Mr. Speaker, we mourn the passing of the Hon. Murray Sinclair on Monday, November 4. This former lawyer, judge and senator was best known for his role as the chair of Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

After graduating from law school in 1979, the Hon. Murray Sinclair was called to the Manitoba Bar in 1980 and went on to become Manitoba's first indigenous judge, appointed in 1988. He was then called to sit on the Manitoba Court of Queen's Bench, the province's highest trial court, in 2001.

While law was at the heart of his professional career, it was his work defending the interests and values of the Anishinabe people, his people, that earned him a place in history. In 1988, he co-chaired the Public Inquiry into the Administration of Justice and Aboriginal People in Manitoba. More importantly, in 2009, after initially refusing, he agreed to chair Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. He was eventually called to serve in the Senate of Canada on April 2, 2016, until his retirement on January 31, 2021.

On December 29, 2021, he was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in recognition of his expertise in indigenous rights and his efforts to foster reconciliation between Canada's indigenous and non-indigenous peoples.

Murray Sinclair, whose Anishinaabe name was Mazina Giizhik, held a place of honour in the indigenous community. Tributes are pouring in from across the country, mourning his loss and praising his life. He is being called a mentor, a guide, a champion and a kind-hearted giant, but he also a person who would confront people and light our path through the darkness. He was clearly a man of significance. I did not have the privilege of knowing him, but had I had that chance, I would have found it an honour and a pleasure. The indigenous community and politicians of all stripes are paying tribute to him today, and a well-earned tribute at that.

Cindy Woodhouse Nepinak, the chief of the Assembly of First Nations, says that she has lost a guide and a mentor, adding that he was born at a time when first nations members did not have the right to vote. He rose to become one of the most decorated and influential figures in the field of justice and defence of the rights of indigenous peoples.

Inuit Senator Michèle Audette said, “he was always present. Even when he was ill and not doing well, he made himself available to coach me. He was a mentor until his last breath, and that was so valuable to me.” Betsy Kennedy, acting grand chief of Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, said, “today, we mourn the loss of a hero whose vision and leadership continue to guide us forward. The Honourable Murray Sinclair’s tireless commitment to justice and truth has left a permanent mark on our nations and communities, and we carry his light as we strive for the betterment of our Nations.”

Lastly, former federal justice minister Jody Wilson‑Raybould mourned the passing of her “mentor, friend and colleague”, adding, “I will always cherish his wisdom and celebrate his distinct contributions to Indigenous peoples and to Canada.”

Speaking for myself and the Bloc Québécois, today I salute this great man and offer our sincerest condolences to his family, to his friends and to all the peoples that comprise the great First Nations.

Rhéal Fortin

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