20th anniversary of Tartan Day in Ontario

Kilt-clad Murdoch celebrates Tartan Day at Queen’s Park

QUEEN’S PARK - Local MPP Bill Murdoch donned his official Ontario tartan yesterday in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Tartan Day. It was two decades ago that Murdoch originated the resolution and that Queen’s Park unanimously adopted, marking April 6th as Tartan Day in Ontario.

In his address to the Assembly, kilt-clad Murdoch praised Scottish heritage and Scots’ achievements and contributions to the province.

"One would be hard pressed to find an aspect of our culture, laws or government that has not been positively impacted by Scots," Murdoch said, while citing famous Scots. "A Scot by the name of Fergus founded Ontario’s Agricultural College. And it is a Scot by the name of Alexander Graham Bell who invented the telephone."

Tartan Day is justifiably representative of all Ontarians, he said.

"On its 20th anniversary it continues to embody the rich history of our Province and strong character of its citizens." said Murdoch.

Murdoch was also successful in passing the Tartan Act, 1997 at Queen’s Park. That private member’s bill was first introduced by a former member, Lillian Ross, and later adopted by Murdoch and proclaimed with unanimous consent of the House.

Murdoch celebrated April 6th Tartan Day along other PC party sporting something Tartan, as well as a few members from the government side.

Tartan Day is a celebration of Scottish heritage on April 6, the date on which Scotland declared independence from England in 1320.