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November Named Lebanese Heritage Month

Full Title: An Act respecting Lebanese Heritage Month

Summary#

This bill designates the month of November as “Lebanese Heritage Month” across Canada. It is a symbolic recognition law, not a program or funding bill. The preamble states the intent is to recognize contributions of Lebanese Canadians and to align with Lebanese Independence Day on November 22 (Preamble).

  • November is officially named “Lebanese Heritage Month” every year across Canada (Section 2).
  • The Act creates no new programs, rules, or mandates (Sections 1–2).
  • The Act does not create a holiday or time off (Sections 1–2).
  • The short title is the “Lebanese Heritage Month Act” (Section 1).

What it means for you#

  • Households
    • Daily life does not change. There are no new benefits, taxes, or obligations (Sections 1–2).
  • Workers and students
    • No new statutory holiday or school closure. Work and school schedules stay the same (Sections 1–2).
  • Businesses
    • No new compliance, reporting, or costs are required (Sections 1–2).
  • Community groups and cultural organizations
    • The federal designation formally recognizes November activities that celebrate Lebanese heritage. Participation is voluntary; there are no legal requirements (Section 2).
  • Governments (federal, provincial, municipal)
    • No mandated actions, spending, or reporting. Any acknowledgments or events would be discretionary (Sections 1–2).

Expenses#

Estimated net cost: CAD $0 in direct appropriations.

  • No appropriations, taxes, fees, or mandated spending appear in the bill text (Sections 1–2).
  • Fiscal note: Data unavailable.
  • Any communications or event costs by public bodies would be discretionary; amounts are not specified. Data unavailable.

Proponents' View#

  • Recognizes the social, economic, cultural, religious, military, philanthropic, and political contributions of Lebanese Canadians to Canada’s social fabric (Preamble).
  • Aligns with Lebanese Independence Day on November 22, providing a national context for recognition each November (Preamble).
  • Encourages Lebanese Canadians to promote their traditions and share their culture with all Canadians (Preamble).
  • Signals Parliament’s intent to recognize historic and ongoing contributions to building Canadian society (Preamble).

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Timeline

Nov 24, 2022 • Senate

Consideration in committee

Apr 18, 2023 • Senate

Third reading

Apr 20, 2023 • House

First reading

Jun 13, 2023 • House

Second reading - Report stage - Third reading

Jun 20, 2023 • undefined

Royal assent

Social Issues