Bill C-659

2nd Session, 41st Parliament,

62-63-64 Elizabeth II, 2013-2014-2015

house of commons of canada

BILL C-659

An Act to Recognize Charlottetown as the Birthplace of Confederation

Whereas on September 1, 1864, leaders of the governments and legislatures of Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and the Province of Canada met in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and created a shared vision of a union of the British North American colonies and the creation of a new country;

Whereas the ambitions and ideals that flourished at, and grew out of, the Charlottetown Conference are the basis of the nation of Canada;

Whereas the rich heritage of Charlottetown is reflected in the recognition of Province House, where the discussions took place, as a National Historic Site and the recognition of other national historic sites in Charlottetown in view of their strong associations with the birth of this country;

Whereas, by Proclamation of the Prime Minister of Canada, on September 1, 1996 the role of Charlottetown was recognized and affirmed as the birthplace of Confederation and an integral part of our Canadian heritage;

And whereas September 1, 2014 marked the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference and the birth of Confederation;

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 Recognition of Charlottetown as the Birthplace of Confederation Act.

2. Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, is recognized as and declared to be the birthplace of Confederation.