Hon. Marty Klyne: Honourable senators, coming from Saskatchewan, Treaty 4 territory and the homeland of the Métis Nation, I rise in support of Bill C-29, An Act to provide for the establishment of a national council for reconciliation.

As you know, this bill would establish a national council for reconciliation as an independent, non-political, permanent and Indigenous-led organization. Its purpose is to advance reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

I understand through the usual channels that I may be the last speaker. Therefore, I trust that we are ready for the question imminently. Thank you to Senator Audette for her leadership on this bill as sponsor. Thank you as well to Senator Francis and our Indigenous Peoples Committee for their hard work on Bill C-29 and to all senators who have worked to advance and improve this legislation since the bill arrived in our chamber nearly one year ago.

It’s also worth mentioning this bill passed the House of Commons with unanimous support. Heartfelt thanks as well to the senators who have provided constructive advice on Bill C-29 in whole or in part, including our colleagues Senators Anderson and McCallum and our critic, Senator Martin.

When it comes to reconciliation, good enough is never good enough. Indigenous nations and federal, provincial, territorial and municipal governments and legislatures must constantly be working to strengthen relationships and achieve the best possible results. Honesty, courage and criticism are essential to progress in society, as was illuminated in this chamber yesterday.

Bill C-29 acts on the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action for a national council for reconciliation, being Calls to Action 53 to 56. Many senators have pledged to do their part to answer these calls, including in response to the recurring discovery of unmarked graves of Indigenous children at residential school sites. I believe we must always measure our commitment to truth and reconciliation through their eyes, imagining their perspective. Today we have an opportunity to make headway on this sacred journey.

As Senator Audette told us, with Bill C-29:

Every bead that we [weave] is precious and helps us along the path of healing and reconciliation, but also along the path to building a new relationship and maintaining the existing one, a relationship that is, of course, built on respect, partnership and the recognition of rights.

She said the bill:

. . . will create a national council responsible for monitoring progress on reconciliation in Canada, publishing reports and making related recommendations.

In addition, Bill C-29 will enable the conduct of research in accordance with a multi-year plan. Research is important; data is important. Integrating Indigenous and western knowledge and thinking is crucial to advancing reconciliation in the hope of developing new approaches and new programs to support understanding among people outside the government apparatus.

Senator Audette also noted that this bill’s journey has been very long. It is time to conclude the Senate’s process. Many of us recall the highly regrettable circumstances of 2019 when a Senate filibuster prevented votes on three House of Commons private members’ bills answering the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Those were MP Romeo Saganash’s Bill C-262 respecting the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, MP Georgina Jolibois’ Bill C-369 to establish a National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and MP John Aldag’s Bill C-374 to require Indigenous representation on the Historic Sites and Monuments Board.

The first two initiatives subsequently passed as government legislation with greater priority and different procedures within our Senate processes. The third initiative, regarding the Historic Sites and Monuments Board, is now at second reading before the House of Commons with the government’s Bill C-23 introduced by Minister Guilbeault. However, valuable time has been lost.

I raise this matter not to throw stones. Rather, my purpose is to remind our chamber that our actions are consequential to national efforts for truth and reconciliation. For example, our Legal Committee has before it another Call to Action with Senator Kutcher’s Bill S-251 proposing to end the use of corporal punishment on Canadian children. If the Senate does not pass that bill, or another iteration, Call to Action 6 will never be fulfilled.

As I said, I may be the last speaker to Bill C-29 unless an adjournment is taken today. I know legislation in this chamber sometimes becomes interrelated in our processes and dynamics. However, I trust all senators will agree reconciliation must never be conditioned on anything, save the truth. Speaking for myself, and I presume for many in this chamber, I am ready for the question. Thank you and hiy kitatamîhin.

(On motion of Senator McPhedran, debate adjourned.)