Tilson's War Memorial Bill Gains National Support

MP David Tilson was pleased that his colleague, Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre MP Tom Lukiwski, made a statement in the House of Commons this afternoon in support of C-217, Mr. Tilson’s Private Members’ Bill...

December 01, 2021

OTTAWA –Dufferin-Caledon MP David Tilson was pleased that his colleague, Regina-Lumsden-Lake Centre MP Tom Lukiwski, made a statement in the House of Commons this afternoon in support of C-217, Mr. Tilson’s Private Members’ Bill to set stiff penalties for vandalism or desecration of war memorials and cenotaphs. Mr. Lukiwski made the following statement:

“Mr. Speaker, across the country, our cenotaphs and monuments serve to remind Canadians of the sacrifices made so that we might live free.

I was saddened to hear news reports that a cenotaph in Regina was spray painted with graffiti. When individuals deface war memorials they dishonour the men and women who have bravely served this country and those who wear the Canadian uniform with pride today.

I am pleased that the Minister of Veteran Affairs announced that the government will be supporting Bill C-217, which would make it an offence to commit mischief in relation to a war monument. While it is unfortunate that such a bill is necessary, we have an obligation as a nation to respect and protect these monuments and to honour the sacrifices that they symbolize.

I thank the member for Dufferin--Caledon for bringing forward this legislation, and I hope the individuals responsible for the vandalism to the cenotaph in Regina are found and held responsible.”

“I’ve received tremendous support from constituents and citizens across Canada on this,” said Mr. Tilson. “Now to have the support of my colleagues in the House of Commons shows how important it is to protect our cenotaphs and war memorials.”