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Decentralized Democracy

Ontario Assembly Bill

Ontario Bill 31

43rd Parl. 1st Sess.
April 25, 2024
Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act, 2023
  • This Act, called the Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act, 2022, provides for awards to be given to exceptional cadets in the Royal Canadian Air Cadet, Army Cadet, and Sea Cadet corps. These awards are given to cadets who demonstrate exceptional citizenship and volunteerism within their community and their corps. The Act comes into force on a day to be named by the Lieutenant Governor.
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SteelmanSpren in Favour

  • A steelman argument in favor of Bill 31 2022, the Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act, can be made as follows: The Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act aims to recognize and honor the exceptional citizenship and volunteerism demonstrated by cadets in the Royal Canadian Air Cadet, Royal Canadian Army Cadet, and Royal Canadian Sea Cadet corps. This act acknowledges the significant contributions made by cadets within their communities and their respective corps. By providing an annual award to a cadet in each local corps who is selected for their outstanding service, the act encourages and incentivizes young individuals to actively engage in community service and volunteerism. This recognition not only serves as a form of appreciation for their efforts but also motivates other cadets to follow their example and contribute positively to their communities. Furthermore, the act pays tribute to the historical context of First Nations persons who enlisted in World War I and World War II, despite being exempt from conscription. Many of these individuals lost their Indian status due to their extended absence from their communities. The act acknowledges their sacrifice and dedication by naming the award after Murray Whetung, a Curve Lake First Nations veteran who continued to serve his community after returning from overseas service. By enacting this legislation, the Province of Ontario demonstrates its commitment to fostering a sense of civic responsibility and community engagement among young individuals. The act not only recognizes the exceptional cadets but also promotes the values of citizenship, volunteerism, and community service, which are essential for the development of responsible and engaged citizens. In summary, the Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act provides a deserving recognition to exceptional cadets who demonstrate outstanding citizenship and volunteerism. By doing so, it encourages and inspires other cadets to actively contribute to their communities, fostering a culture of civic responsibility and community engagement.

SteelmanSpren Against

  • Steelman Argument Opposing Bill 31: While recognizing the service and sacrifice of veterans is important, the Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act, 2022 raises concerns from a right-wing anti-government perspective. Firstly, the Act establishes awards for exceptional cadets in each local Royal Canadian Air Cadet, Army Cadet, and Sea Cadet corps. While volunteerism and community service are commendable, it is not the role of the government to reward individuals for their actions within their community. This Act sets a precedent for the government to interfere in the affairs of local organizations and dictate who should be recognized for their volunteer efforts. It undermines the principles of individualism and personal responsibility that are central to right-wing ideology. Secondly, the Act places the responsibility of providing these awards on the Minister of Citizenship and Multiculturalism. This raises concerns about the expansion of government bureaucracy and the allocation of taxpayer funds. Right-wing anti-government proponents argue for limited government intervention and reduced spending. This Act, by creating a new award program, adds unnecessary administrative burdens and potentially diverts funds from more essential areas of government expenditure. Furthermore, the Act's preamble highlights the case of First Nations veterans who lost their Indian status due to extended periods of service overseas. While it is unfortunate that these individuals faced such consequences, it is not the government's role to rectify historical injustices through the creation of awards. Right-wing anti-government proponents argue for equal treatment under the law and oppose special privileges or preferential treatment based on race or ethnicity. In conclusion, the Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act, 2022 raises concerns from a right-wing anti-government perspective. It expands government intervention, diverts taxpayer funds, and potentially perpetuates preferential treatment based on race or ethnicity. While recognizing the service of veterans is important, this Act undermines the principles of limited government and individualism that are central to right-wing ideology.
Royal Assent
  • April 25, 2024, noon
  • Read
Third Reading
  • March 25, 2024, noon
  • Passed
Second Reading
  • Sept. 25, 2023, noon
  • Passed
First Reading
  • Nov. 3, 2022, midnight
  • Passed