A group of certain Canadian actors, writers and politicians is calling on Prime Minister Stephen Harper to change the name of
Victoria Day.
The group – which includes author Margaret Atwood, Green Party leader Elizabeth May, and actor Gordon Pinsent – has signed an online petition to rename this Monday’s public holiday “Victoria and First Peoples Day.”
Peter Keleghan, an actor and spokesman for the group, says the name would provide a chance to honour both the Crown and the indigenous peoples of Canada.
He says it would help create a better understanding of the various peoples who helped shape Canada.
National Aboriginal Day is celebrated every year on June 21 but it’s not recognized as a national holiday.
Victoria Day marks the birthday of Queen Victoria and is celebrated every year on the last Monday before May 25.
Quebec celebrates National Patriots’ Day on the same day, to honour the rebellion against the British in 1837.
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