Honourable senators, tomorrow marks the 10-year anniversary of the opening of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg. As a proud senator from Manitoba, I am pleased to join with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights CEO and management team in highlighting this establishment dedicated to human rights education and discussion.

This museum not only showcases human rights but also illustrates the determination and vision of Canadians. The museum is the realization of a dream by the late philanthropist Israel “Izzy” Asper who, in the year 2000, began to imagine a world-class human rights centre for Canada. Within a few years, with his daughter, Gail Asper, at the forefront, they assembled supporters and together made this dream happen. Both public and private sector partners came together to establish this historical project. The governments of Canada, Manitoba and Winnipeg joined with The Forks Renewal Corporation, the Friends of the Canadian Museum for Human Rights and individual donors as they began this $351-million project.

On March 13, 2008, the Conservative federal government under Prime Minister Stephen Harper passed Bill C-42 into law, changing the Museums Act to include the first national museum to be built outside the National Capital Region.

But the uniqueness of this project doesn’t stop here, colleagues. The museum’s location was also meticulously chosen. It was built at a meaningful historical site where the Red and Assiniboine rivers meet, known as The Forks. The Forks was designated a national historic site of Canada in 1974 due to its status as a cultural landscape that had borne witness to 6,000 years of human activity. Numerous archaeological digs have shown the significance of this site as one where Indigenous people followed its waterways for peacemaking dialogue and trade.

The architecture of the museum also reflects great intention. Visitors begin their journey with a descent into the earth through the “Roots” of the museum, culminating their way at the Israel Asper Tower of Hope, a beautiful 100-metre glass spire with views of downtown Winnipeg.

Colleagues, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights plays a pivotal role in portraying, promoting, celebrating and recognizing the history and evolution of human rights in Canada. My Manitoba colleagues — Senators Gagné, McPhedran, McCallum, Osler, Adler — and I are pleased to celebrate the 10-year anniversary and highlight this gem from our home province of Manitoba. Thank you.