Hon. Michèle Audette: Kwei, honourable senators.

I rise today to recognize and honour a First Nations man who has become the highest-ranking member of the Canadian military. Lieutenant-General Jocelyn Paul is now commander of the Canadian Army.

On June 16, I attended the change of command ceremony where Lieutenant-General Paul assumed command of the Canadian Army. I have said this before, but it bears repeating: I am fiercely proud that a Wendat is now the highest-ranking member of the Canadian Army.

Again, this is a historic moment. I was deeply moved by the fact that an institution was promoting Indigenous spiritual and cultural practices. It was eye-opening and inspiring. Don’t worry, colleagues, I will tell you all about it soon.

This historic moment is due to an ordinary man from Wendake, a Wendat who has distinguished himself through a brilliant and notable career in the Canadian Armed Forces, Lieutenant-General Jocelyn Paul. Those close to him simply call him “Joe.”

Jocelyn Paul has an extensive university education, having earned a master’s degree in anthropology in Montreal. Now that education will enable him to counter the misinformation he faces, when he is accused of working for the enemy.

In an interview with Radio-Canada upon accepting the position of commander, he said, and I quote:

 . . . the alliances that Indigenous communities forged with Europeans when they came to this land . . . were both commercial and military. Our ancestors have always defended the boundaries of the colony.

It was a historic moment, and it is important for people to hear about gentle warriors like Lieutenant-General Paul.

Tshinashkumitin. Thank you. Tiawenhk.

[English]

Hon. Michèle Audette: My questions for the Government Representative in the Senate are the following. Did the process of drafting and preparing this bill take into account the Gladue decision, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, and all of the recommendations of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls regarding the changes needed to reduce the very high percentage of Indigenous women and men in our federal institutions and prisons?

Also, can you confirm that there will be a mechanism to follow up on what the government is proposing, which will ensure that all this will be encouraging to the nations, to Indigenous women and men?