SENATORS’ STATEMENTS — The Honourable Murray Sinclair, C.C.

Honourable senators, today I rise to honour an exceptional individual whose life’s work has profoundly impacted the lives of many, and has paved the way for a more just and equitable Canadian society. It has recently been announced that our former colleague the Honourable Murray Sinclair will receive the prestigious Order of Manitoba in July.

Murray Sinclair’s remarkable career began with his work as a lawyer, focusing on civil and criminal litigation, Indigenous law and human rights. He broke ground by becoming the first Indigenous judge in Manitoba and the associate chief judge of the Provincial Court of Manitoba, and he co-chaired the Aboriginal Justice Inquiry, producing nearly 300 recommendations to reform the justice system.

Under his guidance, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada documented the traumatic experiences of residential school survivors, issuing 94 Calls to Action designed to foster reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Canadians, and illuminating the truth about the residential school system’s impact. He stated:

We have described for you a mountain, we have shown you the path to the top. We call upon you to do the climbing.

Appointed to the Senate in 2016, Sinclair continued his tireless advocacy for Indigenous rights and legal reforms, serving on several Senate committees and addressing critical issues such as systemic racism in policing.

Investiture into the Order of Manitoba is an honour that recognizes Murray Sinclair’s lifelong dedication to truth, justice and the rights of Indigenous peoples, as well as the importance of mutual respect and understanding on the path to reconciliation.

He said that reconciliation is not as complicated as we tend to make it, and that it is fundamentally about creating a relationship based on trust and friendship.

His vision for a more inclusive and just society must motivate all of us to act.

Congratulations, Murray Sinclair, on this well-deserved recognition. Your journey and achievements are a beacon of hope and a call to action for all of us. You cut a path in the snow. Thank you for leaving a remarkable legacy.

Colleagues, let us recognize Murray Sinclair’s extraordinary contributions, and for leading us toward a more respectful Canada. Thank you.