Mass mailing of postcards strives to gain support for restitution bill (02/27/05)

Mass mailing of postcards strives to gain support for restitution bill

OTTAWA - In conjunction with the Ukrainian Canadian Civil Liberties Association, Member of Parliament Inky Mark, (Dauphin-Swan River-Marquette) in mid-February mailed out 10, 000 postcards to households identified as having the same or similar surnames to those of 8,000 European immigrants unjustly interned during World War I.

"The purpose of the postcard is to urge Canadians to contact their member of Parliament to express their support for my Private Member's Bill, C-331," Mr. Mark explained.

Bill C-331, also known as the Ukrainian Canadian Restitution Act, calls for the federal government to acknowledge and provide restitution for those who were unjustly imprisoned during the first world war. Any funds coming from the federal government for restitution would be used to create a foundation that promotes education and tolerance.

"The debate on my legislation will continue in March. A vote will be held. If approved, my bill will go to a parliamentary committee for review and recommendations," MP Mark explained. "Then it will be sent back to the House for third reading and a final vote. If approved, it will be sent to the Senate, where it will repeat the same process followed in the House of Commons."

"It is important for Canadians to express their support to their members of Parliament and encourage them to also support the passage of Bill C-331. The unjust internment of thousands of Ukrainian and Eastern European Canadians by the Canadian government is a bleak moment in our history. It is time for our government to recognize this historic injustice and provide the resolution it deserves," Mr. Mark underscored.

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