Marsi cho, Mr. Speaker. Just listening to some of the comments of some of my colleagues, that feeling of exclusion, I could go on and on about my numerous encounters, those feelings that I have had throughout my working career and childhood. I will share you one of my first encounters.
Mr. Speaker, when I was about seven or eight years old, I visited relatives in Pine Point when it used to exist. My great-great-grandparents were busy with my relatives, and I was instructed to go to the nearby playground. I didn't think too much of it at the time, but I was so excited to jump on the monkey bars and play. That was until I was approached by two youth in their early teens. It was here I was given a hard dose of reality and my first real encounter with racism.
Mr. Speaker, I still remember as if this happened yesterday. I was told by these children: "You're from res, aren't you? You people are stupid. You should go shopping at the dump. You even know what two times two is? You can't play here." I didn't understand what "you people" meant at the time. I was very confused, hurt, and didn't get to play on those monkey bars because I was afraid. As always, Mr. Speaker, I went to my great grandparents who gave me this advice. They said: "My boy, you will run into hate, jealousy, and people who will judge you because of the colour of your skin and where you come from. You might not understand now, but when you get older, just be kind to everyone you encounter and speak straight with them. You don't have to trust them, but always be kind when you can, and do your best to get along with others. That is our way."
They also said, as I grow older, that I will no doubt encounter many people from all walks of life, and they were right. I was always told sternly before I left the house and flew the coop; they said, "Always be respectful and never ever make fun of other cultures." Mr. Speaker, I admit I don't always get this right, but I try to remember this and practice it as best I can in my day-to-day life. I try to instill these values to my daughters whom I hope will pass it on to their loved ones in the future.
Mr. Speaker, the point I'm trying to make is, the best way to deal with this scourge of racism is to meet head-on with respect, love, and education. Since then, up until this point in my working career, I've had countless racist encounters as I mentioned against both myself and towards my children, but I try to teach them as best I can. I can share countless other memories, but I won't. I would rather eschew these unpleasant memories to die with me, and all we can do from hereon in is to influence each other and treat each other with respect and kindness and be good role models and persevere through it. Mr. Speaker, how do we pass down these values onto our government? Mr. Speaker, I seek unanimous consent from my colleagues? Thank you.
---Unanimous consent granted