This is a letter to everyone concerning “Private Members Bill 20” introduced in the Ontario legislature by Jim Wilson, MPP (Simcoe Grey) in 2005.

The ‘Bill’ has passed Second Reading, crucial to the bill becoming law. It is about designating the Banting Homestead as an ‘Ontario Heritage Site’ under the laws and provisions of the Ontario heritage Act (2005) which ensures NO future development.

The Homestead, located in the Town of New Tecumseth was the birthplace and ancestral home of Dr. Frederick Banting, discoverer of insulin with Dr. Charles Best in 1921.

Getting ‘Bill 20’ on the agenda and passed at Third Reading stage is at the will of the Ontario Government headed by Premier McGuinty, who has shown NO real interest in dealing with ‘Bill 20,’ moving it forward or ensuring fair treatment. It appears that partisan politics has again reared its ugly head to the dismay of most Canadians.

In our long, tough battle to preserve the Birthplace of Dr. Banting, who saved the lives of countless millions, we have encountered many cruel and hard -to-deal-with events. The foremost being the very recent SALE of this stately old homestead by the Ontario Historical Society for $2-plus million to a residential land developer.

Edward Banting, last owner of the 100-acre farm willed the property to the OHS at the time of his death in 1999. He believed the 100-year-old organization would honour his wish of preserving this historic place to commemorate the memory of his dear beloved uncle, Frederick Grant Banting, world-famous scientist and humanitarian.

On behalf of the late Edward Banting we ask everyone to join us in this campaign to save an important part of our National Heritage. Please contact your local Member of Parliament (Provincial and Federal) to stand up and be counted.

This ‘Nobel Laureate’ donated his life-giving insulin patent to the University of Toronto ensuring treatment for diabetes would be available for all mankind. He died as a result of a tragic plane

crash over Newfoundland, in 1941, on his way overseas to serve in World War II. As a brave young Canadian soldier (Medical Corps) WW I, he was badly wounded (France) and decorated for valour in the service of his Country.

May we all honour and respect the wonderful memory of our Greatest Canadian, Dr. Frederick Grant Banting. Thank you.

Bill Smith

For “Save the Banting Birthplace/Homestead Group

Alliston