C-287 2 39 56-57 Elizabeth II 2007-2008

An Act respecting a National Peacekeepers’ Day

National Peacekeepers’ Day Act

National Peacekeepers’ Day 2008 6 18 27 2008 391263

SUMMARY

This enactment establishes a day to honour Canadian Forces peacekeepers.

Preamble

WHEREAS in 1956 the Minister of External Affairs, the Right Honourable Lester B. Pearson, proposed the first United Nations peacekeeping mission and, since that time, Canada has been a leader in keeping the peace around the world, with more than one hundred thousand members of the Canadian Forces participating in peacekeeping and peace support operations along with many members of Canadian police services, diplomats and civil- ians;

WHEREAS one hundred and sixty-four Canadian Forces peacekeepers have lost their lives while keeping the peace around the world in over sixty-six missions;

AND

WHEREAS on August 9, 1974, nine Canadian Forces peacekeepers were killed when their plane was shot down by a surface-to-air missile while en route from Beirut to Damascus;

NOW, THEREFORE, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

SHORT TITLE

Short title

This Act may be cited as the National Peacekeepers’ Day Act .

NATIONAL PEACEKEEPERS’ DAY

National Peacekeepers’ Day

Throughout Canada, in each and every year, the ninth day of August shall be known as “National Peacekeepers’ Day”.

Not a legal holiday

For greater certainty, National Peacekeepers’ Day is not a legal holiday or a non-juridical day.