MPP Arnott introduces Lincoln Alexander Day Bill
NEWS RELEASE
Ted Arnott, MPP
Wellington-Halton Hills
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 31, 2013
MPP Arnott introduces Lincoln Alexander Day Bill
(Queen’s Park) – Lincoln Alexander was one of the most outstanding and accomplished Ontarians
of our generation, says Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott.
To honour Lincoln Alexander, on October 31, Mr. Arnott tabled An Act to proclaim Lincoln Alexander
Day in the Ontario Legislature. The Bill would proclaim January 21 of each year as Lincoln
Alexander Day in Ontario.
Lincoln Alexander was born on January 21, 1922. He served in the House of Commons from 1968
to 1980, representing the riding of Hamilton West, and in 1979 was appointed as Minister of Labour,
making history as Canada’s first black Cabinet Minister. He later served as Chair of the Workers’
Compensation Board of Ontario, as Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and as Chancellor of the
University of Guelph. He passed away a year ago this month.
“His life was an example of service, determination and humility,” said Mr. Arnott. “Always fighting for
equal rights for all races in our society, and doing so without malice, he changed attitudes and
contributed greatly to the inclusiveness and tolerance of Canada today.”
Mr. Alexander’s second wife Marni Beal-Alexander, family members Joyce Alexander and Erika
Alexander came to Queen’s Park to be present as Mr. Arnott introduced the bill. Rosemary Sadlier,
President of the Ontario Black History Society was also in attendance.
“The idea of establishing a Lincoln Alexander Day first came to me while I was attending an event at
the University of Guelph last month. I was thinking of his time as Chancellor at Guelph and it struck
me that there should be some kind of official recognition to honour him,” said Mr. Arnott. “As a
former MP, Cabinet Minister, Chair of the Workers’ Compensation Board, Lieutenant Governor of
Ontario and Chancellor of the University of Guelph, he lived a life of public service and changed our
province and our country for the better.”
After reviewing the Legislative record, Mr. Arnott was reminded that a similar bill to recognize Mr.
Alexander was introduced in 2007 by then-Liberal MPP Jennifer Mossop, but was not passed into
law.
Before introducing the Bill, Mr. Arnott reached out to members of other parties. The Bill is being co-
sponsored by Scarborough-Rouge River Liberal MPP Bas Balkissoon and Hamilton East-Stoney
Creek NDP MPP Paul Miller.
“I want to thank Mr. Balkissoon and Mr. Miller for their help in bringing this Bill forward,” Mr. Arnott
said. “It is my hope that by working together with members from all three parties, all MPPs can
come together to support this Bill and give Lincoln Alexander the recognition that he deserves.”
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Ted Arnott, MPP
Phone: 416-325-3880
Email: ted.arnott@pc.ola.org