moved for leave to introduce Bill C-407, An Act to recognize a national livestock brand as a symbol of Canada and of the role of the West and frontier culture in building our nation.
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to introduce my private member's bill today to recognize a national livestock brand as a national symbol in Canada. I want to thank the hon. member for Calgary Centre for seconding this bill. His constituency happens to be the home of the Calgary Stampede; I hope to see many members there in a couple of weeks.
This act seeks to recognize a national livestock brand as an official symbol of Canada. This is meant to acknowledge and promote the role that western and frontier heritage has played in building our nation. It is not only in western Canada; agriculture, animal husbandry and pioneers have played a role in building our entire country from coast to coast.
It would be fitting to have a livestock brand as a Canadian national symbol. For many, a livestock brand holds heraldic significance and is used as a cultural symbol. This bill would give credit to so many, past and present, who have spent their lives building Canada. Livestock brands also have historical significance with indigenous peoples across Canada, particularly on the prairies.
It is time that we recognize the work pioneers, farmers, ranchers and indigenous peoples have done in building our economy and our communities. This bill aims to do just that: recognize the importance of Canada's western and frontier heritage by adding this livestock brand to our inventory of national symbols, which include the maple tree, hockey and lacrosse, and the Canadian tartan, among others.
I hope all members will support this bill and the recognition that it brings.
(Motions deemed adopted, bill read the first time and printed)