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Bill C-374

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First Reading

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C-374

First Session, Thirty-ninth Parliament,

55 Elizabeth II, 2006

HOUSE OF COMMONS OF CANADA

BILL C-374

An Act to acknowledge that persons of Croatian origin were interned in Canada during the First World War and to provide for recognition of this event

first reading, October 30, 2006

NOTE

2nd Session, 39th Parliament

This bill was introduced during the First Session of the 39th Parliament. Pursuant to the Standing Orders of the House of Commons, it is deemed to have been considered and approved at all stages completed at the time of prorogation of the First Session. The number of the bill remains unchanged.

Mr. Wrzesnewskyj

391355

SUMMARY

This enactment acknowledges that persons of Croatian origin were interned in Canada during the First World War under the authority of an Act of Parliament and expresses the deep sorrow of Parliament for that event.

The enactment provides for negotiations to take place between the Government of Canada and the Committee on Education, Culture and Heritage of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce in respect of measures that may be taken to recognize the internment. These measures may include the installation of commemorative plaques as well as public education initiatives.

The enactment also allows a request to be made to the Canada Post Corporation for the issue of a commemorative stamp or set of stamps.

Also available on the Parliament of Canada Web Site at the following address:
http://www.parl.gc.ca

1st Session, 39th Parliament,

55 Elizabeth II, 2006

house of commons of canada

BILL C-374

An Act to acknowledge that persons of Croatian origin were interned in Canada during the First World War and to provide for recognition of this event

WHEREAS, during the First World War, persons of Croatian origin were interned in Canada under the authority of an Act of Parliament;

WHEREAS Parliament wishes to express its deep sorrow for those events;

AND WHEREAS Parliament acknowledges that those events are deserving of recognition through public education and the promotion of the shared values of multiculturalism, inclusion and mutual respect;

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 Internment of Persons of Croatian Origin Recognition Act.

Negotiations

2. The Government of Canada shall undertake negotiations with the Committee on Education, Culture and Heritage of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce towards an agreement concerning measures that may be taken to recognize the internment of persons of Croatian origin in Canada during the First World War.

Objective

3. The measures shall have as their objective a better public understanding of

(a) the consequences of ethnic, religious or racial intolerance and discrimination; and

(b) the important role of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms in the respect and promotion of the values it reflects and the rights and freedoms it guarantees.

Commemorative plaques

4. The measures may include the installation of commemorative plaques at certain places where persons of Croatian origin were interned in Canada during the First World War.

Public education measures

5. The measures may also include the following public education measures:

(a) the exhibition of information concerning internment camps and the contribution made by persons of Croatian origin to the development of Canada; and

(b) the preparation of related educational materials.

Commemo-rative postage stamps

6. The Government of Canada and the Committee on Education, Culture and Heritage of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce may request the Canada Post Corporation to issue a commemorative stamp or set of stamps.

Other commemorative measures

7. The Government of Canada and the Committee on Education, Culture and Heritage of the Canadian-Croatian Chamber of Commerce may consider any other measure that promotes the objective described in section 3.

Interpretation

8. Negotiations undertaken pursuant to section 2 shall not be interpreted as constituting an admission by Her Majesty in right of Canada of the existence of any legal obligation of Her Majesty in right of Canada to any person.

Published under authority of the Speaker of the House of Commons

Available from:
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Table of Contents

Cover

Summary

Bill C-374