly say this is a humbling experience. I am deeply honoured,” added Lizon. |