Ontario Passes Legislation Proclaiming Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day

December 8, 2025

Industry champion Danny Murrell of Harrison Staffing worked closely with MPP Ernie Hardeman to recognize Ontario’s frontline hospitality workforce

WOODSTOCK—Ontario has officially passed legislation establishing February 23rd as Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day, marking the province’s formal recognition of the frontline professionals who fuel one of its largest and most community-oriented industries.

The bill, introduced and championed by Oxford MPP Ernie Hardeman, passed with unanimous support in the Legislative Assembly last Thursday. It sets out an annual day dedicated to the cooks, servers, bartenders, housekeepers, event staff, tour operators, and countless other workers who 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,” said MPP Hardeman. “Behind every great vacation in Ontario, every meal we’re served, every welcoming place we stay, there are dedicated workers whose expertise and professionalism make it possible.”

By recognizing the professionalism and dedication of the people who keep Ontario’s hospitality sector thriving, the bill honours their essential contributions and the impact they have on communities across the province. It also inspires Ontarians to support the local restaurants, hotels, tourism attractions, arts and culture institutions, heritage sites, and small businesses that bring energy and richness to Ontario’s social and economic life.

The initiative was shaped in close partnership with Danny Murrell, founder of Harrison Staffing, whose advocacy brought frontline voices to the forefront of the bill’s development. Murrell’s personal experience as an immigrant who found his first job in hospitality helped inform the purpose of this legislation.

“Ontario’s hospitality workers are the heart of every celebration, every milestone, and every moment that brings our communities together,” said Danny Murrell, Founder & CEO of Harrison Staffing. “This new day of recognition is a turning point. It honours not just the hard work, but the dreams and resilience of people who, like me, found their first chance and their future in this industry. At Harrison Staffing, we see firsthand the power of respect, flexibility, and genuine opportunity in changing lives. I am proud to stand with hospitality professionals across Ontario as we celebrate this achievement and look forward to an even brighter future for our industry.”

Ontario’s hospitality sector employs more than 426,700 people in accommodation and food services alone, representing more than 5 percent of the province’s workforce. This bill arrives with the strong support of the people who know this industry best. The Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association (ORHMA), the Greater Toronto Hotel Association (GTHA), the Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO), Smart Serve Ontario, Restaurants Canada, and major employers across the province have strongly endorsed the new day of recognition, seeing firsthand how important it is to lift up the people at the heart of their businesses.

“Hospitality isn’t just a job—it strengthens communities,” Hardeman added. “It strengthens an industry that is vital to our economy and essential to our identity.”

As local travel, independent dining, and home-grown experiences continue to grow in popularity, the province’s commitment to celebrating hospitality workers arrives at a pivotal moment. Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day shines a bright light on the people who support Ontario’s economic vitality and community spirit.

About Harrison Staffing

Harrison Staffing is a leading event staffing company renowned for delivering exceptional service in hospitality and event production. Servicing events throughout Toronto, Ottawa, and Montréal, Harrison Staffing is guided by a people-first philosophy that empowers its employees, guaranteeing outstanding service and a seamless event experience for every client.

Quotes

“We deeply appreciate this recognition of the hardworking people who power Ontario’s tourism and hospitality industry. From hotels and restaurants to attractions, events, and travel services, these professionals are the heart of every visitor experience. MPP Hardeman’s initiative underscores their essential contribution to our economy and to the vitality of communities across the province. We are proud to support the creation of Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day and the well-deserved spotlight it places on the people who make our industry thrive.”

Andrew Siegwart

President and CEO – Tourism Industry Association of Ontario

“Smart Serve Ontario trains more than 140,000 hospitality workers each year to provide responsible alcohol service across the province. These professionals are the face of Ontario’s hospitality sector—delivering excellent customer experiences while safeguarding their guests and communities. They take seriously their legal and ethical responsibility to prevent over-service and promote safety. It’s time we recognize and thank them for their essential contributions to our economy and for the care they show every day in building a safer, more responsible Ontario. Smart Serve Ontario is proud to support the proclamation of February 23rd as Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day.”

Richard Anderson

Executive Director – Smart Serve Ontario

“Ontario’s hospitality workers are the heart of our communities. They welcome guests and share in birthdays, weddings, and life’s biggest celebrations — creating the framework for memorable experiences that bring people together. The Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA) is proud to support the proclamation of February 23rd as Hospitality Workers Appreciation Day. This recognition honours the dedication and contributions of workers in restaurants, hotels, catering, and event venues, while also encouraging Ontarians to support and celebrate a sector that is vital to our economy and local communities. Marking this day will help spotlight workforce pride, promote tourism, and strengthen investment in Ontario’s hospitality industry.”

Tony Elenis

President and CEO – Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association