Bill C-226 explained in plain English

Bill C-226 requires the Minister of Canadian Heritage to prepare and submit a report proposing a financial assistance program for high school students visiting military memorial sites abroad, with recommendations to Parliament and a subsequent ministerial announcement about whether the program will be established.

Bill C-226 requires the Minister of Canadian Heritage to create a report that proposes a program to provide financial assistance to high school students in Canada who travel in groups to visit military memorial sites abroad. These sites commemorate the service and sacrifice of members of the Canadian Forces, merchant navy, and civilians in past wars and conflicts. The Minister must consult with the Canadian Forces, the Royal Canadian Legion, the Canadian Merchant Navy Veterans Association, the National Council of Veterans Associations, other veterans' associations the Minister designates, representatives of provincial education ministers, and other people or organizations the Minister designates. The report must include recommendations on: (1) whether participation requirements should be established, (2) whether the program should include a specific educational component, and (3) what percentage of visit costs should be funded by public money. The Minister must submit the report to Parliament no later than the fifth sitting day of each House after the first anniversary of the Act coming into force. Once tabled, the report is automatically referred to the standing committee in each House that deals with veterans' affairs. After each committee reports (or 50 days pass, whichever comes first), the Minister must announce to the House of Commons either that steps will be taken to establish and fund the program or explain why the program will not be established. A copy of this announcement must be tabled in the Senate.