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House Hansard - 227

44th Parl. 1st Sess.
September 29, 2023 10:00AM
Context: House Hansard - 227 - Sep/29/23
Hon. Greg Fergus (Hull—Aylmer, Lib.)
  • Sep/29/23 11:14:03 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Tomorrow, we will gather on the unceded territory of the Algonquin Anishinabe Nation to commemorate the immense significance of this day, as we come together to remember, to reflect and to take collective action. To be clear, this is not a one-day conversation. It is a call to become lifelong learners, constantly striving to understand a painful history and its ongoing impacts. This day is a time to dive deeper into the complex relationship between indigenous and non-indigenous peoples. It is an opportunity to learn, show empathy and grow together. Today, tomorrow and every day, let us take a moment to reflect on the resilience of indigenous communities. Let us commit to standing by their side as we work together to create a better future. Change begins with each of us. Together, we can honour the strength and spirit of indigenous communities by working to create a Canada where reconciliation is more than a word, it is a reality.
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Context: House Hansard - 227 - Sep/29/23
Mrs. Marilène Gill (Manicouagan, BQ)
  • Sep/29/23 11:17:01 a.m.
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Madam Speaker, September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a first nations initiative to commemorate the painful history of residential schools. It is an opportunity to remember all those who suffered trauma that then followed them throughout their lives. It also gives us an opportunity to think of all those children who never returned home, as well as their families. On this occasion, everyone is invited to show their solidarity by wearing the colour orange, which, for indigenous peoples, symbolizes truth and healing. There is still more work to be done to uncover the truth about residential schools and bring it to light. We need to know the truth in order to understand the terrible multi-generational consequences of this systematic cultural dispossession. Time alone is not enough to heal the wounds. Healing requires meaningful acts of reconciliation towards first nations, Inuit and Métis people. Only they can tell us what form those acts must take. It is up to us to demonstrate the respect that has too often been lacking throughout our history. In order to write the next chapter together, we must show them that respect. Shutshiteiemueu.
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Context: House Hansard - 227 - Sep/29/23
Mrs. Jenica Atwin (Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Indigenous Services, Lib.)
  • Sep/29/23 12:10:33 p.m.
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Madam Speaker, I am grateful to see Canadians across the country finding their own special ways to commemorate this important day. Let me be clear: As a government, we believe that truth and reconciliation need to be at the heart of absolutely everything that we do. We are committed to doing the work. After Harper refused for years, we launched the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Today, more than 96% of first nations have access to clean drinking water, with a pathway for the remaining 4%. After decades of neglect, we have helped communities build, renovate and retrofit 31,000 homes and counting. We will continue working with indigenous peoples to build a new relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation and partnership; that is “reconciliaction”.
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