HERITAGE OTTAWA
UPDATE, March 20, 2017: Bill C-323 is tentatively scheduled to be voted upon this Thursday, March 23. If passed, the Bill will proceed to the Committee of Environment and Sustainable Development for further consideration. Please voice your support!
UPDATE, March 24, 2017: Bill C-323 passed its second reading on March 23, and will proceed to the Committee of Environment and Sustainable Development for further debate. Further details will be posted when available. Thanks to everyone who contacted their MPs. Your voice matters!
Heritage Ottawa strongly supports Bill C-323 which, if passed, would create a 20% federal tax credit for the rehabilition of Canada's recognized historic places.
Heritage properties make a valuable public contribution to our communities yet their owners bear the considerable, sometimes crippling costs of restoration and preservation on their own.
At a time when demolition-by-neglect of heritage buidings is an increasing problem, this federal tax credit would help to encourage the appropriate restoration and upkeep of the designated heritage properties that contribute so much to our urban fabric. All federal parties have expressed their support for Canada's heritage over the years. This excellent initiative is long overdue.
Heritage Ottawa encourages everyone who cares about Canada's historic places to voice their support for Bill C-323.
What you can do
1. Write to your Member of Parliament and ask them to support Bill C-323. Click here to find your MP by postal code.
Ottawa-Vanier constituents can direct their emails or letters to the Chief Government Whip / MP for Orléans.
2. Write to Canada's Minister of Environment and Climate Change, who is also the Minister responsible for Canada's built heritage:
The Honourable Catherine McKenna, MPMinister of Environment and Climate Change
200 Sacré-Coeur Boulevard
Gatineau QC K1A 0H3
ec.ministre-minister.ec@canada.ca
Click here for a sample letter to send by email or regular mail. Hard-copy letters can be mailed to MPs without postage, free of charge.
Bill C-323 presents an historic opportunity to tell our elected officials that Canada's historic places matter, and that federal actions can help save and preserve them for future generations.
What an appropriate and fitting gift this would be to all Canadians as we mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
Private Members' Bill-C323 was tabled on December 1, 2016 by the Hon. Peter Van Loan ( MP, York-Simcoe ), Official Opposition Critic for Canadian Heritage and National Historic Sites.
For more information see the French and English PDF links below.
Update, March 20, 2017:
Heritage Bill C-323 is tentatively set to be voted upon this Thursday, March 23. If passed, the Bill will proceed to the Committee of Environment and Sustainable Development for further consideration.
