Tilson Concludes Second Hour of Debate on Private Member's Bill
February 02, 2021
OTTAWA, ON – David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, rose in the House of Commons today, to conclude the second hour of debate on his Private Member’s Bill: C-217 (Mischief Relating to War Memorials). The Bill, which he re-introduced in the House of Commons on June 15, 2011, aims to amend the Criminal Code by adding significant penalties for any person convicted of mischief against a war memorial, cenotaph, or other structure honouring or remembering those who have served in our Canadian Forces and those who have died as a consequence of war. It seeks to impose minimum penalties of a fine not less than $1,000 for a first offence, prison not less than 14 days for a second offence, and prison not less than 30 days for all subsequent offences.
During his address to the House of Commons, Mr. Tilson cited new examples of desecrated war memorial sites across Canada, in addition to the many cases he first presented in the House of Commons on November 03, 2011, when he opened debate on the Bill.
“Bill C-217 will remind Canadians that soldiers’ sacrifices will never be forgotten or unappreciated,” said Mr. Tilson during his speech. “Canada will continue to honour its fallen through the protection of such important structures and will punish those who disrespect them. We owe it to all of the men and women who’ve fought and continue to fight in the Canadian Forces for our great country.”
Following this evening’s debate, Mr. Tilson’s Private Member’s Bill will be forwarded to the Justice Committee where it will be studied. The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, the Honourable Rob Nicholson, and Cabinet have all indicated their support of the Bill.