September 28, 2026
WHEREAS, between 1869 and the late 1930s and 1940s, more than 100,000 children were sent from the British Isles to Canada through child migration programs operated by charitable, religious and philanthropic organizations; and
WHEREAS, many of these children were placed with Canadian families, particularly in rural communities, where they worked as farm labourers or domestic helpers, and many settled in Ontario; and
WHEREAS, the experiences of British Home Children varied, but many endured separation from their families, loneliness, difficult working and living conditions, discrimination and other significant hardships; and
WHEREAS, despite these challenges, British Home Children established lives and families throughout Canada and made lasting contributions to the communities in which they lived; and
WHEREAS, the Province of Ontario enacted the British Home Child Day Act, 2011, proclaiming September 28 of each year as British Home Child Day to recognize and honour the contributions of British Home Children who established roots in Ontario; and
WHEREAS, British Home Child Day provides an opportunity to remember their experiences, recognize their resilience and contributions, and ensure that this important chapter of Canadian history is not forgotten;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Toby Randell, Mayor of the Town of Carleton Place, do hereby proclaim September 28, 2026, as British Home Child Day in the Town of Carleton Place and encourage residents to learn about and reflect upon the experiences and legacy of British Home Children in Canada.