I recognize the Minister of Public and Business Service Delivery.

I am very pleased to address the House this afternoon with respect to Bill 31, the Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act, 2024.

First and foremost, I want to express my pride in supporting my caucus colleague the member for Peterborough–Kawartha, as he has placed this bill before the House.

Speaker, Murray Whetung stands as a shining example of a great Canadian—a member of the Curve Lake First Nation and a veteran who served his country with pride and honour, both on and off the battlefield.

It is of the utmost importance that we honour the legacy of First Nations veterans, and this is exactly what this proposed legislation would do.

Bill 31, if passed, would establish an award to a cadet in each local Royal Canadian Air Cadet corps, Royal Canadian Army Cadet corps and Royal Canadian Sea Cadet corps, as well as Junior Canadian Rangers, who have displayed excellence in volunteerism and in citizenship over the previous year.

Allow me to paint a picture of the man this bill is rightfully named after.

During his service in World War II, Signalman Murray Whetung played a crucial role in setting up communication lines that were vital to wartime operations. On August 8, 1944, Murray Whetung received his first good conduct badge award for his exemplary service to his unit. And throughout World War II, he demonstrated bravery and faced many life-threatening situations. As a signalman, Murray was instrumental in running lines from Juno Beach to Brussels, Belgium, and to many other parts of war-torn Europe.

Upon the conclusion of the war, Murray continued his service in Germany, setting up lines and communication systems for the Canadian Army there. Signalman Whetung was honourably discharged from service on December 4, 1945, and received several medals as a result of his outstanding service.

Upon returning home, Murray remained a devoted member of the Curve Lake First Nation and continued giving back to his community, and he served as one of its pillars until his passing in 2021, just three years ago.

Speaker, Murray Whetung is but one of many of the brave and exceptional Indigenous Canadians who risked their lives in both world wars. Thousands of Indigenous individuals voluntarily enlisted, as referenced by the member for Peterborough–Kawartha. And despite facing discrimination and injustices before and during the wars, those individuals protected the rights and freedoms of all Canadians on the home front with unwavering dedication—a dedication that ultimately came at a heavy cost.

Hundreds of Indigenous Canadians paid the ultimate price and gave their lives in battle for the freedom of Canada. Furthermore, those who returned home after the war faced a multitude of challenges. At that time, under Canadian law, many of those who returned from war were stripped of their First Nations status. The law was such that if one was not on one’s reserve for a certain period, one was then deemed to have forfeited First Nations status.

This period was also a time when people of First Nations status had been disenfranchised. A little bit of history here: The Electoral Franchise Act of 1885 was introduced in the federal House of Commons by the Conservative government of Sir John A. Macdonald. For the first time, the right to vote was extended to Indigenous Canadians. This is confirmed by Richard Gwyn in the second volume of his biography of Sir John A. Macdonald, at pages 419 and 420. This is also in the legislative library, for those who wish to read it. That act extending the franchise to Indigenous Canadians was repealed by the Laurier Liberal government in 1898. And it was not until 1960, when Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and the federal Progressive Conservative Party introduced legislation that was passed, restoring the right to vote for Indigenous Canadians.

So at that time that this hero, this signalman, Murray Whetung, returned from war, not only was he stripped of his status as an Indigenous Canadian, but he also would not have been allowed to vote.

This treatment of Indigenous people was beyond unjust and is a disgraceful chapter in Canadian history.

Despite the injustices that Indigenous Canadians and Indigenous Canadian veterans faced upon return, many continued to provide immense support to their communities across this province and across this country. Many returned to their local communities and continued to serve on councils as chiefs and as volunteers in many different initiatives that helped improve the daily lives of their families, friends, and neighbours.

This is the true spirit and strength of heroes. Heroes are people who tirelessly help others, demonstrating by example the potential in each and every one of us for good and for love.

Speaker, this bill would help create and maintain a focus on the stories of the contributions of Indigenous veterans to both wartime and peacetime efforts, through the memory of Murray Whetung.

Our Ontario government supports advancing real and meaningful reconciliation with Indigenous peoples in Canada through the continued implementation of various initiatives, as part of our response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s call to action. If passed, this bill will continue to help us to do so and serve as an important step on this journey toward reconciliation. We will continue to provide support and pay our respects to Indigenous heroes and ensure that we understand, that we educate, that we inspire future generations with their history and their stories.

Signalman Murray Whetung was a courageous individual. He fought for his country, and he supported the community of Curve Lake—a true hero in both war and peace. The lessons that he embodied and the inspiration of his legacy will be everlasting for his community, for Ontario and for Canada. This bill, if passed, will ensure that his memory will never be forgotten.

So I urge every member of this House to support Bill 31 and to honour not only Murray Whetung, but all of those who have served and continue to serve our province and our country with high distinction.

Further debate?

I am proud to rise to speak to this debate.

It is an important bill, and I congratulate the member for bringing it forward. It’s also an example of how, in this House, private members’ public business is important. We can get important work done.

I have to say, I brought forward a bill called the Nancy Rose Act to address pediatric palliative care in the province of Ontario, which was a good bill.

My seatmate, the MPP for Hamilton Mountain, has a bill, Bill 74, vulnerable persons alert act—another important bill.

So the business that we bring to this House—private members’ public business—is important, and this is an example of that.

I was honoured to spend the day in Anishinaabe territory. I was invited to Peterborough. I would like to acknowledge that Anishinaabe territory, Peterborough county, is located on the Treaty 20 Michi Saagiig territory and in the traditional territory of the Michi Saagiig and Chippewa nations, collectively known as the Williams Treaties First Nation.

We started the day with a smudge that was conducted by Murray Whetung’s son Lorenzo Whetung. He asked us to cleanse our ears and our minds and our tongue so that the proceedings of the day would allow us to be open to one another and to share important moments, and I think that is what we did during that day.

As has been said by my colleagues on the other side, we heard from Murray’s family. It was an absolute honour to hear from their mouths directly the legacy of their father and their grandfather, to hear about his character, and to hear about the injustices that he suffered that also impacted his family and that he suffered with grace and dignity. Murray Whetung is a lesson not only in his service, in his dedication to helping others, but in the way that he continued to raise a family and conduct himself in our community—commendable. His family—it was quite obvious during the day that they were exceedingly proud of him, and rightfully so.

I want to say that this is a bill that we absolutely supported at second reading.

I would like to take a moment, if you don’t mind, to share what our critic for Legions, military and veteran affairs had to say—that’s the MPP for St. Catharines:

“I fully support this bill, as a proud mother of a son in the Canadian navy and a proud Legion member. It is so important that the cadet program in Ontario is recognized....

“I want to say thank you to all the youth in the cadet programs—the youth that stand guard in all inclement weather at our local cenotaph.”

Again, I need to emphasize that she is the proud mother of an active service member, and she stands tall and is always prepared to support and defend the rights of our military veterans.

I also want to say, during second reading, we talked a lot about the experience of Indigenous First Nations in Far North remote communities. I would like to suggest that we need to acknowledge that there are so many injustices that need to be set straight—the fact that there is not clean drinking water in Far North communities, the fact that we continue to see lack of housing. The infrastructure deficit when it comes to Indigenous First Nations communities is in the billions. We see communities where family members die, literally, for the lack of a fire station, where a nursing station burns down and it’s not replaced. So these are important injustices that weren’t happening 50, 70 years ago—they’re happening right now, today. And it is my hope that this bill will help us to acknowledge that. It is a first step in acknowledging that.

We did hear very specifically from the MPP from Kiiwetinoong, who shared that every day in this House he brings to this House the concerns and the struggles and the real, real suffering of the people of his communities.

We also heard from the MPP from Mushkegowuk–James Bay, who also shared that while this bill is important, it cannot stand alone; it has to be looked at in the context of what we are experiencing right now, today, in Indigenous communities across the province.

So while I think this is an important bill, I’m hoping that this is an opportunity for the government to actually start to step up to address the injustices that are happening in our Indigenous communities across Ontario.

As has been said, we know that Indigenous veterans and Indigenous soldiers stood side by side their Canadian comrades, and many of them served with distinction.

In researching this bill, I was able to research a gentleman by the name of Thomas George Prince, who was an Indigenous Canadian war hero. He was the most decorated soldier in the First Special Service Force, or what’s known as the Devil’s Brigade. They served in Anzio. I have said it before in this House, and I’ll say it again: My uncle Albert Gavin also served in the Devil’s Brigade in Anzio. So while my uncle Albert—uncle Red, as we actually called him—well, Uncle Red is no longer with us, I wish I had known this, because it certainly would be a really interesting moment to make this connection—to hear first-hand. It’s quite possible that he served alongside Murray Whetung.

We need to understand that Indigenous soldiers and veterans are highly, highly decorated. Thomas George Prince is just one of those.

Even though they were equals on the battlefield, we have heard that they couldn’t vote, and in many cases, Indigenous veterans were unable to receive veterans’ benefits. So for decades, they were forgotten soldiers. In some cases, they had to give up their status rights in order to serve and then give up status rights in order to receive benefits. And unfortunately, many Indigenous veterans, as we have heard, were banned from Royal Canadian Legions. They were also unable to get advice on post-war benefits. In some instances—it’s hard to believe this—Indigenous folks had to give up their land to returning veterans who were non-Indigenous.

These are injustices that are hard to fathom, but this is what Indigenous veterans suffered in our communities.

We know that there are still many Indigenous veterans who have not received entitlements. Despite the fact the federal government issued an apology in 2003 and compensated many, there are still many who have not received their justful entitlements.

Before I go any further, I want to acknowledge that this bill is an important acknowledgement and recognition of Murray Whetung and Indigenous veterans who have served in our province.

I also think it’s important to acknowledge that November 8 is National Indigenous Veterans Day. This is a day of remembrance and commemoration of the contributions of Indigenous veterans in the First and Second World Wars, as well as those serving in Korea. National Indigenous Veterans Day began in Winnipeg in 1994, because they acknowledged that veterans were not recognized in Remembrance Day activities.

In Canada, there are over 12,000 Indigenous people—that’s an estimation—who participated in all three wars, including 7,000 First Nation members and approximately 300 who died during these conflicts.

As we have said, after the war, enlisted Indigenous people returned home to continued discrimination—in some cases, denial of benefits, loss of statu,s and expropriation of their land by the government for non-Indigenous veterans. Isn’t it shocking to hear that this happened not that long ago?

It was only in 1995 that Indigenous veterans were allowed to lay wreaths commemorating their fallen comrades at the National War Memorial in Ottawa. It took until 2003 for the government to provide veterans’ benefits to First Nations soldiers who had been denied them in the past, and it wasn’t until 2019 for Métis veterans. Honestly, that’s shocking, that Métis veterans still, up until 2019, were not recognized and did not receive the benefits and the acknowledgement and the praise and thanks that they deserve for having served in Canada’s Armed Forces.

I want to say that we heard from, really, so many people there, and I learned so much. We heard from Grand Chief Reg Niganobe, who talked about something that was very interesting. I have to confess to the House, and I’m sure the MPP for Durham—the minister—and I have shared our nerdy love of Canadian history, one of the things we have in common. I really think that it’s important to acknowledge—these acknowledge recent wars, but this history of Indigenous people serving their country can be traced back to the War of 1812. I mean, probably before that, but my readings so far have only taken me back to the War of 1812. Grand Chief Niganobe raised this issue that if you look at Indigenous or First Nations participation in the War of 1812, they served on both sides, and they were promised an Indigenous country, essentially. At the end of the war, at the Treaty of Ghent, they were betrayed by both sides, American and British forces.

We also know, particularly for folks from my area, that this was also during the time that the Haldimand Tract was proclaimed. Governor Haldimand proclaimed that—how many miles on either side of the Grand?—six miles on either side of the Grand should remain an Indigenous territory. We know that that has not happened, and I would say that it’s interesting.

Again, if you go into the hall leading up toward the north wing where the library is, on the wall, carved in marble, is Governor Haldimand’s name, he of the Haldimand Tract. I think, with irony, it’s hard to believe that his name is carved in marble but that promise disintegrated and does not exist today. If you are the least bit interested in this, I think that to really understand how we formed as a country and as a province, the lessons of the War of 1812 are important for all of us in this House.

I also want to talk about something that, time and time again, was raised by the deputants themselves. I would say that the cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers deputy commanding officer David Wright, unprompted, raised the issue that Junior Canadian Rangers were not acknowledged in this bill. I have had conversations with the member who is putting this bill forward, the member from Peterborough–Kawartha. It is my understanding that there will be a way to acknowledge the Junior Canadian Rangers. It’s not the case right now, so I will take him at his word that this is an omission that will be addressed. But I think this also gives me an opportunity to raise the issue of Junior Canadian Rangers.

Many people are not familiar, and I have to say I was not either until I had the opportunity to attend those long-day hearings. “Junior Canadian Rangers are part of the Canadian Cadet Organizations and are linked to the Canadian Rangers. This program aims to offer young Canadians, aged 12 to 18 ... in remote and isolated communities across Canada an opportunity to participate in a range of developmental activities in a formal setting. It also aims to engage them with their local communities.”

This is not an Indigenous program per se. But because of where the Junior Canadian Rangers operate, the vast majority of the youth who participate in this are Indigenous. So I think that there certainly needs to be a way that we bring recognition in this House to this group of youth.

I know that when we were there, during the course of committee, we heard from the commanding officer David Wright, as I said, who represents the cadets and Junior Canadian Rangers. He said right off the top, unprompted, that this needed to be included. We also had commanding officer Daniel Hutt who represented the Air Cadet League saying absolutely, in response to a question, he thought that this was an appropriate inclusion—the Junior Canadian Rangers—particularly given the fact that this bill honours an Indigenous veteran and that many of the Junior Canadian Rangers are Indigenous. And he said, again, not because it’s for Indigenous youth, but the fact is, where they operate, which is the Far North and remote parts of Ontario, that’s primarily Indigenous or First Nations territory, and that’s who the kids are that participate in that.

We also heard from Army Cadet League Captain Rick Brown. I had a long conversation with him about his work in making sure we had cadets week acknowledged in Ontario, because there’s also a cadets week that we acknowledge in Ontario. He said that, absolutely, the Junior Canadian Rangers should be included.

So, what I would like to do is take the opportunity to just share a little bit of the legacy and tradition of the Canadian Junior Rangers that operate in the Far North and remote communities in Ontario. I’m going to read from this lovely book that was lent to me by a wonderful woman named Athena. To begin with, I want to say that in this foreword, it says, “First Nations people feel very comfortable with the Canadian Rangers because their traditional survival skills in the harsh northern environment are acknowledged, respected and welcomed as an integral part of the Canadian Army training. The First Nations people in the Canadian Rangers feel appreciated and validated through their role as army trainers.”

There’s just a couple of examples that I want to read out from some folks who have served in the Canadian Rangers, and I’m going to start with—bear with me—the Muskrat Dam Canadian Ranger Patrol and a woman named Emily Beardy. Emily Beardy was part of the Canadian Rangers in her community, and I’m going to read a story that she shared: “Emily took part in a search-and-rescue operation. A man was travelling to the neighbouring community of Sachigo Lake, but he didn’t arrive on time. The season was spring. At this time of the year, melting snow and ice make travel dangerous in northern Ontario.

“The Canadian Rangers left Muskrat Dam at midnight by snowmobile to help their counterparts search for the missing traveller. Unfortunately, after travelling about half the distance, Muskrat Dam’s patrol had to turn around because they dared not cross the melting ice on the waters. But the Canadian Rangers from Sachigo Lake found the traveller and took him home safely to their community.”

I also want to share a story from Neskantaga Canadian Ranger patrol. This is Maggie Sakanee. She was one of eight children who grew up in this community. She lived in a trapline cabin that her father built in the bush approximately 20 kilometres east of Neskantaga. In 2003, Maggie joined the Canadian Rangers, and she recalled the time when she noticed the absence of an elderly Neskantaga man during the winter. She alerted her fellow Canadian Rangers, who set out to search for him. They found him safe 48 hours later, 20 to 30 kilometres east of their home. The man had started a fire to keep warm and had built himself a shelter.

“Maggie happily works with and educates the Junior Canadian Rangers in her community. She passes on her traditional Aboriginal knowledge about survival on the land. She believes that skills such as building an improvised shelter, shooting and cooking on an open fire are essential for everyone who ventures into northern Ontario’s harsh climate.”

I might be running out of time to read it, but I also very quickly want to talk about a woman, Ruth Morris, from Kingfisher Lake, who is part of the Canadian Ranger patrol. Ruth joined the Kingfisher Lake Canadian Ranger patrol in 2010. She initially took part in a 10-day training and, since then, she has learned how to use modern technology in search-and-rescue exercises. She has also learned mapping skills, safety in the bush and shooting at the range. She identifies strongly with the program and all that it stands for.

So that’s just a few of the many proud Indigenous community members that have served in the Canadian Rangers and who are mentoring and encouraging Junior Canadian Rangers in our Indigenous and northern communities.

I want to end by saying that Minister McCarthy, and perhaps the member, talked about this being a step towards reconciliation, and I accept that. I accept that we cannot right the wrongs of the past; that is not something that we can do here. But we can choose and we can right our future. That is possible for all of us. And while this is a step towards reconciliation, I would say it’s a small step. I would say it’s a small step considering the challenges that we are faced by, the kind of colonial system, by the colonial racism, as has been described by MPP Sol Mamakwa from Kiiwetinoong. I think that if we are looking towards real reconciliation, this is an important award, but, if we’re looking for real reconciliation, we need to show that we mean it.

Tomorrow is budget day. I hope to see in the budget a truly important and large investment—a significant investment—that will help address the kind of discrimination, the kind of two-tiered system, that Indigenous folks in this province live in.

I will end by saying I think this is an important bill, it’s an important acknowledgment of an Indigenous veteran. Hopefully this provides us an opportunity to begin to have a dialogue about the many ways in the past that we have mistreated and disrespected Indigenous folks, and hopefully this is an opportunity going forward, through this award, to continue to do better to collectively acknowledge that we have an obligation as treaty people, as humans, to see justice done in our Indigenous communities across the province.

Thank you for this bill. I appreciate it and hope to see much more from this government.

Further debate?

I’m proud to be able to speak to the Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act because it holds profound significance. It acknowledges the sacrifices and contributions made by all Indigenous people who have honourably served in the Canadian military. During the First and Second World Wars, more than 7,000 First Nation members voluntarily joined the Canadian Armed Forces to fight overseas, as they were exempt from conscription. Their choice to put their lives on the line, their valour on foreign soil, speaks volumes about their love for this country and their commitment to defending its values, but their dedication came at a steep cost. After serving in the wars for a period of time, many First Nations members were forced to give up their Indian status, and, as a result, were denied their rights they so valiantly fought to protect.

Despite these injustices, they returned to their country with a spirit of service. Through serving on councils as chiefs and as volunteers on various initiatives, they continued to give back to their community. One such individual was Murray Whetung, a Curve Lake First Nation veteran who served during World War II. His story is not just one of dedication to his responsibilities as a communication specialist. Murray was mistreated. He faced discrimination. Upon his return from serving overseas, he was not allowed in the Royal Canadian Legion. He was not permitted to wear his medals. But such hardship did not deter his commitment to serving his community, and passing on the values of duty and compassion, as he continued his volunteerism. Today, his dedication and leadership are a beacon of inspiration for us all. That is why the commemoration of the sacrifice and contributions of our local First Nations members like Murray is imperative.

Through this legislation, we have the opportunity to celebrate and honour individuals like Murray Whetung, whose selflessness and dedication continue to have a positive impact on their societies. The values embodied by Murray—community involvement, volunteerism and a deep sense of responsibility—resonate profoundly within the army, air and sea cadets of Ontario. This award will be bestowed upon deserving members of the cadet corps and squadrons, recognizing their exceptional volunteerism and citizenship within their communities. This initiative will not only honour the legacy of Indigenous veterans like Murray, but also inspire future generations to embody the values of service and community, instilling a culture of giving back and making a positive impact at a grassroots level.

No one is too young to make a difference because, in the end, community service and volunteerism are not just actions, they are fundamental aspects of what it means to be an Ontarian. They embody the spirit of compassion, empathy and solidarity that defines us as a province—and yes, as a people.

Whether it’s lending a helping hand to your neighbour, participating in local initiatives or supporting charitable causes, every act of service contributes to the fabric of our society. That is what Murray believed, Speaker. And that is what it means to be an Ontarian.

The Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act, 2023, will ensure that the service and protection of Canada by the Indigenous people will always be recognized and honoured, as it should. Their stories of resilience will remain an integral part of our province’s history—in fact, our country’s history.

As we move forward with the Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act, we acknowledge that our journey toward reconciliation is ongoing. Through the passage of this bill, we not only heighten awareness of past injustices, but embrace a future with a renewed commitment to inclusivity, understanding and respect. It’s about weaving the stories of Indigenous veterans into the fabric of our province, ensuring that their sacrifices are never forgotten. It’s about shedding light on the personal fulfillment derived from giving back, giving people a hand up, and will contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and thriving society for all people, serving as a catalyst for meaningful action.

Speaker, it’s heartening to note that this bill has also garnered widespread support. Murray’s family stands proudly behind this legislation, recognizing it as a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy. The cadets across Ontario who embody the very values that Murray was known for have also expressed their support for this recognition of exceptional volunteerism and citizenship. I’d like to read a quote into the record, Speaker, if I may. It’s from one of the representatives of the board of the governors of the Air Cadet League of Canada: “The board of governors supports the proposed legislation, using the service of Murray Whetung as an example to recognize a cadet in every corps or squadron in Ontario for volunteerism in their community.”

And the Anishinabek Nation, specifically the veterans committee, have lent their support to this bill as well, recognizing it as a meaningful step towards honouring the contributions of Indigenous veterans and fostering a spirit of reconciliation and unity. The collective support that the Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act has is more than just legislation; it’s a testament to the power of the community. It’s a reminder that every act of service, no matter how small, plays a vital role in shaping our community and enriching the lives of our fellow neighbours. It’s a collective commitment to honouring our past, embracing our present and building a future where the spirit of service and community shines in every corner of our province.

Further debate?

I’d like to begin by thanking the member for Peterborough–Kawartha for bringing this bill forward to recognize the exceptional service of Murray MacKenzie Whetung, a member of the Curve Lake First Nation, who faced discrimination and mistreatment, but continued his commitment to his community and his country. We can barely imagine this kind of fortitude. What an appropriate way to acknowledge and celebrate Murray Whetung’s service by acknowledging the exceptional volunteerism and citizenship of a cadet within their own community and their own corps.

Young people who have already committed themselves to a life of service and community, whether they go on to serve in the Canadian Armed Forces or not, learn service, leadership and commitment, and having more cadets learn of Murray Whetung’s service and commitment is so very important because there is still so much to do. It’s not enough to talk nice words without the action to actually address the modern-day mistreatment of Indigenous people. Hopefully this award will contribute to the knowledge and understanding of the sacrifices and contributions of Indigenous veterans. If we educate our young people, they will carry Murray’s legacy of service forward. We owe a significant debt of gratitude to Murray Whetung and his family and all Indigenous veterans.

Let us continue to work to ensure that they receive the thanks and acknowledgement that they all so rightly deserve. Let us start moving forward together, and I’m sure that Murray would be pleased to know that his name is being used towards the improvement of conditions for Indigenous people and Indigenous veterans and that cadets are the ones who will be awarded this award in his name for their services.

Meegwetch. Thank you very much, Speaker.

Je veux remercier le député de Peterborough–Kawartha. Je n’étais pas sur la liste pour parler, mais je pensais que c’était important. Puis, vu que j’écoutais les allocutions attentivement, ça vient m’interpeller. Comme vous le savez, moi, à Mushkegowuk–Baie James, je représente sept communautés autochtones. Dans chaque communauté, il y a des « rangers ».

Mais je voudrais vous parler un petit peu de Murray Whetung, dont on a entendu parler dans les allocutions en anglais. Pour les francophones, c’était un d’une Première Nation qui est allé à la Deuxième Guerre mondiale. Il était un « lineman ». C’est lui qui gardait les lignes de communication ouvertes. Mais si on se souvient, les Premières Nations n’étaient pas obligées d’aller en guerre. Lui, il a décidé d’y aller de son propre gré. Fait que, drette en faisant ça, c’est un héro—juste le fait qu’ils ne sont pas obligés d’y aller, et ils le font de leur propre gré pour défendre ce en quoi ils croient, et ils ont fait la différence dans la Deuxième Guerre mondiale.

Puis, encore pire : quand il est revenu, M. Murray Whetung ne pouvait même pas aller dans les Légions comme les autres vétérans, à cause qu’il était d’une Première Nation. Même pas les médailles—parce qu’il a été décoré de plusieurs médailles, et il ne pouvait même pas porter ses médailles. Ça, tu sais, c’est comme insulte par-dessus insulte. Quand tu penses qu’il est allé défendre notre pays, ce que tout le monde aujourd’hui reconnaît—et on sait que c’est une injustice, là. Si on parle de « truth and reconciliation » et qu’aujourd’hui on est dans ce mouvement-là, et on sait que ça s’est fait dans le passé, ça ne peut pas faire autrement que de venir te chercher. Ça ne peut pas faire autrement. De dire que les Premières Nations sont allées défendre notre pays et on leur a fait vivre des conditions de même, moi, ça vient me chercher.

J’ai parlé à mon collègue qui a amené le projet de loi. Je lui ai demandé pourquoi, dans ce projet de loi, on ne reconnaît pas les « junior rangers » à la grandeur. Il y a une raison de question fédérale là-dedans. Il y a une question. C’est pour ça que je me suis levé pour en parler : parce que je veux reconnaître certaines choses qui se passent. Ces « junior rangers », il ne faut pas l’oublier, ce sont des jeunes qui, comme les cadets—ils font la même affaire que les cadets. Ce n’est pas juste pour les Premières Nations, mais c’est des communautés de Premières Nations. On a beaucoup de monde qui fait du bon travail là-dedans, puis qui passe des connaissances, des traditions, qui passe tellement de « knowledge », de connaissances, à la jeunesse.

Souvent, on a entendu des histoires d’horreurs, comme mon collègue de Kiiwetinoong en a parlé. Je sais, dans mon comté, on en vit souvent : des pactes de suicide, des enfants de 10 ans. Puis quand on regarde un organisme comme les « junior rangers » et toutes les personnes qui travaillent dans l’organisme pour donner à ces jeunes-là des valeurs, des connaissances—puis ce n’est pas un pays qui est facile. Plus tu vas au Nord, plus c’est froid et plus les conditions sont difficiles, arides. Mais ça leur donne des conditions de survie, comme on fait avec les cadets dans nos régions. Les « rangers » font la même affaire.

Moi, il y en a un qui m’impressionne tout le temps. Il s’appelle Stan Sutherland. Le monsieur est d’un âge avancé, et c’est son fils—je pense que c’est Donald—qui prend la relève. Mais c’était tellement impressionnant de voir ce monsieur-là le jour du Souvenir—on parle du 8 novembre. Il y avait tous ces « rangers » qui viennent. Le 8 novembre, c’est pour reconnaître les soldats des Premières Nations qui sont décédés dans les guerres mondiales. Il y en a beaucoup. Puis on voit que ces jeunes-là apprennent certaines choses, qu’ils leur passent les valeurs, s’entraident, puis aussi qu’on leur donne, comme je disais, toutes ces connaissances-là. Mais ce monsieur-là m’impressionnait tellement avec tout ce qu’il apportait à ces jeunes-là et avec comment il était respecté à travers la communauté. Je veux lui dire salut, à Stan, parce que c’est un monsieur qui m’a marqué beaucoup dans mon travail que je fais aujourd’hui.

J’ai une autre personne que je voudrais reconnaître. C’est Joe Lazarus, de Kashechewan. C’est un autre mentor pour ces jeunes-là. Il ne faut pas oublier—c’est pour ça que je me suis levé pour parler, parce que c’est un bon projet de loi, mais je me sentais interpellé de reconnaître ce monde-là, parce qu’on ne peut pas, pour une raison quelconque, ramener ça—puis on parle de M. Whetung, Murray Whetung, qui est d’une Première Nation. On parle des injustices qu’il a vécues par rapport avec comment on traitait les Premières Nations dans le temps, à cause qu’on avait des préjugés. On a un projet de loi où on aurait pu faire mieux, mais certaines choses nous empêchent de le faire. Il reste un goût amer—pas parce qu’il n’a pas fait le travail. Il y a des raisons, mais on aurait dû essayer de trouver une solution. Ce n’est rien que ça, mon point.

Je veux aussi parler de Byron Corston qui est de Moose Factory, un autre mentor pour ces jeunes, et de Jessie Sutherland de Fort Albany. Mais tous ces jeunes-là, aussi, il ne faut pas oublier que c’est tout relié—s’il y a de quoi que les Premières Nations ont, c’est que leur culture est tellement belle. Je le dis souvent, moi : on a tellement à apprendre de cette culture-là. On devrait travailler plus étroitement avec les Premières Nations, les « seven teachings », et ce qu’ils nous apportent, ce qu’ils nous amèneraient—on a tellement à apprendre. Je peux vous dire que la population se porterait beaucoup mieux si on vivait selon les « teachings » des Premières Nations, parce qu’ils ont tellement à nous apprendre.

C’est pour ça que je vous invite souvent à venir faire un tour. Vous allez voir comment ils traitent leurs « elders », les personnes âgées. Eux autres, ils vivent avec eux; c’est leur plus grande richesse, les « elders ». Souvent, nous, on oublie ça, comment c’est important que les « elders », nos ancêtres, nos vieillards—des fois, on les met dans une institution. Des fois, il y a beaucoup de personnes qui les oublient; ils finissent leurs jours seuls. Tu ne vois pas ça avec les Premières Nations. Toute la communauté s’occupe des « elders ». Toutes les communautés vont leur donner—ils vont faire certain qu’ils ne manquent pas de bouffe, qu’ils ne manquent de rien. Ils ont tellement à offrir, puis tellement à nous apprendre.

Mais ça, ces jeunes-là, ces « juniors rangers » se font passer toutes ces connaissances-là, toutes les valeurs, des valeurs qu’on devrait apprendre d’eux autres aussi, des valeurs à ces jeunes, qui amènent un souffle d’espoir, un souffle d’espoir que ces jeunes-là—ont a parlé des groupes de jeunes de 10 ans qui font des pactes de suicide. Tu te dis, bien, on vit dans la même province, puis qu’ils ne sont pas capables de voir—ils voient tellement noir qu’ils font un pacte de suicide, quand on a des organismes comme les « junior rangers » qui pourraient les aider et qui aident beaucoup de jeunes. Ils les amènent sur le territoire. Ils les amènent—comment survivre. Ils ont sauvé beaucoup de monde, aussi : les personnes qui sont perdues en forêt. S’il y a quelqu’un qui connaît la forêt, c’est les « junior rangers ». Ils en ont sauvé beaucoup. On parle de gars comme Stan et Donald, que j’ai mentionné, tous ces mentors-là qui ont fait tellement, qui passent ces valeurs.

Je trouve que c’est une opportunité qu’on a manquée de reconnaître aussi les « junior rangers ». Je me sentais interpellé d’en parler. Pourquoi? Parce que toutes les injustices que Murray a vécues, souvent, d’autres Premières Nations continuent de les vivre aujourd’hui.

Je sais que peut-être ce n’était pas l’intention. Ce n’était pas l’intention non plus—je ne questionne pas le député. Ce serait injuste de moi de le dire. Mais je trouve qu’on a manqué une opportunité qui aurait fait beaucoup pour les groupes comme ça, les « junior rangers », puis aussi tous ces mentors-là qui travaillent fort pour garder ces jeunes intéressés, de les sortir de ces misères, sortir de ces idées noires puis de les amener à avoir—bâtir des humains forts, des humains qui sont là pour aider leurs communautés après.

Parce que comme les cadets, ils font toutes sortes de belles activités dans les communautés. Quand la personne âgée a besoin du bois du chauffage, c’est qui qui va? Souvent, ce sont des « junior rangers ». C’est distribuer la bouffe, donner à manger, distribuer ce dont ils ont besoin, garder la communauté quand il y a des situations qui se croisent. Ce monde-là va aider dans des situations de crise. On le sait—les feux qui se passent.

Fait que, comme j’ai dit, je trouve que c’est une opportunité manquée, mais c’est sûr que c’est un bon projet de loi. Je veux reconnaître le travail qui a été fait, mais je trouvais que c’était important qu’on mentionne ce monde-là.

Further debate?

Speaker, before I start my remarks I would like to acknowledge that we are meeting on the treaty lands and the territory of the Mississaugas of the New Credit, traditionally inhabited by Indigenous people. As a settler, I am grateful for the opportunity to meet here and would like to say thank you: Thank you to all generations of people who have taken care of this land for thousands of years.

Speaker, it’s a pleasure to rise in the House and speak in support of Bill 31, the Murray Whetung bill, as proposed by MPP Dave Smith, the member from Peterborough–Kawartha. This bill recognizes the sacrifices and the contributions made by one of the greatest Anishinabek warriors and highly decorated service members, the late Murray Whetung.

This quote is not from me; it actually came from regional Grand Chief Reg Niganobe: This bill, the Murray Whetung bill, it will help us to ensure that we are able to recognize the support and “the significant commitment made by” the “Indigenous people, both past and present, who have honourably served in the Canadian military.... Once passed, this ... bill will ensure that the service and protection of Canada by the Indigenous” community “will never be forgotten and that their stories will remain an important part of Canada’s military history.”

Thousands of First Nations individuals volunteered to serve in the First and Second World Wars. These brave individuals had voluntarily joined the fight to protect Canada and were placed overseas to fight on behalf of Canada. It is very unfortunate: Some of them had to lose their life and never came back, and many of those who actually came back were stripped of their status.

Despite facing this injustice, many First Nations who returned continued to give back to their community by serving on councils, as chiefs, as volunteers on countless initiatives that improved and enhanced the lives of their friends and their neighbours. That is why, Mr. Speaker, this bill gives us an opportunity to remember and honour those who served and continued to serve and volunteer to give back to the community in this ongoing process toward meaningful reconciliation. These acts showcase the shared values held in respect to volunteerism and giving back.

Speaker, in our culture, we call giving back a “seva,” which means helping others with the goal to serve the community and serve the supreme God. As we know, volunteering is essential, because it helps to foster community cohesion, address societal needs and promotes personal growth. By offering their time and skills to support others, volunteers can contribute to the well-being of their community. So I would like to say thank you to the member from Peterborough–Kawartha for bringing this important bill to recognize volunteerism, this Bill 31.

Murray Whetung was a World War II veteran, a devoted member of Curve Lake First Nation and someone who not only valued giving back to the community but, further, passed on those values to his family and friends. Jodi, Lorenzo and Emily, who are watching this live from their home, I want to tell you this: You’re blessed to have a family member who has given back to Canada and to promote our community. Thank you so much for your valuable contributions.

As we know, Murray was the recipient of many medals and honours, including the 1939-45 Star, the France and Germany Star, a Defence Medal and a Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and clasp.

Through this bill, we are able to recognize First Nations veterans and volunteers for their service and remind everyone that service to the community is valued and appreciated.

According to Curve Lake First Nation former Chief Emily Whetung, family member and granddaughter, “My Shomis”—which means grandfather—“was humbled when MPP Smith approached him about the idea of an award named after him. My Shomis did what he thought needed to be done and didn’t expect special recognition. He was a shining example of choosing happiness in the face of adversity and an inspiration to so many of us.”

This showcases the importance of recognition and how it is a valuable tool for appreciating members of the community. Such people don’t look for recognition. They don’t work for recognition, but we need to recognize their work so that others can look up to them and find a role model and follow that role model and give back to the community.

I want to say thank you again to the member from Peterborough for bringing this important bill. We all have been elected by our residents to serve them, to be their voice, to come and do the meaningful work. Through this bill, the member is doing what he has been elected to do. I want to acknowledge that again.

This bill, if passed, will lead to the creation of an award to be given to one candidate in each of Ontario’s 288 active Canadian cadet corps and squadrons who has displayed exceptional volunteerism and citizenship over the previous year. What a wonderful way to promote and recognize 288 people every year. It will be presented at the annual ceremonial reviews. The recipient will be selected based on the amount of time they have given back to the community through volunteerism. What gets measured gets done, and here, what gets done is actually being recognized. What a wonderful way of thinking.

I would also like to take the opportunity to highlight the important role that cadets play. Being a cadet is a wonderful opportunity for personal development and skill building. Through activities like fitness training and leadership workshops, cadets develop valuable qualities such as discipline, responsibility and resilience. Being a cadet can also instill a sense of civic duty and patriotism.

As I conclude my remarks, I want to say, let’s take another step toward reconciliation by recognizing the sacrifices and the contributions made by Indigenous people and by rewarding corps that demonstrate exceptional citizenship and volunteerism within the community by supporting Bill 31, the Murray Whetung Community Service Award Act. This bill is going to promote community work, citizenship, volunteerism, and help us to reconcile. There are many benefits we can achieve just from one bill.

I want to take a moment and urge everyone in the House, let’s come together; let’s work together and support something which will create a history.

I want to take a moment and thank my colleague the member from Peterborough–Kawartha for being the champion of change.

The member from Mississauga–Malton, please.

I recognize the member for Peterborough–Kawartha.

Mr. Smith, Peterborough–Kawartha, has moved third reading of Bill 31, An Act to provide for an award for exceptional cadets. Is it the pleasure of the House that the motion carry? Carried.

Be it resolved that the bill do now pass and be entitled as in the motion.

Third reading agreed to.

The House adjourned at 1703.

Further debate?

No further business.

C’est un plaisir d’offrir quelques mots sur le projet de loi 31, Loi de 2024 sur les prix Murray Whetung pour services à la collectivité. J’aimerais remercier le député de Peterborough–Kawartha, mon collègue, pour avoir parrainé le projet de loi. Le député a souligné tous les bons efforts de M. Whetung et aussi les bonnes activités des corps des cadets.

Si cette Assemblée adopte le projet de loi, le ministre des Affaires civiques et du Multiculturalisme chaque année va offrir un prix à remettre à un cadet de chaque corps local des cadets royaux du Canada. Ça va créer un prix pour un cadet dans les cadets de la marine, un cadet dans les cadets de l’aviation, et aussi un prix pour un cadet dans les cadets de l’armée canadienne. Le prix est basé sur la démonstration du service à la collectivité et à leur corps de cadet, avec un sens civique et un esprit de bénévolat.

Qui sont les cadets et que font-ils? Les cadets sont des personnes âgées de 12 à 18 ans qui participe aux activités visant la formation professionnelle et personnelle. Il y a approximativement 57,000 jeunes personnes qui participent aux activités des cadets chaque année, soit les cadets de l’armée, les cadets de la marine ou les cadets de l’air. Ces 57,000 cadets sont supervisés par des membres militaires et des membres civils pendant leurs activités. D’habitude, ce sont des personnes qui appuient les corps de cadets avec leurs activités et leur fonds.

Dans ma propre circonscription, je sais que les corps de cadets sont appuyés par des membres de la Légion royale canadienne. Nous avons, dans le comté d’Essex, le corps de cadets 101, régiment de Fort Malden; le corps de cadets 1112 de l’armée canadienne; et le corps de cadets 2918 de l’armée canadienne, et d’autres corps de cadets régionaux.

J’ai eu le plaisir de rencontrer les membres du corps de cadets 2918 souvent. Ce sont des jeunes personnes qui vivent dans la ville de Kingsville et dans d’autres parts du comté d’Essex. J’étais impressionné par leur professionnalisme et leur maturité.

II se peut que les gens aient l’impression que les corps de cadets fonctionnent seulement pour former des gens « militaristiques », mais ça ne serait pas la bonne impression. Les cadets participent dans des activités non seulement physiques et militaires mais aussi des activités intellectuelles et civiles. Ce sont des activités qui assistent à la bonne formation des personnes qui vont occuper des postes de leadership à l’avenir.

Ce que j’ai vu avec les cadets à Kingsville—ce sont des jeunes personnes qui étaient impliquées dans des activités importantes, non seulement militaires, mais aussi des activités qui visent à la bonne formation des caractéristiques civiles.

Laissez-moi vous donner quelques bons exemples.

Les cadets de l’armée canadienne peuvent participer aux expéditions longues et exigeantes. Ça peut inclure des expéditions d’alpinisme et la descente en eaux vives. Les cadets de l’armée apprennent comment prendre soin de leur équipage de campagne et comment agir comme une équipe avec leurs collègues.

Ils peuvent participer aussi aux activités sportives comme l’escalade et le vélo de montagne. Bien sûr, il y a plusieurs camps d’été. Ils peuvent même participer à une course de parachutisme, si on est assez courageux.

En été, les jeunes cadets peuvent participer aux activités dans la forêt. Par exemple, ils peuvent apprendre comment fabriquer un abri de fortune et comment survivre dans la forêt sans outils modernes. Ils peuvent apprendre des compétences importantes—par exemple, comment trouver de l’eau et comment se rendre visible aux secours.

Les cadets de la marine peuvent participer aux activités qui relient des traditions de la Marine royale canadienne. Par exemple, ils peuvent apprendre comment faire de la voile avec un petit bateau ou faire de la voile dans une embarcation qui peut accueillir jusqu’à 12 personnes. Ils peuvent prendre un programme de formation qui mène à un certificat de conducteur d’embarcation ou une licence d’opérateur radio. Ils peuvent même avoir l’occasion de participer à un entraînement à bord d’un grand navire.

Les cadets de l’air évidemment apprennent tout ce qui est relié à l’aviation. Ces cadets prennent des cours techniques liés à l’aviation. Ils peuvent étudier des aspects mécaniques. Et bien sûr, ils auront l’occasion de voler en avion. Pour les cadets qui sont âgés de 16 ans et plus, ils peuvent devenir pilotes de planeur ou d’avion motorisé. Ça veut dire une licence de pilote privé.

Et peut-être, madame la Présidente, la chose la plus importante, c’est que toutes ces activités dont j’ai parlé sont absolument gratuites pour les cadets royaux canadiens. Les cadets ne doivent pas payer pour ces activités. Ces activités sont offertes comme cours d’entraînement et de formation professionnelle et personnelle.

Murray Whetung, membre de la Première Nation de Curve Lake, était l’un des anciens combattants qui a poursuivi son bénévolat dans la collectivité. Encore une fois, j’aimerais remercier le député de Peterborough–Kawartha pour avoir parrainé le projet de loi. C’est un bon projet de loi, et je serai très content de l’appuyer avec mon vote.

Point of order.