Hon. Amina Gerba: I rise today to support Bill S-221, An Act to provide for the recognition of the Canada jay as the national bird of Canada.

I would like to commend Senator Ataullahjan for her work and thank Senator Duncan and many others for their insightful comments. This bill, while symbolic, is deeply meaningful and really must take flight.

In a world where we sometimes lose our bearings, it becomes all the more crucial to focus on what brings us together. National symbols are not mere emblems. They embody our identity and forge a connection between our past, our present and our future. In that spirit, I would say that the Canada jay stands out brilliantly or, to stay on theme, it is a symbol worth crowing about.

The Canada jay is a true ambassador of the Canadian spirit, as it is resilient, sociable, resourceful and always ready to share a snack with a distracted hiker.

The Canada jay does not migrate. It remains steadfast even when temperatures drop below zero. It is a true Canadian and although the Canada jay admirably embodies the national spirit, it cannot eclipse the wealth of regional symbols that compose the mosaic of our identities.

As a senator from Quebec, I would also like to note the importance of our own majestic provincial bird, the snowy owl. Its gentle, golden eyes and silent flight personify vigilance and mystery. It soars over the northern skies with an elegance that would make a state-of-the-art drone blush.

Like many Quebecers, it heads south when the winter becomes too harsh, proof that even the most hardened species know when it is time to look for a bit of warmth. While the snowy owl keeps watch from icy heights, the Canada jay joins us down to earth in our forests, our trails, our memories. Together, they form an unlikely, but harmonious duo. One is the piercing gaze of the North, the other the familiar voice of our underbrush.

Senator Ataullahjan brilliantly described the Canada jay as lively, clever, intelligent, loyal and resilient. She highlighted its presence in all regions of our country and its ability to survive extreme temperatures.

Senator Duncan provided a valuable perspective by talking about inclusion, representation and the deep connection between this bird and Indigenous peoples. She reminded us that the Canada jay is a natural symbol of federalism for it does not shun any province or territory.

Honourable senators, more than 100 countries around the world have designated a national bird. Some have opted for majestic species, while others have chosen more modest but equally representative birds. It is therefore time for Canada, a land of endless forests and epic winters, to launch its ornithological identity.

Honourable colleagues, this bill is ready. It has been carefully considered and is supported by experts, citizens, researchers and nature enthusiasts. It does not require further, lengthy studies. It’s time to act.

Let’s give Canada a national bird that truly represents us: humble, loyal, intelligent and very much a part of the land we call home.

May the Canada jay take flight in our collective imagination as a symbol of who we are and who we aspire to be.

Maybe one day, our grandchildren will learn in school that Canada chose as its emblem a bird that braves storms courageously and shares with its neighbours, just like we do. Thank you.