This bill to amend the Historic Sites and Monuments Act is important for reconciliation

Elizabeth May

Madam Speaker, I am so glad to be able to get in on private members’ business.

Given my status in this place, I am not allowed to make a speech on the bill but I do want to state that I am very proud to be the seconder of this private member’s bill.

The bill to amend the Historic Sites and Monuments Act, Bill C-374 is an important step in reconciliation. I would like to thank my friend from Cloverdale—Langley City for bringing it forward.

I wonder if my colleague would like to explain how he sees the process of selecting indigenous participation once this goes forward. I sure hope it has the support of enough members of Parliament to go forward.

John Aldag – Member for Cloverdale-Langley City

Madam Speaker, I think the intention is to have the process, should this become legislation, overseen through a governor-in-council appointment process.

To me, what was really important in the proposed legislation was to respect the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendation that we not limit it to one indigenous voice but that we truly make it inclusive. Therefore, the proposed legislation includes a representative from first nations, Métis, and Inuit. When the it comes into play, then that would go into the formal appointments process, which will be transparent as our government has committed and as we are delivering on for other government appointments.