Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman plays a role in establishing Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day
Ontario has passed new legislation declaring February 23rd as Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day, formally honouring the frontline staff who power one of the province’s largest industries.
The bill, introduced by Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman, received unanimous support in the Legislature. It creates an annual day to recognize cooks, servers, bartenders, housekeepers, event staff, tour operators, and many others who help bring Ontario’s hotels, restaurants, attractions, and cultural experiences to life.
“I’m pleased to see this bill cross the finish line, because it recognizes what so many people in the hospitality sector contribute every single day,” Hardeman said.
The legislation was developed in partnership with Danny Murrell, founder of Harrison Staffing, whose advocacy helped shape the initiative. Murrell, who began his Canadian career in hospitality, says the new day honours the hard work, resilience, and dreams of industry workers.
Ontario’s hospitality sector employs more than 426,700 people, and major industry organizations strongly support the new day of recognition, calling it an important step in celebrating workers who strengthen local economies and community life.
