Plan to Meet with an elected official about Bill C-23
MEETING WITH AN ELECTED OFFICIAL REGARDING BILL C-23 (AND HERITAGE PLACES MORE GENERALLY) – SPEAKING NOTES AND TEMPLATE EMAIL
TAKE ACTION ON BILL C-23 Last update: February 28, 2023
TEMPLATE LETTER TO HELP YOU SHARE THE SUBMISSION WITH YOUR MP, AND REQUEST A MEETING
To the Honourable [MP name],
Subject line: Requesting your support for amendments to Bill C-23 – at Second Reading.
[I live in your riding] and I am contacting you with information and a request to meet regarding Bill C-23 (An Act respecting places, persons and events of national historic significance or national interest, archaeological resources and cultural and natural heritage).
I hope that you will support Bill C-23, with 9 amendments the heritage sector has proposed to strengthen it. For decades, Canada has been the only G7 country without legislation to protect federal heritage places. Bill C-23 is a positive step forward.
The heritage sector’s written submission outlines recommended amendments that are needed to address gaps in the Bill. Our goal is that Canada can proudly join other G7 nations with effective statutory protection for their national heritage.
I would like to meet with you, either in person or virtually. Thank you in advance.
Best regards,
[your name]
[Click here for other suggested contacts]
SPEAKING NOTES FOR MEETING YOUR MP
- Thank them for their time. Identify yourself and/or your organization. Confirm how much time you have with them.
- Summarize why you are there:
- [The submission’s Preamble and Why Statutory Protection is needed are good intro statements.]
- Core message: For decades, Canada has been the only G7 country without legislation to protect federal heritage places. Bill C-23 is a step forward that is supported by the heritage sector. Our recommended amendments are needed to address gaps in the Bill, so that Canada can join other G7 nations with statutory protection for their national heritage.
- Draw attention to the 9 Recommendations: Choose one or more of the recommendations to focus on. See FAQs for a summary list.
- Make it Real: See Instructions in the FAQs for finding examples of Federal Heritage Property in the Federal Electoral District of the Official you are meeting.
- Ask if you can count on the MP’s support to ensure Bill C-23 is adopted, with the amendments outlined in the sector’s submission. Ask if they have questions or need more information.
- Draw attention to important next steps for the federal government to support many more heritage places in Canada, as outlined in the conclusion to the submission. Federal leadership is needed to help ensure that many more older and historic places in Canada – arguably the largest collection of tangible assets owned by Canadians, with a value estimated at 2.5 times annual GDP – can play their role in reflecting community identity, supporting climate action and contributing to a strong economy.
- Say thanks!
