An article in the Globe &
Mail about the Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act
Update, May 9, 2008
Bill S-215, an Act to Protect Heritage Lighthouses, passed third and final reading in the Canadian Senate on May 7, 2008. It now remains for the Governor general to sign this act into law. Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act Update - May 1st,2008
The Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act has passed final reading in the Canadian Commons and is headed for the Canadian Senate.
Previous Update April 28th, 2008
The Act to Protect Heritage Lighthouses, Bill S215, has been discussed in the Standing Committee
for Fisheries and Oceans, and referred back to the House of Commons for third and final reading.
Final reading of the bill will take place on May 1. Presuming it passes this reading, it then goes back to the Senate for final reading there. Upon successful passage it can be signed into law. Previous Update March 12, 2008
The Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act has been debated in the Parliament of Canada since the year 2000, in both the Senate and the House of Commons. Most recently it has been, introduced in the House of Commons as Bill S-215. It passed Second Reading the evening of March 11, 2008. Mr. Larry Miller, Member of Parliament for Bruce—Grey—Owen Sound, moved that
“Bill S-215, An Act to protect heritage lighthouses, be read the second time and referred to a committee.”
This is the seventh time that the bill has been debated. Barry MacDonald, President of NSLPS, reports that there is now a real movement toward getting it passed as soon as possible It will be discussed by the Standing Committee for Fisheries and Oceans in April, and after that will go back to the Commons for Third and Final Reading.
Here is some of what Mr. Miller said about the Bill S-215:
Mr. Speaker, it is a great pleasure to rise in the House today to speak to Bill S-215, An Act to protect heritage lighthouses.
As we know, this initiative has been before us several times previously and has always received broad support. In fact, this is the seventh edition of this bill since 2000. I am proud to sponsor this bill in the House . . .
This bill would provide for the designation of heritage lighthouses to require that they be reasonably maintained to prevent unauthorized alteration or disposal and to facilitate the sale or transfer of heritage lighthouses. We can all appreciate the role that lighthouses have played in shaping Canada's history since the 18th century on Canada's coasts, along the St. Lawrence River and on the Great Lakes.
Lighthouses have long shaped the history and economic development of this country. These majestic structures have helped to open key transportation corridors into the heartland of central Canada and the markets of our neighbours to the south.
What makes lighthouses so special and memorable? Perhaps it is because they represent where we have come from as a people and a nation. They stand as unwavering proud and unique symbols of our maritime history.
If we look closely, it is hard not to imagine lighthouse keepers in their lonely outposts, protecting our mariners as they strove to steer their vessels safely through rough waters in fog and darkness. For those mariners, the glowing, steady beam of the lighthouse shining from the shore must have instilled a sense of relief, a sense that they had made it, and that their lives and their cargo were safe.
The full text of the debate may be downloaded in PDF Format by clicking here.
How you can help:
The best way to help see this Bill S-215 passed into Law is to write your MP and let He/ She know how important it is to ensure Canada's lighthouses are protected for future generations. A hand-written letter is much more effective than an email. You can also write to "key" Ministers, namely:
Hon. Loyola Hearn, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans Hearn.L@parl.gc.ca
Hon. John Baird, Minister of the Environment Baird.J@parl.gc.ca
PREVIOUS NEWS
In December, 2006, the "Heritage Lighthouse Protection Act, Bill S-220", was given third and final reading in the Senate of Canada. This was once again accomplished under the leadership of Senator Pat Carney. The Bill was then introduced in the House of Commons by South Shore/ St. Margarets MP, Gerald Keddy. In March, 2007, the Bill was given second reading and referred to Committee, where amendments were proposed. These amendments are currently under study and it now apparent that this phase will not be completed before Parliament rises for summer break. This is indeed waht happeneed, and the bill was re-introduced as Bill S-215 in the fall of 2007.
In February, 2007, NSLPS President Barry MacDonald attended a conference in Victoria, BC, sponsored by the Heritage Canada Foundation. Along with Senator Pat Carney, Barry gave a presentation titled "Canada's Lighthouses, Rich History - Uncertain Future" which pointed out the need for legislation to protect our lighthouses. This was followed by similar talks in Vancouver and St. John's, NL. It is felt that a "National" effort is required to secure this legislation and Barry's talk serves to educate as well as promote the legislation. If your Society or Group is interested in this talk, please contact Barry MacDonald at: threefathom@eastlink.ca
Details and more background on the Protection Act can be found on the NSLPS Page
Why Canada Needs a Lighthouse Protection Act
For current information concerning any aspect of the Lighthouse Protection Act, contact:
Barry MacDonald, Chair - Lighthouse Protection Act Committee
Phone number: 902- 827-2027
Email Barry MacDonald
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