When you think about a Canadian hero, who comes to mind? Chances are, no matter who you imagine, it’s not Mary MacLeod. A new petition aims to change that.
You might not know her name, but you certainly love Mrs. MacLeod’s lasting contribution to Canadian culture. She is the first recorded person to share a butter tart recipe. Her delicious concoction appeared in a cookbook produced by the Women’s Auxiliary of the Royal Victoria Hospital, in Barrie, Ont., in 1900. Now, an effort is underway to honour her and the gooey treat we know so well.
John Meissner, of Grimsby, Ont., is working with Simcoe North Member of Parliament Adam Chambers to bring a petition to the House of Commons to establish April 19 as National Butter Tart Day. Why April 19? Mrs. MacLeod passed away on April 19, 1915, so the date honours her contributions to Canadian identity (and kitchens!). And, as the petition notes, there are practical reasons as well: in a world of honorary special days, there’s no conflict with April 19.
Pro tips for baking the best butter tarts
Surely Mrs. MacLeod is worthy of recognition, but is it really necessary to designate an official day to celebrate butter tarts? Is this perhaps a bit whimsical in a world filled with strife? Not according to the petition, which argues: “Establishing a National Butter Tart Day would honour Canadian culinary history, support our domestic bakers, egg farmers, and dairy industry, and promote national pride.” That sounds like a winning recipe.
Petitions to the House of Commons require at least 500 signatures to be brought forward, and, at the time of writing, support for this one is strong, surpassing 3,100. You can add your name to the list by signing virtually until June 25, 2026, at 3:25 p.m. (EDT), when the petition officially closes.
So, will a plebiscite on raisins versus pecans be next? Don’t count on it! Mrs. MacLeod’s original recipe actually calls for currants, proof that Canadians have been passionate about personalizing their butter tarts from the very beginning.
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