Private bill could make Remembrance Day a statutory holiday

While it is recognized as a national holiday and a federal statutory holiday, Remembrance Day is not fully recognized as a statutory holiday by all of the provinces. A private member's bill in the House of Commons hopes to change that.

The federal government is now taking another look at whether or not to make November 11, Remembrance Day, a statutory holiday coast to coast.

MPs in Ottawa have given a bill, first submitted by New Democrat Dan Harris, a second reading.

The vote in Parliament was nearly unanimous, with only two MPs voting against it.

Harris said he believes that more people would attend Remembrance Day ceremonies if they had the day off.

Remembrance Day, which commemorates the end of the First World War in 1918, is observed in Commonwealth countries to remember soldiers killed in the line of duty.

In Canada, it is recognized as a public holiday and federal statutory holiday but its status varies by province.

It is not fully recognized as a statutory holiday in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, or Nova Scotia.

Albertans do enjoy November 11 as a statutory holiday, and many believe that that should be recognized across the country.

"I do think it should be a stat holiday," said Ethan Tiemstra. "We should honour those who died. It's really important."

One woman whose father served said it's especially important for her to recognize the day. "I think there will be a lot of people out at the services this year. My dad served, so I just want to make sure that I recognize that day."

Another man says it's important to honour those who served. "These are the people who made the country the way it is today. Aren't you proud of your father, grandfather, and so forth?"

The bill will now be sent to a Commons committee for further discussion.