Bill to make Remembrance Day statutory holiday passes 2nd reading

A man pauses as he touches the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after placing his poppy on top following Remembrance Day ceremonies at the National War Memorial in Ottawa Friday November 11, 2011. (Adrian Wyld / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Bill C-597, which would make Remembrance Day a nationwide statutory holiday, has passed second reading in the House of Commons and is now headed to the heritage committee for further review.

MPs voted 258-2 in favour of passing the “Act to Amend the Holidays” on second reading.

The vote took place Wednesday evening, following renewed calls to make Nov. 11 a nationwide statutory holiday in the wake of recent deadly attacks on Canadian soldiers in Ottawa and Quebec.

Remembrance Day is currently a holiday and paid day off in all provinces and territories except Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Manitoba.

Bill C-597 was introduced by Ontario NDP MP Dan Harris.