Canadian Heritage Committee on April 14th, 2016

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

Of course I can, but Mr. Van Loan, the idea—

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, York—Simcoe, ON]

Could you name four of the Fathers of Confederation?

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

Order, please.

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

—of the 150th anniversary is not to polarize it but have it very inclusive.

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, York—Simcoe, ON]

Exactly. You can name them from both parties.

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

The Museum of History, for example, will present

its new Canadian History Hall. It will then be possible to present Canada's history over the past 150 years, including both the good times and the more difficult ones. Our country's history will need to be explained and Canadians must be allowed to become more familiar with it. I agree with you on that issue. That is one of our indicators at Canadian Heritage.

I also think the country's history is diverse—

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, York—Simcoe, ON]

Okay, in fairness, I have limited time and I'd like you to answer more questions.

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

I would just like to add one point about our country’s history, Mr. Van Loan—

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, York—Simcoe, ON]

Madam Chair, I'd like an answer to my question. With respect, could you name four of them?

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

I'll just finish.

In terms of our country’s history, we have launched another program on innovation.

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, York—Simcoe, ON]

That's not my question.

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

We wish to celebrate the history of our scientists over the past 150 years. I just wanted to reassure you by saying that history may be told in various ways, by looking at a number of its facets. That is what we do at Canadian Heritage.

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, York—Simcoe, ON]

Could you name four? Can you name four?

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

Yes, I can.

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, York—Simcoe, ON]

Then let's do that. Could I hear you name four?

[Mélanie Joly, Liberal, Ahuntsic-Cartierville, QC]

Mr. Van Loan, the idea—

[Dan Vandal, Liberal, Saint Boniface—Saint Vital, MB]

Madam Chair, I must say this is truly out of line. What is this?

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

Order, please.

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, York—Simcoe, ON]

I presented facts that show that Canadians don't know their history. I think I'm demonstrating that.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

Yes, but Mr. Van Loan, I do not believe that whether the minister can name you four Fathers of Confederation has anything to do with estimates at the moment. You asked her about history. She explained it. You have a minute.

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, York—Simcoe, ON]

It goes to the importance of Confederation as the theme for the 150th anniversary of Confederation. Canadians should know who the key figures are. You have Sir John A. Macdonald, and Étienne-Paschal Taché. You have George Brown; you have George-Étienne Cartier. You have Oliver Mowat. They're all up there, right there in front of you. It wasn't that hard.

Could you tell me the three Confederation conference locations?

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

Mr. Van Loan, I said in particular this has nothing to do with estimates.

[Pierre Breton, Liberal, Shefford, QC]

I don’t think this is a trial, Madam Chair.

[The Chair, Liberal, Hedy Fry]

I would like you to stick to the estimates question, please.

[Peter Van Loan, Conservative, York—Simcoe, ON]

I think I've made my point that we need a greater focus on history. Canadians need to know more about their history, including all of us around this table. You're not the only one who, if I asked that question, would find it a challenge. That's not unusual.