Private Members Bill C-374 Passes Unanimously in the House of Commons

MP John Aldag’s bill to add Indigenous representation to the federal historic sites board passes through House of Commons unanimously

May 10, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario

On Tuesday, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale—Langley City John Aldag’s private members bill, C-374, An Act to Amend the Historic Sites and Monuments Act (composition of the Board), passed unanimously at third reading in the House of Commons.

The bill, which would add much-needed Indigenous representation to the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada, seeks to implement Call to Action 79(1) of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action. The legislation would provide for First Nations, Metis and Inuit representation on the Board.

Bill C-374 has been sent to the Senate for consideration where it has been sponsored by the former Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Senator Murray Sinclair.

While section 4(d) of the Historic Sites and Monuments Act currently provides for one representative from each province and territory, there is no formal representation of Indigenous peoples on the Board. The inclusion of Indigenous peoples on the HSMBC is necessary to continue breaking down the walls of exclusion which have historically existed between the federal government and Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Quotes

“Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is a Canadian issue, and unanimous support for Bill C-374 is a proud reflection of this. I am honoured to have been able to bring this legislation forward to advance a small, but meaningful piece of reconciliation. The inclusion of Indigenous peoples on the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada will provide a fuller view of the ways in which we commemorate historic peoples, places, and events.”

– John Aldag, Member of Parliament for Cloverdale-Langley City

Quick Fact

• Bill C-374 received a royal recommendation dealing with remunerative aspects of the legislation. Bill C-374 is only the third private members bill to ever receive a royal recommendation.

For more information:

Kurtis Layden
Office of John Aldag, Member of Parliament
613-992-0884
john.aldag.a1@parl.gc.ca