Bill C-524 (Historical)
Mathieu Da Costa Day Act
An Act to establish Mathieu Da Costa Day
This bill was last introduced in the 37th Parliament, 3rd Session, which ended in May 2004.
Sponsor
Marlene Jennings Liberal
Introduced as a private member’s bill. (These don’t often become law.)
Status
Introduction and First Reading
(This bill did not become law.)
Elsewhere
All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, provided by the Library of Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.
Marlene Jennings Notre-Dame-de-Grâce—Lachine, QC
moved for leave to introduce Bill C-524, an act to establish Mathieu Da Costa Day.
Madam Speaker, I take great pleasure in introducing this bill, which formally designates the first day of February as Mathieu Da Costa Day.
Mathieu Da Costa was a black navigator and interpreter, who in the late 1500s and early 1600s was instrumental in bridging the cultural and linguistic gap between our early French explorers and the Mi'kmaq people.
In a Canada that endeavours to celebrate its history and diversity with great fervour, I cannot think of a more fitting way to kick off Black History Month than with this commemorative day.
I would like to thank my colleague from Parkdale—High Park for seconding this motion. I hope all members of the House will support this bill when it comes forward for debate at second reading.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)