Summary#
This bill designates the month of November as “Albanian Heritage Month” across Canada. It is a symbolic recognition that aims to highlight the contributions of Albanian Canadians and the importance of November to Albanian history. The bill contains a short title and one operative clause that sets the designation; it does not create programs, funding, or legal obligations (Short Title; Albanian Heritage Month).
- Establishes November as “Albanian Heritage Month” every year, nationwide (Albanian Heritage Month).
- States Parliament’s intent to recognize and better inform Canadians about Albanian Canadians’ contributions (Preamble).
- Notes November’s significance due to Albania’s Independence Day (November 28, 1912) and Liberation Day (November 29, 1944) (Preamble).
- Creates no new duties, penalties, or regulations for individuals, businesses, or governments (Albanian Heritage Month).
What it means for you#
- Households:
- November will be officially known as “Albanian Heritage Month” once the Act becomes law. This is a designation only; it does not require participation or activities (Albanian Heritage Month).
- Community groups and cultural organizations:
- You may choose to hold events or campaigns in November under this designation. The bill does not provide funding or mandate events (Albanian Heritage Month).
- Businesses:
- No new legal or compliance requirements. Any observance would be voluntary (Albanian Heritage Month).
- Schools and post-secondary institutions:
- No curriculum or program requirements are created by the bill (Albanian Heritage Month).
- Federal, provincial, and municipal governments:
- No requirement to issue proclamations, host events, or spend funds. The designation is national in scope but does not bind other orders of government to act (Albanian Heritage Month).
Expenses#
Estimated net cost: Data unavailable; the bill text includes no appropriations, taxes, fees, or mandated programs.
- Explicit appropriations in bill text: None (Short Title; Albanian Heritage Month).
- New mandates on federal departments or agencies: None specified (Albanian Heritage Month).
- Official fiscal note: Data unavailable.
Proponents' View#
- Recognition and education: Formal designation helps recognize Albanian Canadians’ economic, political, social, and cultural contributions and aims to better inform Canadians (Preamble).
- Historical relevance: November aligns with Albania’s Independence Day and Liberation Day, giving the observance clear historical timing (Preamble).
- Administrative simplicity: The bill only names a month and imposes no new obligations, implying minimal administrative burden (Albanian Heritage Month).
- Community visibility: Supporters expect the designation will encourage voluntary community and educational activities, though the bill does not require them (assumption noted).
Opponents' View#
- Symbolic only: The bill does not change policy, create programs, or allocate funds, so practical impact may be limited (Albanian Heritage Month).
- Legislative priority: Some may argue House time spent on symbolic designations could be used on bills with measurable outcomes. Data unavailable.
- Expectations without funding: The designation could raise expectations for government programming or grants in November, but the bill provides none (assumption noted).
- Uneven observance: Because no level of government is required to act, recognition may vary by region or institution (Albanian Heritage Month).