Honourable senators, diversity begins here in the Senate of Canada. In our own institution, as we reflect on where we are today, we must acknowledge that there is work to be done to move our institution towards becoming a more diverse and inclusive workplace, towards becoming a leader in Canada in this area.

From the witnesses we bring to committee, to those we hire as clerks or staffers, to the art we display and the Canadians we acknowledge and honour, we must pursue true inclusion of Canadians regardless of their background. This means changing systems and policies and raising the bar of expectations. It means sharpening our own knowledge about the well-being of all Canadians of diverse backgrounds — Indigenous, Asian, South Asian, Blacks — in our own communities and seeking to be allies with them.

The theme for Black History Month last year was Sankofa, a West African symbol that calls us to move forward guided by our past. Canada’s history is full of the amazing contribution of Black Canadians as well as those of many other minority groups.

Honourable senators, my hope is that the coming generation will not have to struggle to be a full part of our society, or to give of themselves to public service as we have had the privilege to do. For their sake, and honouring diversity, we must bring about true and lasting change. Being a bystander is no longer an option, colleagues. Let us move forward together and act together. Thank you.