Bill C-331 (Historical)

Ukrainian Canadian Restitution Act

An Act to recognize the injustice that was done to persons of Ukrainian descent and other Europeans who were interned at the time of the First World War and to provide for public commemoration and for restitution which is to be devoted to education and the promotion of tolerance

Ukrainian Canadian Restitution Act

[The Speaker]

Is it agreed that the bill be numbered Bill C-331?

[Inky Mark, Canadian Alliance, Dauphin—Swan River, MB]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-331, an act to recognize the injustice that was done to persons of Ukrainian descent and other Europeans who were interned at the time of the First World War and to provide for public commemoration and for restitution which is to be devoted to education and the promotion of tolerance.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the member for Brandon—Souris for seconding the bill.

I have the honour to table the bill on behalf of the one million Canadians of Ukrainian descent. The bill was previously tabled under Bill C-331. It is long overdue that the Ukrainian community in this country receive justice after seeking justice for over 20 years.

I ask for unanimous consent to have the same number remain on the bill as the previous tabling of Bill C-331.

Petitions

[Inky Mark, Canadian Alliance, Dauphin—Swan River, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to present two petitions today on behalf of the good people of Dauphin--Swan River.

The first petition, signed by people from across Canada, calls upon parliament to enact my private member's bill, Bill C-331, the Ukrainian Canadian restitution act to recognize the injustice that was done to persons of Ukrainian descent and other Europeans who were interned at the time of the first world war, and to provide for public commemoration and for restitution which is to be devoted to education and promotion of tolerance.

Bill C-331

[Inky Mark, Canadian Alliance, Dauphin—Swan River, MB]

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call on the Liberal government to recognize the injustices that were done to the Canadians of Ukrainian descent and other Europeans who were interned at the time of the first great war. Over 5,000 were interned in 24 detention camps throughout Canada.

My private member's bill, Bill C-331, cited as the Ukrainian Canadian Restitution Act, calls for a final resolution to this bleak moment in Canadian history.

Former Prime Minister Brian Mulroney made vague promises of support in the 1980s. The current Prime Minister also promised to deal fairly with the requests for acknowledgement and redress should he become Prime Minister in 1993. That promise has not been carried out.

Today there are over one million Canadians of Ukrainian descent. Many have made outstanding contributions to Canada in all areas of society. Canadians want to learn from their history. It is time for the government to do the right thing and bring this issue to a close.

Ukrainian Canadian Restitution Act

[Inky Mark, Canadian Alliance, Dauphin—Swan River, MB]

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-331, an act to recognize the injustice that was done to persons of Ukrainian descent and other Europeans who were interned at the time of the first world war and to provide for public commemoration and for restitution which is to be devoted to education and the promotion of tolerance.

Mr. Speaker, I am honoured to rise today to introduce my bill. The bill calls for a redress of the Ukrainian internment which occurred during the first world war, when over 5,000 citizens were interned and over 80,000 were made to register like common criminals.

I thank the current Speaker who was an advocate back in the days when he first came to the House. The current Prime Minister, when he was leader of the official opposition previous to his days as Prime Minister, promised Canadians of Ukrainian descent that he would deal with the issue. To date he has not.

I ask all members for their support to bring a resolution to this issue once and for all.

(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)