Bill C-703

2nd Session, 41st Parliament,

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

house of commons of canada

BILL C-703

An Act to establish a commemorative monument for search and rescue personnel in Canada

Whereas search and rescue operations in Canada play a vital role in protecting and saving lives, and encompass federal, provincial, municipal and volunteer involvement and coordination;

Whereas many persons who participated in search and rescue operations have lost their lives in the line of duty while ensuring the safety and security of Canadians;

Whereas it is important that we recognize and commemorate the contribution and ongoing service of persons in search and rescue operations in Canada;

And whereas establishing a commemorative monument would be a fitting tribute to persons participating in such operations;

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 Search and Rescue Commemorative Monument Act.

INTERPRETATION

2. The following definitions apply in this Act.

“Minister” means the Minister of National Defence.

“Monument” means the Search and Rescue Commemorative Monument established under section 3.

PURPOSE

3. A Search and Rescue Commemorative Monument is to be established to recognize the services and contributions of all persons in search and rescue operations in Canada.

ADVISORY COMMITTEE

4. (1) The Minister must establish an advisory committee composed of no more than 21 members from federal, provincial municipal or public authorities and search and rescue organ­izations who possess a strong interest in search and rescue operations.

(2) The members of the advisory committee are not entitled to be paid any remuneration for acting as committee members.

DESIGN AND LOCATION

5. The Minister, in cooperation with the advisory committee, must

(a) oversee the planning and design of the Monument;

(b) choose a suitable area of land owned by the Crown that is accessible to the public at all times for the Monument to be located; and

(c) hold consultations and take into account the recommendations arising from those consultations when making any decision under paragraph (a) or (b).

6. (1) The Minister is responsible for the construction of the Monument.

(2) The Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada may assist the Minister in the performance of his or her functions under this Act.

TIMELINE

7. The Monument is to be completed not later than three years after this Act comes into force.