Bill C-597, which would make Remembrance Day a nationwide statutory holiday, has passed second reading in the House of Commons and is now headed to the heritage committee for further review.

MPs voted 258-2 in favour of passing the 鈥淎ct to Amend the Holidays鈥 on second reading.

The vote took place Wednesday evening, following renewed calls to make Nov. 11 a nationwide statutory holiday in the wake of recent deadly attacks on Canadian soldiers in Ottawa and Quebec.

Remembrance Day is currently a holiday and paid day off in all provinces and territories except Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Manitoba.

Bill C-597 was introduced by Ontario NDP MP Dan Harris.