S-209 1 44 70-71 Elizabeth II – 1-2 Charles III 2021-2022-2023-2024

An Act respecting Pandemic Observance Day

Pandemic Day Act

Pandemic Day Act 2024 4 30 7 2024 4412124

SUMMARY

This enactment designates March 11th in each and every year as “Pandemic Observance Day”.

Preamble

Whereas, on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization characterized the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic as a global pandemic;

Whereas March 11, 2021, was designated — by order in council on March 8, 2021, and by proclamation on March 31, 2021 — as a “National Day of Observance” to honour those who have died of COVID-19, to recognize those working on the front lines and to acknowledge COVID-19’s serious effects on the health of Canada’s population;

Whereas it is important to acknowledge the multidimensional effects of the pandemic on every person in Canada;

Whereas this pandemic has worsened the various forms of inequality in Canada and has had a disproportionate impact on the vulnerable people within society and members of historically disadvantaged groups;

And

whereas it is fitting that March 11 of each year be officially designated as “Pandemic Observance Day” in order to give the Canadian public an opportunity to commemorate the efforts to get through the pandemic, to remember its effects and to reflect on ways to prepare for any future pandemics;

Now, therefore, His 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 Pandemic Day Act .

Pandemic Observance Day

Pandemic Observance Day

Throughout Canada, in each and every year, the 11th day of March is to be known as “Pandemic Observance Day”.