McColeman’s Private Member’s Motion Passes With Unanimous Consent

December 07, 2009

(Ottawa) – Phil McColeman’s Private Member’s Motion (M-438) to recognize 2010 as The Year of the British Home Child passed with unanimous consent in the House of Commons this morning.

“I am grateful for the non-partisan approach that was apparent in the House this morning,” said McColeman. “Moreover, I am extremely pleased for Canada’s Home Children and their more than 4 million descendants. Their story is one that deserves to be told and taught in our schools.”

From 1869 to 1948 more than 100,000 underprivileged British Children were sent to Canada from Great Britain, many of them to work as farm labourers or domestic servants.

McColeman acknowledged that many Home Children were susceptible to mistreatment “because their living conditions were not closely monitored in Canada.”  He also pointed out that “due to their remarkable courage, most of the Home Children endured and went on to live healthy and productive lives.”

In his speech to Parliament, McColeman related the story of his late uncle, Kenneth Bickerton, who was a Home Child. He also made mention of Home Child Percival Victor Fry, whose descendants live in Brant.

“Canada’s British Home Children are an integral part of our country’s history,” said McColeman. “They represent a part of our past and their descendants represent a part of our future.”

In addition to Parliament recognizing 2010 as The Year of the British Home Child, Canada Post will issue a stamp commemorating the Home Children and Canada’s Minister of Citizenship and Immigration plans to include recognition of their story in Citizenship ceremonies.