Mahsi, Mr. Speaker. [English translation not provided.]
Last week the Australian Prime Minister, Kevin Rudd, issued an unprecedented apology to the aboriginal people of his country. He apologized for the century of laws and policies that removed aboriginal children from their families and forced them into institutions far from their homes. These policies caused incredible suffering to thousands of aboriginal people, and they welcomed the apology as an important step in that nation’s history.
Mr. Speaker, aboriginal Canadians were victims of the same type of discriminatory assimilation policies. While Canada has moved forward in important ways with compensation payments to aboriginal Canadians, money alone cannot undo the pain and suffering our people have felt through the residential schools experience. For some of my constituents the payments have reawakened painful memories and act as a cruel reminder of that time.
Mr. Speaker, what aboriginal people in this country are looking for is a sincere and full apology by the Government of Canada for the abuse that so many people experienced in these residential schools. While compensation is important, an apology begins the process of forgiveness and reconciliation. An apology is the foundation to healing. It acknowledges full responsibility for harm done. It shows understanding of the impact of that harm on those who have been hurt. It also makes a commitment to never let it happen again.
Prime Minister Harper has launched a truth and reconciliation commission into the residential schools. This process will provide an opportunity for all Canadians to learn from this sad chapter in Canadian history. This chapter of our history is not widely known, and the legacy it has left is not fully understood. We need to ensure that the stories and experiences of residential school survivors remain in the conscious memory of all Canadians and are fully documented in our history books. If we as a country understand this history, then we can learn from it and build….
Mr. Menicoche, your time for a Member’s statement has expired.
Yes, Mr. Speaker. I seek unanimous consent to conclude my statement.
Unanimous consent granted.
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and colleagues.
If we as a country understand this history, then we can learn from it and build a better future for our children and grandchildren.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of Canada needs to lead the way in reconciliation and make a full and sincere apology to all aboriginal people as soon as possible. I ask that our government request that Canada make a formal apology as soon as possible as an important step in rebuilding this country’s relationship with aboriginal people. Mahsi cho.
