Ontario marks second annual Lincoln Alexander Day
On January 21, the Province of Ontario observed the 2nd annual Lincoln Alexander Day.
The recognition of the Hon. Lincoln Alexander on his birthday was initiated in 2013 through a private Member’s Bill brought forward by Wellington-Halton Hills MPP Ted Arnott and co-sponsored by Liberal MPP Bas Balkissoon and NDP MPP Paul Miller. The MPPs worked together across party lines to secure the passage of the bill, which was passed into law with the unanimous consent of the Ontario Legislature.
“Lincoln Alexander served as an inspiration and a role model for so many people across this province,” said Arnott.
“Lincoln Alexander Day is a day in which we can recognize the great contribution that he made to Ontario and to Canada. And most of all, we remember his legacy of overcoming racial prejudice and discrimination, and helping to build the tolerant Canada that we cherish today.”
Alexander was born on Jan. 21, 1922 and served in the House of Commons from 1968 to 1980, representing the Riding of Hamilton West. In 1979 he was appointed as Minister of Labour, making history as Canada’s first black Cabinet Minister.
Alexander later served as the Chair of the Workers’ Compensation Board of Ontario, as Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, and as the longest serving Chancellor of the University of Guelph. He passed away on Oct. 19, 2012.
While Lincoln Alexander Day was originally only marked in Ontario, in December 2014, the Parliament of Canada passed a Bill extending it across the country.
Arnott was at Queen’s Park on January 21 to attend the presentation of the Lincoln M. Alexander Awards for Leadership in Eliminating Racial Discrimination.
