QUESTION PERIOD — Crown-Indigenous Relations
Former Residential Schools
June 3, 2021
Honourable senators, my question is for the Government Representative in the Senate. Like most Canadians, I was devastated and shocked to learn that the bodies of 215 Indigenous children were found at a former residential school in Kamloops.
Tuesday’s emotional tributes in the chamber touched us all. Canada can no longer ignore this shameful legacy, and I hope Canadians from all walks of life will embark on the journey of truth and reconciliation with our country’s First Peoples. I also believe that the Catholic Church can no longer deny the role it played in this dark chapter of our history, and I hope the government will seek a formal apology from the pope.
Senator Gold, there have been countless calls for the government to help locate and identify the remains of children at residential schools across the country. On Tuesday, in the National Assembly of Quebec, Premier Legault said he was open to working with the federal government to conduct controlled excavation activity and investigate the site of former residential schools in the province. The Indigenous community deserves to find some closure, if that’s even possible.
I know the government has committed to distribute $27 million of previously announced funding on an urgent basis. Will the government collaborate with Quebec and put in place a plan to get to the bottom of this issue? We need adequate resources to further discover the extent of this tragedy. More importantly, when will this happen? We can no longer afford further delays.
Thank you for your question. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission brought to light the truth, and too many Canadians have been and remain ignorant of what happened in our history and what took place at residential schools. I’ve been advised that the government has and will continue to work with Indigenous communities on how to best support them, including the provision of funds to which you referred.
However — and this is a fundamental point — as Minister Bennett and Minister Miller have each stated, it is critical that such efforts be Indigenous-led, survivor-centric and not dictated by the government. Indeed, I note that Premier Legault said something along those lines as well in the context of his statements. Thank you for your question.
Thank you, Senator Gold, for that response.
Moments ago, I talked about closure. Survivors of residential schools, their families and their communities continue to seek closure, comfort and healing. The government also recently announced nearly $600 million in funding for a distinctions-based mental health and wellness strategy with First Nations, Inuit and Métis. This funding will also renew funding for the Indian Residential Schools Resolution Health Support Program and crisis line. The news from Kamloops is reopening wounds for many who have never healed. Additional support may be needed.
What additional resources will the government provide, being mindful of not putting additional strain on the well-being of our already overworked health care workers, to offer adequate wellness services and psychological support for individuals from Indigenous communities and beyond?
Senator, thank you for your question. I was able to inquire with the government, thanks to the advance notice of your question. I’ve been advised that the government has been in active communication with the B.C. First Nations Health Authority to ensure that we are able to fully support the community during this very challenging and heartbreaking time.
Indigenous Services Canada officials have been in contact with the Thunderbird Partnership Foundation and First Peoples Wellness Circle to offer assistance, however possible. Indigenous Services Canada’s B.C. regional offices have staff on standby in the event additional emergency coordination support is requested. As well, Indigenous Services Canada continues to support the national Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line, which is available 24 hours a day at 1-866-925-4419, and the Hope for Wellness Help Line continues to offer crisis intervention services online at www.hopeforwellness.ca or by phone at 1-855-242-3310.
