Hon. David M. Arnot: Honourable senators, in Saskatchewan and many other provinces, reference is often made to specific treaty territories and the homeland of the Métis. One can, however, have a homeland but not a home. Adequate and affordable housing is often out of reach for many Indigenous people in Canada. I am pleased to report that there is a Métis-led organization working to put adequate housing within the grasp of people who all too often have been marginalized based on their Indigenous identity, income and disability.

On May 26 in Saskatoon, Camponi Housing, in partnership with the Government of Canada and the Government of Saskatchewan, broke ground for a brand new community housing complex. Camponi’s mission is to provide, “Healthy homes supporting strong communities.” This community housing is much more than creating a building; the investment is about the people that will live in this new complex — 150-plus families.

The United Nations International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights asserts that the right to housing should be seen as the right to live somewhere in security, peace and dignity, and be linked to the inherent dignity of the human person.

Because this is a Métis-led project, it is also about responding to old policies, practices and beliefs that limited, hurt and harmed Métis and Indigenous people. Fundamentally, this project partnership is a demonstration of reconciliation and inclusion. This vision is intentional. Uniquely, the residents and stakeholders have been part of the planning process right from the beginning. Individual and family needs are being considered in a holistic fashion.

Where necessary, people who have never been a tenant or who have had struggles renting will be offered a renter’s education program to learn about their rights and responsibilities. Wraparound social supports will be available to those who need them.

This is the essence of community building. It is about the responsibility to others, respect for others and honouring the rights of others. It is about affirming citizenship through a restorative justice approach, one that re-establishes and affirms the relationship between peoples and communities.

Honourable senators, Camponi has a great track record of providing housing to Métis and Indigenous people for over 50 years in Saskatchewan. The secret to that success is having strong, dedicated leadership. I acknowledge and thank the trustees for their committed stewardship: Angela Bishop, Doug Richardson and Ron Rivard as well as the chair, Mercy Ohirko.

Senators, please join me in recognizing the new Camponi multi-housing complex as an exemplar of Indigenous-led reconciliation in Saskatchewan.

Thank you.