Louis Riel fired the imagination of successive generations of Metis, French Canadians, and Western Canadians. (Nov. 16, 2015)
[Français]
Speaking Notes of Brian Jean, Leader of Her Majesty's Loyal Opposition in the Legislative Assembly of Alberta and the Wildrose Party, for the Commemoration of Louis Riel, Monday, November 16, 2015, at the Legislature of Alberta, Edmonton.
Good Morning/Bonjour
Mister Speaker, Honoured Guests, Elders, Party leaders,
It’s a pleasure to be here this morning to commemorate the life and legacy of Louis Riel.
I have read many books on Red River.
Thank you to the Metis Nation of Alberta for inviting me to speak at today’s ceremony.
I am very proud of my First Nations and Metis family of which I have many from Fort McMurray.
As many of those here today know, November 16 marks the date of Louis Riel’s death in Regina.
Today serves as an opportunity to reflect on Riel’s life, as well as the impact he continues to have today on our society.
Louis Riel was a Metis and a strong leader, whose role and accomplishments have fired the imagination of successive generations of Metis, French Canadians, and Western Canadians.
Riel also played a significant leadership role in the political process that led to the enactment of the Manitoba Act 1870, which led to Manitoba becoming the fifth province to join Confederation and the first province from Western Canada to do so, 35 years before Alberta.
He continues to be known today as the Founder of the Province of Manitoba.
Also of significant to note is that Louis Riel himself submitted the name of Manitoba for consideration to Parliament. His legacy lives on in this way.
An important part of Canadian history is to talk about and reflect on straightforward issues, but also on topics that to this day create discussion and debate. Louis Riel’s life and actions are an important part of Canada’s history.
In Louis Riels’ 41 years, he led two resistance movements against the Canadian government as he sought to preserve Metis rights and culture in their homelands.
There is an important need for Canadians to continue to learn about Louis Riel, and his conflict with the law and authorities as the leader of the North West Rebellion, so that future generations may reconcile his story with the national story of Canada, and the story of Western Canada.
Louis Riel I believe was significant to the Metis people, to the province of Manitoba, made significant contributions to step forward to today’s current rights, and through being elected to Parliament three times, though he never assumed his seat.
Marking Louis Riel’s legacy continues to be an important act, as from his life we can learn how strongly he followed his convictions and his dedication to the Metis people.
I thank you again for inviting me to today’s ceremony, and for keeping Louis Riel’s life and legacy alive as part of our greater understanding of Canada’s history.
Merci.
Categories : Justice
Last Update : 2016-06-04
