Honourable senators, as I begin, thank you again to my colleagues on their words regarding the recent terrorism and Hamas.

I rise today to talk about an important day that focuses on all Canadians, their health and their well-being. Today is Canada Parks and Recreation Association day on the Hill. Some of you had an opportunity to meet representatives this morning in our beautiful senators’ lounge or in meetings throughout the day.

They are here to talk to us and continue to educate us on the contribution the parks and recreation sector makes to all of Canadian society. Think about what this looks like and what it feels like in your own community.

When I grew up, I worked for my local parks and recreation department. In the parks department, this included ensuring all town properties and parks were in great shape, and in July and August I worked for the recreation department with youth in the summer. These were experiences that influenced my life and love of my community. Yes, colleagues, I learned how to drive tractors, back up trailers each day full of park maintenance equipment, give tune-ups to my truck each day and sharpen lawnmower blades. I also planted many trees and shrubs on the town’s park properties that, 40 years later, tower into the sky.

I also had the privilege to work with young people as a recreation counsellor and director. In my young life, which was not easy, these experiences with parks and recreation gave me a sense of connection, of belonging, of pride and of community that was deeply missing in my life. Over the years I have observed the pivotal role parks and recreation play in promoting physical and mental health and overall well-being. This sector supports healthier lifestyles and fosters resilience against health challenges.

Fast forward to today in my role as a senator: I visited over three dozen organizations during those early months of the pandemic, and I saw our recreation professionals leading in a time of crisis and uncertainty. These community workers pivoted like no other. They reconfigured their recreation facilities and rallied to bring all staff and volunteers in to help and provide refuge, support and essential services during those uncertain and early days. This made the difference for many who were struggling, particularly the most vulnerable in our community.

In every corner of this country, the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association is working to model and ensure this sector is creating a legacy of unity, well-being, vitality and resiliency to which we dearly aspire to leave our children.

The CPRA will continue work to build a stronger, healthier and more resilient Canada by promoting health, greening our economy, empowering youth and combatting climate change. Let us make sure this work can continue. For this, we thank you. Meegwetch.