Summary#

Bill S-210, the Ukrainian Heritage Month Act, would create a new law designating September each year as Ukrainian Heritage Month throughout Canada. Its stated goal is to provide an opportunity to remember, celebrate and educate future generations about Ukrainian Canadians’ contributions. The supplied text is a proposal; it does not show that the bill is in force.

• September would have the name “Ukrainian Heritage Month” across Canada.
• The bill creates a designation, not a program, office, benefit, holiday or enforcement power.
• The bill does not require governments, businesses, schools or the public to hold events or take other action.

What it means for you#

• General public: If enacted, September would be designated Ukrainian Heritage Month. The bill does not require you to participate in any activity.
• Governments, schools and organizations: The bill does not assign them duties or provide a process for organizing or funding commemorative or educational activities.

Money#

No cost information is in the available material.

• The bill does not set out spending, staffing, fees, fines or a funding program.

What is unclear#

• The supplied text does not state when the Act would come into force.
• It does not set out how the designation would be marked or whether any public body would coordinate activities.
• It does not provide funding or require educational or commemorative activities.

Case for#

• A possible argument for the bill is that a nationwide designation would create a recurring opportunity to recognize Ukrainian Canadians’ contributions and history.
• The bill’s preamble identifies September as the month of the first recorded Ukrainian arrival to Canada and links the designation to education and remembrance.
• The designation does not require people or organizations to take part.

Case against#

• The bill does not fund or require activities, so the recognition and education described in its preamble are not guaranteed by the text.
• It is unclear whether any government or organization would take responsibility for marking the month.