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.