During the first debate in Canada’s new House of Commons yesterday, Member of Parliament Dave Van Kesteren put forward the motion to call on the House to recognize May 5 as Dutch Heritage Day.
Text of the Motion
That, in the opinion of the House, in recognition of the sacrifices made by Canadians in the liberation of the Netherlands, as well as the contributions made to Canada by those of Dutch heritage, the government should recognize every May 5 as Dutch Heritage Day to honour this unique bond.
May is a historically significant month for the Dutch Canadian community. On May 5, 1945, the Canadian forces were instrumental in the liberation of the Netherlands from German occupation during World War II. The Netherlands celebrates its independence and liberty, along with the heroic efforts of the Canadian forces, with a national holiday known as Liberation Day, which takes place annually on May 5.
In 2010, the Province of Ontario proclaimed the month of May as Dutch Heritage Month
Mr. Van Kesteren was two years old when his parents emigrated from the Netherlands to Canada. He represents the riding of Chatham-Kent-Leamington in Ontario.
