Senator Cotter: When might we see the legislation, Senator Gold?

Hon. Brent Cotter: Honourable senators, in June of this year the remains of hundreds of people, including children, were discovered in unmarked graves on or near residential schools in Kamloops, British Columbia, and on the Cowessess First Nation in Saskatchewan — 751 alone at Cowessess. For anyone who has a loved one, and most particularly a child, to imagine their departure from this earth in such a tragic, anonymous way is heart breaking.

Many of us attended ceremonial remembrance ceremonies to pay our respects, but that can’t make up for the pain and loss suffered by the families of those who were buried without acknowledgment. This discovery touched the hearts and minds of every Canadian, and I fervently hope that we do not forget, and that we commit to never let this be repeated. It’s a small commitment to the reconciliation we all need.

But I also want to talk about the grace, courage and leadership of the good people of Cowessess, led by their visionary chief, Cadmus Delorme. In the weeks that followed the discovery of unmarked graves, while First Nations people — and particularly those at Cowessess — were grieving, Chief Delorme proceeded with two marvellous, healthy self-determination initiatives overlooked by many. One was social and the other economic.

On July 6 of this year, on behalf of Cowessess First Nation, Chief Cadmus Delorme, Prime Minister Trudeau and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe signed an historic agreement to return jurisdiction of child welfare to Cowessess, which restores meaningful, on-the-ground self-determination on matters of critical importance to a First Nations community.

A week later on July 14, Cowessess First Nation unveiled a major solar energy project in partnership with Elemental Energy, an energy company founded by Joe Houssian, a native Saskatchewanian and entrepreneur who has turned his vision to green energy.

Cowessess leaders described this project as a step on the road to becoming the greenest First Nation in Canada, as well as an economic and employment opportunity for the good people of Cowessess. Chief Delorme also said that the project will help the community heal.

In the shadow of the discovery of the unmarked graves, a First Nation endures the darkness of tragedy but moves toward the light. It’s a story of heartbreak, but also a story of hope. Thank you.

Hon. Brent Cotter: Honourable senators, my question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. In light of the statements by Senators Bernard and Petitclerc earlier today, this seems an appropriate question to ask today. Bill C-35, the Canada disability benefit act, was tabled in the other place on June 22, 2021. Admittedly, this was far too late for it to be considered and passed before the election arrived, but it was certainly a signal to the disability community of our government’s commitment. The bill states, “. . . to reduce poverty and to support the financial security of persons with disabilities by establishing the Canada disability benefit . . . .”

The preamble sets out all the very good reasons why this is a critically important piece of legislation for people with disabilities and their families. Even some Government of Canada websites note the fact that as many as 6 million Canadians over the age of 15 suffer from a disability and that they are far more likely to live in poverty due to social and economic exclusion. Yet there was no reference in the Throne Speech to our government’s intentions in relation to this legislation and, with ministers’ mandates not yet public, there is no assurance that this continues to be a government priority.

Can you confirm that, having raised the expectations of 6 million Canadians and their families, a commitment to this legislation remains a government priority?