JOHN 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 Bill C-23, Historic Places of Canada Act, that was introduced this week.
Aldag said that when he entered politics in 2015, he introduced Bill C-274 which would act on Call to Action 79 to give representation to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit persons on the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
He noted: “Bill C-23 will give legal protection to Canada’s historic sites for the first time and ensures 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 critical. This bill will designate three seats on that board specifically for First Nations, Métis and Inuit representatives.”

Aldag said: “The board must also rely on Indigenous knowledge when making its recommendations. Canada has historic places from coast to coast to coast. Canada’s inclusion of Indigenous representation will take 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, undertake scientific studies to understand, and defend against threats to the sites. These protections along with Indigenous representations will conserve our historic sites for longer and strengthen the historical representation of Canada.”