Good Afternoon, I am writing…

Good Afternoon,

I am writing to express my deep concern and strong opposition to the proposal that would exempt certain properties from undergoing archaeological assessment.

Under this approach, the only safeguard against disturbing human remains is compliance with the Funeral, Burial and Cremation Services Act. This is a dangerously limited framework. Properties that have not been assessed may still contain burial sites, both indigenous and settlers, that risk being unknowingly destroyed. By removing the requirement for assessment, we may directly undermine the very law that is supposed to protect these sacred sites.

This raises a serious question: Are we choosing to disregard the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's Calls to Action? Are we once again disrespecting descendant communities and their histories?

At a time when Indigenous and other descendant communities should be treated as partners in shaping our future, particularly in the context of significant development projects, why would we not seek their support and leadership? If we are facing real threats to our sovereignty and national integrity, shouldn't we be striving to build allies, not alienate them through exclusion and erasure?

Archaeological requirements are not red tape, they are acts of respect, reconciliation, and responsibility. With proper planning, archaeological assessments do not have to delay projects. What they do is help us avoid the irreversible loss of history and the violation of sacred spaces.

I urge you to reconsider this proposal and maintain mandatory archaeological assessments as a critical component of responsible land management and heritage protection.

Thank you for your consideration.