Senator Yonah Martin

Senator Martin recorded this Remembrance Day video address to commemorate and thank our veterans for their service to Canada.

Honourable Senators I rise today to celebrate the cultural diversity within this great country of ours. Canada is internationally renowned and lauded for its cultural mosaic. It is a model nation with active and engaged citizens from all corners of the world. Nowhere in Canada is the vibrancy of multiculturalism as alive as in my home province of British Columbia. Historically, BC has a deep and rich legacy of multiculturalism. With its prime location along the Pacific Rim it welcomes 40,000 n…

It’s a pleasure to be here on behalf of my colleague, the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development and the Minister Responsible for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. I’m pleased to be joined for this announcement by the Honourable Harry Bloy, Minister Responsible for Multiculturalism and by Mayor TBC. I would also like to acknowledge the representatives from Lookout Emergency Aid Society, who will not only operate and manage this building, b…

Honourable Senators, As we mark Veterans’ Week, we honour the brave Canadians who helped defend the values of peace, freedom and justice around the world, including the Korean War. We remember how selflessly Canada answered a country’s call for help.  We remember their valour.  We remember the 516 brave Canadians who made the ultimate sacrifice in service during the war.  We also remember the Canadian fallen, who row upon row, are buried in the United Nations Memori…

Honourable Senators, I rise to pay tribute to Women’s History Month. Outside of my East Block office windows are the bronzed statues immortalizing the Famous 5, the trailblazers who in 1929 pushed Canada into the 20th Century by forcing the Supreme Court to recognize women as persons.  This year we celebrate the contributions of women in the Canadian forces. Their work ethic and contributions first as field nurses and then as soldiers, aviators and marines are a testament to the sign…

Honourable Senators, I rise today to pay tribute to a fine Canadian who has devoted three decades of his life to improving the lives of countless people and "change the way Canadians think about disability" through acts of service and empowerment. Honourable colleague, on a personal level, I feel so privileged to have served with you for your entire Senate tenure. Please know that you leave an indelible mark in my heart (and most likely, in all of our hearts). I recall the day you poked me in…

Honourable Senators, I wish to acknowledge Global Day of Epilepsy Awareness. Member of Parliament Ed Fast has given us these purple ribbons to help us remember those who are facing and addressing this important challenge in their lives.

Honourable Senators, I rise to pay tribute to a true Canadian hero, Dr. Nairn Knott, born in Nanaimo, B.C. on November 14, 1920. On March 13, 2011, surrounded by his loving family, his children, Janet, Buz and Lyall; their spouses, George Hungerford, Wendi Copeland and Susan; his grandchildren, Geordie, Michael, Drew and Janie; his three great grandchildren; and his one and only love of 68 years, Jane, nee Murdoch, Dr. Knott passed away peacefully at the Vancouver General Hospital, the very plac…

Honourable senators, it was love at first sight. The rooms were filled with bedazzling jewels, fine wine, chocolate kisses and beautiful music. Everyone was in the mood for love. There was no hope for a hopeless romantic like me but to be swept away by the magical experience of the twenty-seventh annual Great Valentine Gala that took place on February 12, 2011, at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, Ontario. It was my first gala night to remember. However, honourable senators who have long been…

Honourable senators, I would like to speak this afternoon about Bill C-442, An Act to establish a National Holocaust Monument. Before focusing on this proposed legislation, it is worthwhile to consider some facets of the contextual background leading to it. For thousands of years, communities have erected structures to collectively commemorate important events, individuals or groups of people that have made significant contributions or who have died or suffered as a result of war or other catas…