The Ontario Legislature this week passed a bill proclaiming October 13th as General Isaac Brock Day. The bill was sponsored by Steve Clark (Conservative), co-sponsored by Kim Craitor (Liberal) and Cindy Forster (NDP). Mr. Clark, former mayor of Brockville, represents the riding of Leeds-Grenville in the Ontario Legislature. Speaking of the successful defence against US invasion of our country, Mr. Clark points out that, “The Battle of Queenston Heights was really a pivotal battle because Canadian troops were outnumbered but Brock was able to lead them effectively.”
Further information is on the Ontario Legislature’s website at: http://www.ontla.on.ca/web/bills/bills_detail.do?locale=en&Intranet=&BillID=2578
A newspaper article, quoting one of General Brock’s descendants, Windsor City Councillor Ron Jones, is at: http://www2.canada.com/windsorstar/news/story.html?id=b0140af2-93b6-4301-a7a2-b1fdca85599d
“Bill 35 2012
An Act to proclaim October 13 in each year as Major-General Sir Isaac Brock Day inOntario
Preamble
Born on October 6, 1769 on the Isle of Guernsey, Major-General Sir Isaac Brock was assigned with his regiment toCanadain 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 inUpper Canada(present-dayOntario) 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 southernOntariowith swift victories atFortMackinacandDetroit.
However, the challenge of defending vulnerable positions atNiagararemained. 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 forBrockUniversityinSt. Catharines.
In addition toBrockUniversity, the City ofBrockville, theTownshipofBrockand theGeneral Brock Parkway(Highway 405) are all named in tribute to Brock, as are various public schools inToronto,Guelph,Hamilton,LondonandWindsor.
October 13, 2012 will mark the 200th anniversary of Brock’s heroic final victory atQueenstonHeights.
Therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Legislative Assembly of theProvinceofOntario, 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. “
