Bill C-17

2nd Session, 40th Parliament,

57-58 Elizabeth II, 2009

house of commons of canada

BILL C-17

An Act to recognize Beechwood Cemetery as the national cemetery of Canada

Whereas Beechwood Cemetery is a national place of tribute;

Whereas Beechwood Cemetery is recognized by the Canadian Forces as its national military cemetery;

Whereas Beechwood Cemetery is recognized by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as its memorial cemetery;

Whereas Beechwood Cemetery contains a national historic site of Canada;

Whereas Beechwood Cemetery has demonstrated commitment to respecting the linguistic duality of Canada by means of a consistent and balanced approach to the use and display of Canada’s two official languages;

Whereas Beechwood Cemetery reflects the multicultural, multi-faith nature of Canadian society;

Whereas Parliament considers a national cemetery to be a worthy final resting place for Governors General, Prime Ministers and recip- ients of the Canadian Victoria Cross;

Whereas Parliament considers that Ottawa, the seat of Canada’s national government and focal point for national memorial events such as those that take place on Remembrance Day, is a fitting location for a national cemetery;

And whereas a national cemetery is a symbol of national gratitude, pride and unity;

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

1. This Act may be cited as the National Cemetery of Canada Act.

2. Beechwood Cemetery is given honorary recognition as the national cemetery of Canada.

3. For the purpose of section 2, Beechwood Cemetery is, under the registry system of Ontario, the area composed of Part of Lot 3, Concession Junction Gore, Part of Lot 2, Concession Junction Gore, Part of Block 23, Plan 92, Part of Blocks 15A and Btn Rds, Plan 92, Ottawa and Vanier.