Hon. Denise Batters: Regina’s own Hitesh Sharma — Tesher — became a TikTok star with his smash hit “Jalebi Baby.” Megastar Jason Derulo then collaborated with Tesher on “Jalebi Baby,” and the hundreds of millions of YouTube views for “Jalebi Baby” multiplied.

Tesher’s op-ed was published yesterday in the Regina Leader‑Post, sounding the alarm on Bill C-11. The headline is “TikTok gave my music a global audience; Bill C-11 threatens that path.”

Hon. Denise Batters: Honourable senators, it is with deep sadness that I rise today to pay tribute to the victims of the recent horrible murders in James Smith Cree Nation and Weldon, in my home province of Saskatchewan, earlier this month.

It is important that we as a Senate name and honour the victims whose lives were so senselessly cut short in this tragedy.

The youngest of the victims was 23-year-old Thomas Burns. Friends described him as “funny” and “kind.”

Carol Burns, who was 46 years old, was described by her co‑workers as having a “sunny disposition and an infectious laugh” and an “immense love of family.” She was described as “the type of person who made work fun for those around her without even trying.”

Forty-eight-year-old Bonnie Burns was a devoted wife, mother and foster mother who was active in her community. She will be remembered for her love of home and her family, for her laughter and her storytelling. Bonnie died protecting her sons.

Bonnie Burns’ 28-year-old son, Gregory “Jonesy” Burns, was found beside her. A father of two, he was expecting a third child at the time he died. His uncle, Mark Arcand, described Jonesy as a “great kid” who “did whatever he could for his family.”

Indigenous Elder Gloria Burns, 61, was an addictions counsellor who dedicated her life to helping people. A first responder with a community crisis team, Gloria was killed while responding to this crisis call.

Earl Burns, a 66-year-old Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry veteran, described himself as a “cowboy, rancher, bricklayer and bus driver.” His sister called him a “true hero” who “fought till the death to protect his family.”

Lana Head, a 49-year-old mother of two daughters, was known by friends as a “sweet gentle soul.” She worked as a security guard at Northern Lights Casino and was also a Commissionaires officer.

Fifty-four-year-old Christian Head was a sports enthusiast who enjoyed riding ATVs and going to car shows. His grandchildren called him “Papa Chicken.”

Forty-nine-year-old Robert Sanderson also went by the name “Bobby.” He was a chef, and many of the posts on his Facebook page revolved around cooking and catering.

Wesley Petterson, a 78-year-old widower, lived in Weldon, Saskatchewan. Neighbours described him as kind and loving, a nature lover with a fondness for people and animals. He was known in his community for wearing flowers in his hat and for his daily coffee group with the village’s older men at Weldon Silvertone Club.

Honourable senators, let us honour each of these unique souls by remembering them and by recognizing the voids they leave in their families, their communities and our country.

I join with others in my province of Saskatchewan, across Canada and around the world in extending my condolences and support to the loved ones of those who died, to those victims who were injured in these attacks and to all who now struggle to heal from these horrific events. May loving memories, prayers and the arms of your community support and surround you now, and always.

Thank you.