JANUARY 21 - LINCOLN ALEXANDER DAY (Ontario & Canada)
Lincoln MacCauley Alexander was born on Jan. 21, 1922. He practised law for more than 10 years and in 1968 was elected MP of Hamilton West, becoming Canada's first black MP. He held his seat for four terms, but left in 1980 to become chair of Ontario's Worker's Compensation Board.
In 1985, he was named lieutenant-governor of Ontario, the first black man to hold that title. He was also the University of Guelph's longest-serving chancellor from 1991 to 2007. He died in October 2012 at the age of 90.
Learn more about Hon. Lincoln Alexander at: www.archives.gov.on.ca/en/explore/online/alexander/index.aspx
Bill 125 - An Act to proclaim Lincoln Alexander Day (Ontario)
As of December 3, 2014, Lincoln Alexander Day January 21, Lincoln's birthday, is now recognized officially as Lincoln Alexander Day across Canada, with Royal Assent by the Governor General December 9, 2014.
Bill S-213 - An Act respecting Lincoln Alexander Day (Canada)
From CPAC Digital Archives:
CPAC's Heather Seaman reports on the progress of legislation that would honour the late Lincoln Alexander, the former Lt Governor of Ontario and first Black MP and Cabinet minister.
For more videos on historical black Canadian figures produced by the Cable Public Affairs Channel (CPAC),
check the "On the Bright Side" show page at www.cpac.ca
Minister Kenney issues statement on Lincoln Alexander Day
Ottawa, January 21, 2015 —
The Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister for Multiculturalism,
issued the following statement on Lincoln Alexander Day :
"It is with great pride that I mark the occasion of the very first Lincoln Alexander Day across Canada. On this date each year, Canadians will have the opportunity to be inspired by the life and work of a great Canadian.
"Born in 1922 to a father who was a porter and a mother who was a maid, Alexander was determined to obtain education and training, overcome prejudice, and pursue excellence.
"Following service in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Alexander became a lawyer, then Canada’s first black M.P. and cabinet minister. In 1985, he was named Ontario’s 24th Lieutenant Governor by Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Brian Mulroney.
"Afterwards Alexander was the longest serving Chancellor at the University of Guelph, from 1991 until 2007.
"When Alexander died, Prime Minister Stephen Harper said: 'Lincoln’s legacy will live on through his family, through the schools and awards that bear his name and through the memories Canadians hold of his long record of distinguished public service.'
"Lincoln Alexander blazed trails. I hope his example will inspire the young and many generations to come."