EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Explanatory Note was written as a reader’s aid to Bill 35 and does not form part of the law.  Bill 35 has been enacted as Chapter 2 of the Statutes of Ontario, 2012.

The Bill proclaims October 13 in each year as Major-General Sir Isaac Brock Day.

 

chapter 2

An Act to proclaim October 13 in each year as Major-General Sir Isaac Brock Day in Ontario

Assented to April 24, 2012

Preamble

Born on October 6, 1769 on the Isle of Guernsey, Major-General Sir Isaac Brock was assigned with his regiment to Canada in 1802.  He spent much of the next decade working to bolster the nation’s defences while recruiting and training new militiamen as the spectre of war with the Americans loomed.

By the time the War of 1812 broke out, Brock was in command of all military forces in Upper Canada (present-day Ontario) and was also administrator of the province.

Brock’s preparations proved critical in the early days after war was declared in June of 1812.  His forces, comprised of regular soldiers, militia and native warriors, played a role in repelling the American invasion in southern Ontario with swift victories at Fort Mackinac and Detroit.

However, the challenge of defending vulnerable positions at Niagara remained.  It was here on October 13, 1812, that Brock was mortally wounded at the Battle of Queenston Heights while leading his forces against the invading Americans commanded by General Stephen Van Rensselaer.

Brock was struck down by a sharpshooter and it is reputed that his final utterance to his men was “Surgite!”.  This Latin term means “Push On!” and is today the motto for Brock University in St. Catharines.

In addition to Brock University, the City of Brockville, the Township of Brock and the General Brock Parkway (Highway 405) are all named in tribute to Brock, as are various public schools in Toronto, Guelph, Hamilton, London and Windsor.

October 13, 2012 will mark the 200th anniversary of Brock’s heroic final victory at Queenston Heights.

Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario, enacts as follows:

Major-General Sir Isaac Brock Day

1. October 13 in each year is proclaimed as Major-General Sir Isaac Brock Day.

Commencement

2. This Act comes into force on the day it receives Royal Assent.

Short title

3. The short title of this Act is the Major-General Sir Isaac Brock Day Act, 2012.