Remembrance Day 2013, BlackburnNews.com file photo. Remembrance Day 2013, BlackburnNews.com file photo.
Sarnia

Sarnian "Overjoyed" By Nov. 11 Vote

Sarnia's Wilma McNeil has renewed hope and confidence that Remembrance Day will be a statutory holiday as early as 2015.

An NDP MP's bill passed second reading Wednesday night by a vote of 258-2. It goes on to committee now before a final vote.

The 83-year-old McNeil has been campaigning for 25 years.

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Even if MP Dan Harris' bill passes in Parliament, provinces where November 11 is currently not a holiday. Namely Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Manitoba would have to change their individual labour codes.

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McNeil is convinced it's going to happen, saying our veterans are going to be honoured and remembered the way they should be.

She believes the recent deaths of soldiers in Quebec and Ottawa played a part in Wednesday's vote

Wilma McNeill is presented with the Lieutenant Governor's Community Volunteer Pin at Sarnia’s 100th Birthday Celebration May 7, 2014 BlackburnNews.com (Photo by Melanie Irwin)
Wilma McNeill is presented with the Lieutenant Governor's Community Volunteer Pin at Sarnia’s 100th Birthday Celebration May 7, 2014 BlackburnNews.com (Photo by Melanie Irwin)

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