Hon. Kristopher Wells: Honourable senators, as millions of Canadian children return to school this fall and as the NHL drops the puck on a new season, I want to tell you a story about an 11‑year-old boy named Garner.

With the permission of his parents, I will share his story with you today. I am honoured to tell you that Garner and his family are joining us in the gallery.

Garner plays U11 A hockey for the North Shore Thundercats in a small community between Sudbury and Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. He is also a passionate figure skater. For several years, Garner has proudly wrapped Pride Tape around his hockey stick every time he steps onto the ice because, for him, it is more than tape; it is a symbol of acceptance, inclusion and the belief that everyone deserves to feel welcome in the game they love.

This past season, Garner’s coach removed Pride Tape from his stick during a game and told Garner it was inappropriate. The coach replaced it with plain black tape. Garner was 11 years old. Through these actions, Garner was implicitly told that his support for inclusion was something to be ashamed of. After the game, Garner removed the black tape and put Pride Tape back on his stick.

This happened several more times. Each time, his Pride Tape was removed. Each time, Garner found a way to stand by his values. He and his family filed a formal complaint with their hockey association. In the months that followed, Garner experienced diminished ice time and was punished, in effect, for having the courage to stand up.

His mother asked Garner one question: “Knowing everything that happened, would you do it again?” His answer was immediate: “One hundred per cent.” He told her he never wanted another child to go through what he did. Garner, that is not the answer of a child; that is the answer of someone who already understands what it means to lead.

Garner finished his season at the Tournament of Champions in Wawa with Pride Tape on his stick, where he scored six goals and added five assists.

As our children return to schools and arenas across this country and as NHL players lace up their skates for a new season, let us all remember Garner and what it costs for an 11‑year-old boy to simply say: “Hockey is for everyone.”

Garner, what you did this past season took the kind of courage most adults never find. You never stopped believing that kindness and inclusion were worth standing up for. At 11 years old, that instinct is exactly what makes Canada a better place.

We are all so very proud of you. Thank you, Garner.

Hon. Senators: Hear, hear.