Dear Irka
Mycak:
Bill 37:
Ukrainian Famine and Genocide (Holodomor) Memorial Day Act passed third
reading at 16:08:40 hrs, Thursday, 30 October 2008 in the Alberta
Legislature. (It is only the fourth time in Alberta's history that a
bill passed all 3 readings on the same day. It requires
unanimous consent with no dissenters.)
The
Honourable Gene Zwozdesky introduced the Bill 37 at 14:47 hrs, which
passed first reading by unanimous consent. At 14:57 hrs the Legislature
agreed to allow 2nd reading. Mr. Zwozdesky introduced several guests
from the 120 sitting in the public and member galleries and about 9
survivors in the "side" gallery (to a standing ovation).
Between
15:00 hrs and 16:00 hrs a total of 13 MLAs made impassioned speeches on
the Holodomor culminating with Mr. Zwozdesky very emotionally thanking
Premier Stelmach and all MLAs for allowing him to introduce Bill 37 and
agreeing to facilitate passage in a single day. At the end, he very
eloquently thanked the Survivors in Ukrainian.
After
further procedural niceties to allow third reading, the Speaker read
Bill 37 into the record and the vote carried unanimously at 16:08:40
hrs (to a standing ovation).
After the
Legislature adjourned, everybody was invited to an informal gathering
in the rotunda, where dark bread and borsch liquid (in foam
glasses) were served. There were several short speeches and a photo
opportunity of several MLAs with the survivors.
Respectfully
submitted
Will Zuzak
2008.10.30