Honourable senators, I rise today to speak to Bill S-1001, An Act to amalgamate The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation of Ottawa and The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation for the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall, in Ontario, Canada.

We have witnessed a meticulous process, one that has spanned nearly a decade, involving comprehensive consultation procedures. The Pope’s canonical amalgamation of these two regions marked a pivotal moment in this journey. Now, we stand at the point of legalizing this union under Canadian law, a step that will bring about a new chapter for the Catholic community in eastern Ontario.

Colleagues, allow me to re-emphasize the profound significance of this bill for its advocates, particularly the Catholic communities in Ottawa and Alexandria-Cornwall. The enactment of this bill will lead to the formation of a vast archdiocese, extending from the southern part of Ottawa to the St. Lawrence River. This unification merges the Diocese of Alexandria‑Cornwall, with its 27 parishes and approximately 60,000 Catholics, with the larger Archdiocese of Ottawa, which serves about 395,000 Catholics across 107 parishes and missions.

The rationale behind merging the Ottawa and Alexandria-Cornwall dioceses is complex. A primary consideration is the preservation of French-language Catholic services in eastern Ontario. The challenge of recruiting bilingual clergy capable of bishopric duties has been a significant concern. This issue, combined with demographic shifts and the inevitable closure of aging buildings, has catalyzed this decision.

The sentiment among the parishioners has been mixed. Many have seen the geographical proximity and historical ties of the Ottawa and Alexandria-Cornwall dioceses as a natural fit. Notably, several parishes from both dioceses are located along the same highway corridor, fostering a closer bond between them than with the neighbouring Archdiocese of Kingston.

Conversely, there have been voices of concern apprehensive that the unique identity of the region might be overshadowed within the broader archdiocese. There is also a profound respect for the history of the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall, which traces its origins to the earliest Catholic settlements in Upper Canada. While the merger might have seemed inevitable to many, it remains a keen hope that the archbishop will actively seek to honour and preserve the rich heritage of the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall.

As I mentioned in my second reading speech, Senator Clement, in her capacity as the former mayor of Cornwall and as an active participant in several community discussions about the merger, has a deep understanding of the aspirations and concerns of these communities. I commend her for her efforts.

This is why I was in favour of the amendments put forward by Senator Clement in our Senate Committee on Banking and Commerce and the Economy. The amendments proposed and passed, including the clarifications in clauses 1, 2, and 3, reflect our collective commitment to precision and clarity in legislative matters. These changes ensure that the new entity, The Roman Catholic Episcopal Corporation for the Diocese of Ottawa‑Cornwall, is accurately represented and legally sound.

Let us consider each amendment in detail. The amendment to clause 1 is pivotal for establishing the precise legal identity of the new corporation. By replacing line 25 of the English version with “pal Corporation of Ottawa-Cornwall”, we are ensuring that the title of the corporation accurately reflects its new, unified nature. This precise naming is not just a matter of legal formality but also of symbolic importance, representing the merger of two historic entities into a single, cohesive body.

Similarly, the modification in clause 2, which replaces line 15 of the English version with “poration of Ottawa-Cornwall as amalga-”, ensures that the language used in the bill aligns seamlessly with the newly adopted name of the corporation. This change highlights our commitment to clarity and consistency throughout the legislative process, reinforcing the identity of the new entity.

In the amendment to clause 3, which replaces line 25 with “of Ottawa-Cornwall” in English and “La” in French, is crucial for bilingual accuracy. It acknowledges the linguistic diversity of our nation and the communities this bill impacts. Ensuring that the corporation’s name is accurately represented in both official languages is not only a matter of legal precision but also of respecting the cultural and linguistic heritage of the communities involved.

I want to echo Senator Clement’s words once again from her sponsor speech in that it is crucial that the voices of those affected by such policies are heard and acknowledged. By adopting these amendments, we are not only facilitating a smooth legal transition but also honouring the history, identity and future aspirations of the Catholic communities of Ottawa and Alexandria-Cornwall.

As we proceed with third reading of this bill, let us do so with a keen awareness of the profound impact our decisions have on the communities we serve. Our discussions have not only been about legalities but also about the human aspect of this amalgamation. We acknowledge the diverse emotions and concerns of parishioners, from those who embrace this change to those who fear the loss of their unique historical identity. It is crucial that the new archdiocese honours and preserves the rich history and traditions of the Diocese of Alexandria-Cornwall, ensuring that its legacy continues within the larger entity.

In closing, I commend Senator Clement for her diligent stewardship of this bill. This bill represents more than a legal amalgamation; it symbolizes a new beginning and a blending of histories and communities united in faith and purpose. Let us remember the voices of all those impacted by this decision, and may the new Archdiocese of Ottawa-Cornwall uphold the values and traditions of its constituents while moving forward into a promising future. Thank you.