Tilson questions NDP opposition to passage of War Memorial Bill

OTTAWA, ON – David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, today asked the following of the Veterans Affairs Minister during Question Period, after all New Democrat MPs voted against his Private Members Bill C-217, An Act to Amend the Criminal Code (mischief relating to war memorials), during yesterday’s free vote at third reading.

“Mr. Speaker, in the weeks leading up to Remembrance Day, Canadians across the country will take time to remember the sacrifices made by those who selflessly served our country in defense of our core values and freedoms.

Canadians from coast to coast to coast will visit war memorials on November 11th and pay their respects to Canada's fallen soldiers. These war memorials are sacred ground and they should be treated with the utmost respect.

Can the Minister for Veteran's Affairs update the House on the Government's support for our war memorials?”

The Minister replied by saying:

“Mr. Speaker, our Government agrees that war memorials should be treated with the utmost respect. That is why we Government voted for Bill C-217 an Act that would protect war memorials and cenotaphs in Canada.

Unfortunately, the NDP stood and voted against this piece of legislation. They voted against consequences for individuals that desecrate Canada’s monuments commemorating our veterans. They voted against tough penalties for those who intentionally defile permanent tributes to Canada’s fallen heroes.

It is simply disgraceful that the NDP would vote against this meaningful and important piece of legislation. Shame on them.”