Local MP John Aldag hopes new legislation will protect Canada鈥檚 heritage sites.
Aldag worked for Parks Canada for more than three decades before entering politics and he says Bill C-23, the Historic Places of Canada Act, will help protect these sites and will add representation to First Nations, M茅tis, and Inuit persons on the Historic Sites and Monuments Board of Canada.
鈥淏ill C-23 will give legal protection to Canada鈥檚 historic sites for the first time and ensures Indigenous Peoples have a stronger voice in identifying and protecting places of historic significance in Canada,鈥� Aldag said.
Among his 32 years with Parks Canada, he led parks, historic sites, and programs in eight provinces and territories, including a stretch as administrator at the Fort 91原创 National Historic Site before entering the realm of politics.
鈥淎s we build new monuments such as a national monument to survivors and victims of residential schools, Indigenous representation is critical. This bill will designate three seats on that board specifically for First Nations, M茅tis and Inuit representatives.鈥�
Aldag said the board will rely on Indigenous knowledge when making its recommendations.
鈥淐anada has historic places from coast to coast to coast,鈥� he said. 鈥淐anada鈥檚 inclusion of Indigenous representation will take an important step in advancing our commitment to recognizing Indigenous history.鈥�
READ MORE: 91原创 M茅tis community invites public to celebrate Louis Riel Day at the Fort
If passed, the new bill will require the heritage value of historic places in the country be protected, conserved, and defended against threats.
鈥淭hese protections along with Indigenous representations will conserve our historic sites for longer and strengthen the historical representation of Canada.鈥�
editor@cloverdalereporter.com
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