An attempt by a Conservative member of the provincial Parliament (MPP) to have the Ontario legislature declare April 2 “Pope John Paul II Day” has had a premature death.The private member’s bill sponsored by Oak Ridges MPP Frank Klees was one of many pieces of legislation that died when the legislature prorogued June 5, three weeks ahead of schedule.
“I know that many will be disappointed that this bill (Bill 194) will not be enacted into law because of the early shutting down of the legislature, but I also want to assure the many thousands who have signed petitions in support of Pope John Paul II Day that I will reintroduce the bill when the legislature reconvenes following the October 10 provincial election,” said Klees.
“Since the tabling of the bill, there have been literally thousands who have signed petitions in support of the proposal to recognize the worldwide contributions of Pope John Paul II,” Klees said.
“The support has come from people of all faiths and cultures because they recognize that Pope John Paul II was not only a great spiritual leader, but that as a humanitarian he was a builder of bridges between peoples of all faiths and cultures.”
Klees’ bill was scheduled to be debated on June 14 but the decision by Premier Dalton McGuinty to close the legislature three weeks early resulted in the cancellation of all business scheduled to be considered by the legislature to be cancelled.
“I am committed to keeping this important initiative alive, and will continue to gather petitions throughout the summer months,” Klees said.
“I encourage anyone interested to forward petitions not only to my attention, but to members and candidates running for election over the next few months.”
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