Hon. Brian Francis: Honourable senators, yesterday, some of us attended Remembering the Children, a gathering on Parliament Hill to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. We joined others across Canada to honour the Indigenous children who were forced into residential schools and other institutions and to remember those who never returned home.

While progress has been made over the last decade to deliver on our national commitment to advance reconciliation, much work remains to be done.

Today, I reflect on this reality with a heavy heart but also renewed determination. That is why I wish to echo three clear calls to action that I heard yesterday from Survivors.

First, the Government of Canada must provide sustained and predictable funding for Indigenous-led initiatives that advance truth, justice and healing. This work cannot be achieved through short-term commitments. We need to push for long-term investment and partnership, even amidst competing pressures.

Second, the Government of Canada must explore every available option to prevent the loss of records collected through the Independent Assessment Process, which are scheduled to be destroyed next September. We cannot allow such an invaluable part of our history to be lost. These records can and should be preserved for future generations, while also respecting the confidentiality promised to Survivors.

Third, the Government of Canada must confront denialism. Just last Sunday, individuals associated with a White nationalist group targeted Tk̓emlúps te Secwépemc to inflict harm and spread hate. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. Across the country, denialists are increasingly targeting Indigenous communities leading the sacred work to find our missing children.

Before denialism becomes more visible, organized and dangerous, we must work in partnership with Indigenous Peoples to develop and implement meaningful measures that can combat it. This chamber already missed an opportunity to confront this threat. Let us not be remembered for allowing it to continue unchecked.

Colleagues, these are three priorities, among many others, which demand a united and meaningful response from this chamber. So this year, let us challenge each other to learn more and do better not only for the benefit of those living with this legacy today, but also for those who will inherit it tomorrow.

Lastly, I wish to honour the memory of the two beloved Elders from Tsawwassen First Nation killed in a crash during an event to mark September 30. Let us also hold their families and all those injured and affected in our hearts.

Wela’lin. Thank you.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.