Bill C-358 (Historical)

First Nations Veterans Compensation Act

An Act to provide a compensation plan for First Nations veterans comparable to the one offered to other war veterans

This bill was last introduced in the 40th Parliament, 3rd Session, which ended in March 2011.

This bill was previously introduced in the 40th Parliament, 2nd Session.

Sponsor

John Rafferty  NDP

Introduced as a private member’s bill. (These don’t often become law.)

Status

Outside the Order of Precedence (a private member's bill that hasn't yet won the draw that determines which private member's bills can be debated), as of April 2, 2009
(This bill did not become law.)

Summary

This is from the published bill. The Library of Parliament often publishes better independent summaries.

The purpose of this enactment is to provide for the preparation and presentation to Parliament of a compensation plan to give First Nations veterans equitable treatment and recognition.
This is to include the offer of a land grant equivalent to that given to other veterans, compensation for the delay in providing equal treatment, the foundation of a scholarship in honour of First Nations veterans and a formal apology from the Government of Canada to First Nations people. The enactment also provides for an appropriate war memorial on or near Parliament Hill.
The proposed compensation plan will be considered by a standing committee of the House of Commons to allow a full public debate and ensure full and complete reparation for the omissions made in the past.

Elsewhere

All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from the Library of Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.

First Nations Veterans Compensation ActRoutine Proceedings

April 2nd, 2009 / 10:05 a.m.


See context

NDP

John Rafferty NDP Thunder Bay—Rainy River, ON

moved for leave to introduce Bill C-358, An Act to provide a compensation plan for First Nations veterans comparable to the one offered to other war veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in the House to honour our first nations veterans. The bill would ensure that first nations veterans receive comparable compensation to that received by other veterans of the Canadian armed forces. I would like to thank my friend from Nanaimo—Cowichan for seconding this.

I believe the bill is overdue and wish to extend my thanks to all veterans and hope that my colleagues in Parliament will recognize the need for this legislation. The bill, if passed, will ensure that all veterans receive benefits and compensation that properly expresses the gratitude felt by all Canadians for their sacrifices and upholds the principle of equality among all citizens by the Government of Canada.

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