Tilson introduces legislation to crack down on war memorial vandalism

February 09, 2021

OTTAWA – David Tilson, Member of Parliament for Dufferin-Caledon, today introduced legislation in the House of Commons to protect Canada’s war memorials and cenotaphs from vandalism and desecration.

“Honouring our veterans is the responsibility of every Canadian.  Anyone who wilfully damages or desecrates a memorial to our fallen soldiers shows profound disrespect to those who have given their lives for Canada,” said Mr. Tilson. “This bill sends a signal that such disrespect will be met with significant consequences.”

Mr. Tilson’s Private Members’ Bill, which seeks to amend the Criminal Code, will add significant penalties for anyone who damages or desecrates a war memorial, cenotaph or other structure that honours those who have died as a consequence of war.

The bill will amend the Criminal Code to make conviction punishable by a fine of not less than $1000 on a first offence, imprisonment of not less than 14 days on a second offence and imprisonment of not less than 30 days on subsequent offences.

“We’ve all seen and been disgusted by stories in the media of acts of vandalism and desecration at cenotaphs and war memorials across the country,” noted Mr. Tilson. “I feel we owe it to our veterans and especially to our fallen soldiers to help protect these honoured places.”