JEANS Aldag, Liberal MP for Cloverdale-Langley City, who worked at Parks Canada for 32 years before entering politics with a long history of protecting and advocating for heritage buildings and historic sites, worked on parts of the Bill C-23, Canada Historic Sites Act , which was introduced this week.
Aldag said when he entered politics in 2015, he introduced Bill C-274 which would act on Call to Action 79 to give First Nations, Métis and Inuit representation in the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
He noted, “Bill C-23 will for the first time give legal protection to Canada’s historic sites and ensure Indigenous peoples have a stronger voice in identifying and protecting places of historic significance in Canada. As we build new monuments, such as a national monument to survivors and victims of residential schools, Indigenous representation is essential. This bill will designate three seats on this council specifically for First Nations, Métis and Inuit representatives.
Aldag said: “The council must also rely on indigenous knowledge when formulating its recommendations. Canada has historic places from coast to coast. Including Indigenous representation in Canada will be an important step in advancing our commitment to recognizing Indigenous history and implementing Call to Action 79.”
He added: “The new bill also requires the protection and conservation of the heritage value of historic places, the carrying out of scientific studies to understand and defend against threats to the sites. These protections along with Indigenous representations will preserve our historic sites longer and strengthen Canada’s historic representation.
