This message comes from Dan Taylor:
"If you have not heard already Tartan Day was officially adopted by Parliament.
The declaration of Tartan Day at the federal level is the product of many years of
lobbying and encouraging Members of Parliament and their staff by the many Scottish
associations across the country.
I want to thank all the Scottish groups across Canada who have written
numerous letters to their MP's and Senators asking for Tartan Day to be
officially declared deserve our thanks. Particular thanks must be extended
to Hon. Keith Ashfield, Member of Parliament for Fredericton and Minister of
Atlantic Gateway, Hon. John Wallace, Senator for New Brunswick, and Hon.
James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage, for all of their cooperation and
assistance in making this dream of having Tartan Day adopted by Parliament a
reality.
I hope the all Canadians of Scottish descent will rejoice with the United
Council of Scots in Atlantic Canada and her affiliated organizations in
applauding the Government of Canada for addressing this important issue. "
Minister Moore Officially Declares April 6 as Tartan Day
OTTAWA, October 21, 2010 - The Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, announced today that the Government of Canada will now officially recognize April 6 as Tartan Day.
"A tartan represents a clan, a family, and a community, and is an enduring symbol of Scotland that is cherished by Canadians of Scottish ancestry," said Minister Moore. "Many Canadian provinces and other countries already celebrate Tartan Day. As well, through Tartan Day, Canadians will have an opportunity to learn more about the various cultures that comprise Canadian society."
Tartan Day originated in the late 1980s in Nova Scotia, where it was declared an official day by the provincial government. It then spread across the country, with many provinces joining in. This marks the first time the Day has been recognized by the federal government.
"By officially recognizing this Day, we encourage Canadians all across the country to celebrate the contributions that over four million Canadians of Scottish heritage continue to make to the foundation of our country," said Senator John Wallace, who recently introduced a bill in the Senate in support of nationally declaring Tartan Day.
In Canada, Tartan Day is celebrated on April 6, the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, the Scottish declaration of independence. Tartan Day celebrations typically include parades of pipe bands, Highland dancing and sports, and other Scottish-themed events.
