A plan to have October named Islamic Heritage Month in time for the first of the month has failed, but that doesn't mean the bill is dead in the water.
NDP Leader Andrea Horwath called for Bill 23 to be given unanimous passage at Queen's Park on Tuesday. The move would have expedited the bill so that it would be in place for next month. However it did not get the support needed to be fast tracked.
London Fanshawe New Democrat MPP Teresa Armstrong, who introduced the bill earlier this week, calls the outcome disappointing.
"It would be good to have it active next month in order for people to bring some dialogue, discussion, awareness, and some knowledge around the important contributions the Islamic community has made towards building a stronger Ontario," says Armstrong.
The bill is key to the NDP's plan to fight Islamophobia in the province.
"It's making sure we do our part as leaders to combat racism," says Armstong. "This is a step where we can share knowledge, inform people, and break down barriers of ignorance and hatered as we build Ontario."
Bill 23 will be put forward for each MPP to vote on in the legislature next month.
The federal government declared October as Islamic Heritage Month in 2007.