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Bill C-451

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2nd Session, 36th Parliament,
48-49 Elizabeth II, 1999-2000

The House of Commons of Canada

BILL C-451

An Act to establish an oath of allegiance to the flag of Canada

Preamble

Whereas the national flag is one of Canada's most meaningful symbols;

Whereas it is desirable to establish an oath of allegiance that would allow Canadian citizens to display their patriotism;

And whereas an oath of allegiance to the flag of Canada would recognize the importance of our flag in our lives;

Now, therefore, Her Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate and House of Commons of Canada, enacts as follows:

Short title

1. This Act may be cited as the Oath of Allegiance to the Flag of Canada Act.

Definition

2. In this Act,

``Minister''
« ministre »

``Minister'' means such member of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada as is designated by the Governor in Council as the Minister for the purposes of this Act.

Oath of allegiance

3. (1) An oath of allegiance to the flag of Canada shall be drafted by such committee of the Senate, the House of Commons or of both Houses of Parliament as may be designated or established by Parliament for that purpose.

Wording

(2) The Committee shall ensure that the wording of the oath of allegiance contains a statement of the principal values symbolized by the flag of Canada.

Public hearings

(3) After establishing the wording of the oath of allegiance, the committee shall hold public hearings to allow Canadian citizens an opportunity to comment and make suggestions regarding the proposed wording.

Report to Parliament

(4) Within six months after the coming into force of this Act, the committee shall submit to the Minister a report containing the proposed wording of the oath of allegiance to the flag of Canada.

Regulations

4. No later than six months after receiving the report referred to in subsection 3(4), the Minister shall make regulations establishing the wording of the oath of allegiance to the flag of Canada.

Promoting the oath

5. The Minister shall encourage and promote the giving of the oath established under section 4.