THUNDER BAY -- Both area MPPs would support a statutory holiday for Remembrance Day should it come to the provincial level.
New Democratic Party MP Dan Harris recently got his Private Member's bill to make Nov. 11 a holiday across the country through second reading with near unanimous support Thursday.
But it would be up to Ontario whether or not it would be a holiday. MPP Michael Gravelle (Lib., Thunder Bay-Superior North) said he personally would like to see that happen.
"I've thought that it was certainly appropriate in terms of paying honour to our veterans," he said.
Some argue that students in particular should stay in school as a way to honour veterans through ceremonies. But the case for making it a stat argues that more people would attend general ceremonies if they had the day off.
Gravelle said he's seeing more people attend those ceremonies regardless and thinks the day will have even more significance this year after soldiers were killed in Ottawa and Quebec.
MPP Bill Mauro (Lib., Thunder Bay-Atikokan) said the goal is to honour and remember the sacrifices veterans have made.
"If we believe it is achieved through a national statutory holiday obviously that’s something we would support.,” he said.
"We’ll be watching with interest to see what decision is made at the federal level.”
