Mr. Speaker, what a pleasure it is to speak to this important motion that my friend and colleague has introduced in the House. I do not think I can compete with the eloquent speeches that have been given in the last hour, because they came from the heart and have very strong, passionate words, but I do have a few thoughts I would like to share.
The New Democratic member referenced the generations. I believe he said eight generations is the extent of his family roots. This triggered something in my memory. Many years ago, probably about 20 to 25, I was at the Victoria Hotel. There was a Black lady standing beside me, and a Caucasian individual walked up between us. He posed her a question: “How long have you been in Canada for?” As much as he meant it to be an innocent comment, I suspect that if she had been of a Caucasian background, that question would never have been asked.
I do not believe we have done well regarding education and cross-cultural awareness. That is why I put to my good friend the importance of it. Education is critically important to advance, and it goes beyond our classrooms. We can talk about our workforces and how we can incorporate it into our communities. A number of years ago, the Manitoba Intercultural Council came up with a recommendation that said the way people should deal with issues like this is through cross-cultural education. I am not too sure if the council exists today.
I think there have been some very interesting stories over the years that Hollywood has amplified. I am very touched when I watch some of the videos that I have acquired. For example, I have a copy of the Roots series. To watch it sets off all sorts of emotions, but I am mostly angry because it is hard to imagine how society could treat people in such a fashion.
The way the character William Wilberforce was portrayed in the show Amazing Grace, which is about the abolishment of slavery, and the impact the British Commonwealth had are so significant to the debate we are having today. However, as my colleague who spoke just before me alluded to regarding her daughter, for young people who are in school today, this major, important aspect of Canadian heritage has been completely overlooked and is not getting the attention it deserves.
I am very proud of the general attitudes that are brought forward from parliamentarians when we talk, for example, of our Black caucus and the extending of hands to try to get more involvement on the issue of systemic racism, which is in fact present. It is very real and it is tangible. It hurts a great deal of Canadians in all regions of our country.
The objective of this motion is very admirable and needs to be put into place. I suspect that when it does come time for others to contribute to the debate and for the ultimate vote on the motion, it will pass through the House, as I believe it is long overdue.
I anticipate that it will be a significant step, but we recognize the need for us to do so much more. I believe all members are committed to doing this in whatever capacity they can, whether they are in government or opposition. Whatever role they play in the House, there is a great expectation—