Canada’s Most Patriotic Town Celebrated in the Ontario Legislature
(Queen’s Park) – In a statement in the Ontario Legislature on October 31st, Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott congratulated the Town of Halton Hills upon its recognition as “Canada’s Most Patriotic Town.”
The following is the text of his remarks:
Last week, my federal counterpart, Mike Chong, spoke in the House of Commons to congratulate the Town of Halton Hills on achieving recognition as “The Most Patriotic Town in Canada.”
Today, I’m glad to have this chance to do the same here in this House.
On May 21st, 2015, I attended a meeting of the Halton Hills Cultural Roundtable group in Georgetown, as we began to make plans as to how to best celebrate the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
That meeting, more than two years ago spawned a great idea, which began to emerge in Halton Hills: that being, we should proudly fly as many Canadian flags as we could in the lead up to Canada Day.
The “Halton Hills Most Patriotic Town Challenge Committee” was soon organized, and the idea took off.
With the help of enthusiastic volunteers, generous sponsors, the Halton Hills Chamber of Commerce, and of course, a supportive Mayor, Town Council and Staff, by Canada Day our residents registered and flew an amazing 57,073 Canadian flags, an average of 2 flags per household.
I want to thank everyone who was involved.
During World War II, my hometown of Arthur was recognized as “The Most Patriotic Village in Canada,” by the Toronto Star. This was based on the large percentage of Arthur’s residents who had voluntarily enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces, and the exceptional take-up of War Bond and Victory Bond sales in Arthur. Arthur continues to proudly promote itself as “Canada’s Most Patriotic Village.”
And so today, I can truthfully attest that I hail from “Canada’s Most Patriotic Village,” and represent “Canada’s Most Patriotic Town.”
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Ted Arnott, MPP
Phone: 416-325-3880
Email: ted.arnott@pc.ola.org