Veterans Affairs Committee on Oct. 4th, 2011

[The Chair, Conservative, Greg Kerr]

Ladies and gentlemen, we have a quorum.

We are going to get started. I guess most importantly, Mr. Stoffer is in the building, so we can proceed.

[Peter Stoffer, NDP, Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS]

I would think so.

[The Chair, Conservative, Greg Kerr]

We are pleased to have with us this morning Senator Meredith. He is going to discuss the study we are talking about, and there are some specifics he wants to raise.

I should point out that you have until 9:15 or 9:20, and then you have to go to an appointment at the Senate. We have to keep that in mind.

Welcome. It is nice to have you here. The floor is yours.

[Don Meredith, Senator, CPC, Senate]

Thank you, Chair.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, honourable colleagues, and committee members, thank you for giving me the opportunity to underline the importance of recognizing the outstanding contributions of African Canadians to the Canadian Forces and their country by honouring these veterans and fallen heroes with a national commemorative ceremony and an African Canadian war memorial commemorating black soldiers who fought and died to secure our freedom.

Earlier this year, on February 24, 2011, as part of Black History Month, the Department of National Defence recognized and honoured for the first time the contributions to the Canadian Forces of African Canadians from the British West Indies and Haiti and of Canadian-born blacks.

As a Jamaican-born Canadian citizen and the fourth African Canadian to be appointed to the Senate of Canada, I know first-hand the struggles minorities in this country face. I'm also doubly aware of the tremendous battle that black Canadians face to receive inclusion and recognition as members of the Canadian military.

In brief, these veterans paved the way for Canadian Forces members of all origins to take their rightful place to reflect the diverse Canadian society they serve. These black veterans struggled for their right to defend their country and fellow citizens. They equally deserve the honour of a national ceremony commemorating their contributions.

Honourable colleagues, I firmly believe that while the Canadian Forces maintain themselves to be a relevant, modern, and progressive national institution in the 21st century, we must be transparent and fully recognize the contributions and sacrifices African Canadians have shown in the past for a better tomorrow. It is crucial that our government commit to educating Canadians and the world about the rich history of African Canadians in the Canadian military.

During my research for this recommendation, I was glad to see that the National Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Veterans Affairs websites have several pages devoted to the African Canadian soldiers in the regiments in various wars. But honourable members, it was a real shame that one must dig for these historical facts; that this history remains buried in the past and is not recognized by a national commemorative ceremony.

The educational benefits of a national commemorative celebration recognizing the role of African Canadians in Canadian history are abundant, not only for our youth but for all Canadian men and women. We must remember the sacrifice and achievements of African Canadians for generations to come. Our black ancestors fought hard to break down barriers and open doors for those who follow. Their efforts should no longer be hidden, but should serve as inspiration and encouragement for our youth that they too can overcome the odds.

I strongly suggest that this proposed national commemoration take place annually, possibly on Emancipation Day—which is the first Monday of August—which represents the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1834 and thus also in Canada.

I support the effort of my predecessor, the late Senator Calvin Ruck, to preserve, educate, and commemorate the history of black veterans, which resulted in his successor's having a memorial erected in Nova Scotia dedicated to the members of the No. 2 Construction Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, for this memorial specifically symbolizes the contribution of African Canadian men of the No. 2 Construction Battalion. I recommend a war memorial that represents all African Canadian soldiers who served and continue to serve their country—a national ceremony paying homage to all African Canadian soldiers, both past and present.

Honourable colleagues, it is important to Canada to honour the significant role that black people have played and continue to play in the history of our country. I want to point to something relevant here, the fact that our Prime Minister and our Minister of Defence, Peter MacKay, in a ceremony that was held in Tehran in 2009, also indicated this:

“The legacy is found in the Canada they helped to build and protect, a country that cherishes freedom, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Black Canadians may take distinct pride in their service to our country, as they have a long and honourable tradition of patriotism, sacrifice and heroism.”

That was from the Prime Minister.

Defence Minister Peter MacKay noted: “We are fortunate that in modern times there has been an increase in recognition of the efforts these men and women have made in Canada's name. The history of the service extends from far beyond Confederation right up to the present day. Their efforts will not be forgotten.”

More important, honourable colleagues, a national commemorative reminds us that we have overcome and will continue to overcome many tribulations as we persevere to fight for equality and the preservation of our freedom.

I trust that this presentation was useful, and I look forward to answering your questions.

Thank you Mr. Chair.

[The Chair, Conservative, Greg Kerr]

Thank you very much, Senator Meredith.

Given your timeframe, I would like to restrict the question time to four minutes each to allow everybody to get a round in.

From the NDP we have Mr. Stoffer.

[Peter Stoffer, NDP, Sackville—Eastern Shore, NS]

Senator, thank you very much for coming, and thank you for mentioning that No. 2 Construction Battalion has a ceremony every year in Pictou that is quite moving.

Sir, I have one question for you. You may have noticed that as you come from the Chateau Laurier toward the national cenotaph there are 15 busts of our heroes who served right from the beginning of 1812 and onwards--and even before that. But there is one missing: that of William Hall, Canada's first VC black naval person back in 1850. I have asked repeatedly that a bust be put up in his honour to recognize not just William Hall and the VC, but all black Nova Scotians and black Canadians who have served in our armed forces, but I have been turned down so far.

I am wondering if I can leave with you that I would like to meet you at a possible date to see where can move forward on that, because I believe that is a significant error. I don't think anyone did it on purpose. It was just an oversight, and it would pay great tribute to exactly what you are trying to do here today.

[Don Meredith]

Thank you so much. I absolutely agree with you.

Just a couple of weekends ago I was in Nova Scotia recognizing the Africville institution that took place there--the commemorative church that has now been erected in Africville. There was also mention that there were 29 countries from the African diaspora heritage trail that came together in Nova Scotia to discuss the heritage.

I believe it is a crying shame that we haven't recognized those who made contributions to this country pre-Confederation. It is important that we continue to do so, especially for our young people, so they get a sense of what this country is about--we recognize, and they served.

Mr. Daniel and I were at a ceremony recognizing the Korean War. We had individuals of African descent who served in that war. I recognize that it has been a long time and it's a long haul, but it's something worth championing. I certainly will support you, honourable member.

[The Chair, Conservative, Greg Kerr]

Ms. Mathyssen.

[Irene Mathyssen, NDP, London—Fanshawe, ON]

Thank you very much.

You and Mr. Stoffer raised something very important, and that is the lack of information that we have about black history. In London, Ontario, where I am from, there is a church that was the centre of the Underground Railroad, and Londoners don't know anything about that.

We have the Congress of Black Women, which works every year to encourage young black members of our community to go to college and university and become part of that enrichment you so eloquently spoke of.

How do we encourage and make sure that the history of the blacks in our communities is recognized? Is there something that we as parliamentarians should be doing that we're not?

[Don Meredith]

Government plays a great role in recognizing the past and the contributions they made and bringing that forward. In the report that was done for the Canadian officership in the 21st century, we look at inclusion, recognition of the diverse community, and transparency. I don't believe we can truly tell the history of this country without recognizing those who have made contributions.

It's empowering to the young people of today that I can go out to high schools and go across this country to engage, encourage, and empower these young people to join the military, because they have seen themselves reflected in the faces of those who have gone on before. It's important that they recognize that they're part of the fabric of this Canadian mosaic, and they too can make a contribution similar to those individuals who went before. It's important and incumbent upon us.

I have taken on this task and have been supported by other members in the various parties. Senator Don Oliver is very supportive of this initiative--his ancestors were in slavery and also served in the war--as is the Ontario Black History Society.

It is important that we continue to educate and ensure that our young people are empowered by the past for a brighter future.

[The Chair, Conservative, Greg Kerr]

Thank you very much, Senator.

We'll now go to Mr. Lizon.

[Wladyslaw Lizon, Conservative, Mississauga East—Cooksville, ON]

Thank you, Senator.

In your view, Senator, what actions should be taken to recognize contributions of not only African Canadians but other groups? We are very diverse here in this country; therefore, by recognizing one group only, I think we would be leaving others out. There were contributions from probably aboriginals, Japanese, Chinese, etc.

Can you elaborate on that?

[Don Meredith]

Certainly. Thank you so much for that question. It's a very valid question.

I think aboriginals are represented at the War Memorial over here, just down the road. I also believe--I not only believe but I know, specifically--that the Korean War vets are recognized in a commemorative ceremony that is established in Brampton. I believe it's important that we continue to champion for those who have served in this country.

Specifically, I think the black community has not stepped up to the plate, to be honest, in terms of continuous requests and a forthrightness. I believe it's incumbent upon me, not only as a Canadian but as a black senator, that these issues that come to the fray I bring to the attention of government and gain support from every member, right across all political stripes. This is not about a partisan issue here. This is a non-partisan issue where we recognize truly the contributions of all Canadians.

We know that the face of Canada has changed over the last 50 years. I believe we need to continue to recognize those communities that have served this country irrespective of where from around the globe they've come.

[Wladyslaw Lizon, Conservative, Mississauga East—Cooksville, ON]

Going along this line, at the present time the Canadian Forces includes many different cultural groups or ethnic groups. Do you think we should keep doing this recognizing of each individual group or recognize all Canadians as a whole?

[Don Meredith]

We should recognize the contributions that various ethnic groups in this country make to the Canadian Forces. However we do it--through a plaque or through the various organizations that they represent--I think there should be some recognition of the work and the dedication and the sacrifice that these Canadians make to Canada.

[Wladyslaw Lizon, Conservative, Mississauga East—Cooksville, ON]

Are young people in this country aware of that very fact you've mentioned? Are they being educated in this area?

[Don Meredith]

Absolutely.

One of the young soldiers who was recognized, Kevin Junor, was a stalwart within the army. He was recognized and given a medal in 2009. As a young soldier, he is educating a lot of the high school students, because a lot of them just aren't aware.

I think part of the problem--and as I said, I commend the Department of Veterans Affairs for the website and so forth--is that you have to dig for this information. I think it should be an education piece that goes through the schools, not just during Black History Month. This is history. History should not just be during Black History Month. Every day of the year we should talk about the history and the contributions of various Canadians to this country.

I think it's important that we continue to talk to our youth, continue to engage them, and encourage them not only to look at the history but to become part of the Canadian Forces and to gain the experience that the military has to offer.

As you say, a lot of individuals are retiring from the force. I think the next generation should come up with a diverse face for the military as we serve around the globe and in these various countries. I think it's important that we truly reflect the diversity that Canada offers.

[The Chair, Conservative, Greg Kerr]

Thank you very much, Senator.

Now let's go over to Mr. Hsu for four minutes.

[Ted Hsu, Liberal, Kingston and the Islands, ON]

Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Thanks for coming today. I'm interested in your remark about having to dig for the information as you were doing the research. It sounds like you committed quite a lot of time to that.

Could you elaborate on that a little bit, on why it was difficult? Why did you have to dig so much? Is there something that we as parliamentarians could be or should be doing to make that information more accessible to you and other researchers, and to historians and artists and writers?

[Don Meredith]

I just came back from a conference in Nova Scotia, where it was brought up that a lot of history is just buried and there aren't commemorative events to remind people. We talk about remembrance and “lest we forget”. This information is on websites, but it's not something that is widely publicized. You have to go on search engines and what have you. This what I had to do to find this information.

Individuals like Senator Oliver, who is well versed, or Rosemary Sadlier, president of the Ontario Black History Society, make it a point to bring up this history and to talk about it. I think it's important that we create an education program that goes to the schools to talk about the diversity of the contributions that Canadians have made to this country. I think that's a starting point. There's an education process there and it's important that we continue along these lines.

There are also public ceremonies that recognize these contributions on a specific month or during the time of remembrance. We're recognizing all these various individuals from diverse communities who have made contributions to the country.

This committee has an awesome task. How do we recognize other communities? I think it's important that we start this process. Others have been recognized, like the Korean community, and I think it's important for there to be a place where people can go and remember.

The honourable Irene Mathyssen reminded us that there's a lot of history that has not been told. I think it's important for this committee to recognize that and find a mechanism whereby this message can be communicated.

[Ted Hsu, Liberal, Kingston and the Islands, ON]

Do you think there's more research that needs to be done? Are there more things to uncover, or do you think the emphasis should be on making the information that we have more widely known?

[Don Meredith]

The report entitled “Canadian Offership in the 21st Century (Officership 2020)” refers to transparency and inclusion. I think it's important that we follow the path that's been laid. There's a lot of information out there. It just needs to be disseminated.

The history is there: it's been collected. There are individuals I'm speaking to right now who are going around and documenting those who served and are still alive, from the present back to the Second World War. They are capturing their stories before they pass on from the scene. I think it's important to pass this information on to our youth so they can hear the voices of those who have gone before.

[The Chair, Conservative, Greg Kerr]

Thank you.

Mr. Storseth.

[Brian Storseth, Conservative, Westlock—St. Paul, AB]

Thank you, Senator, for coming today. It's a very interesting topic.

Is your vision of this an Ottawa-based ceremony, an Ottawa-based memorial, or are you looking at something spread across the country?

[Don Meredith]

It's both. There are certain provinces that have started to recognize various individuals across the country. In Ontario they have done various things to recognize the soldiers. But Ottawa's the capital of the country, and I think it's important that something be done here.

As a starting point, we must recognize the contributions. A lot of folks who come to Ottawa would be able to see this. A lot of schools come to Ottawa, and this could be included in the tours of Parliament. Various and diverse individuals come to Ottawa.

I'd like to see something erected here in Ottawa, together with commemorative plaques placed across the country where these soldiers hail from. For example, we want to honour individuals who have come from Quebec and have served in the wars. We should recognize their hometowns with some sort of a plaque showing that they have made a contribution to the Canadian Forces.