10. Commissioners‘ Statement

10.1 A Message to Canadians

Dear Fellow Canadians,

We, the Commissioners of the National Citizens Inquiry, address Canadians today with a message of empowerment, urging you to recognize the immense power you hold to shape the destiny of our great nation.

It is time to embrace our collective responsibility and take control of our government. Working together, we can create the kind of society that we can be proud to pass on to future generations.

As we collectively awaken to the cold realization of the magnitude of government acts against us, we must ensure that the horror that we all lived through can never happen again.

But it is up to you--not your representatives, not the party, not the other person. It is up to you.

Canada is a land of vast potential, blessed with abundant resources, diverse cultures, and a tradition of compassion and inclusivity. Yet, we find ourselves at a critical juncture where challenges and opportunities abound.

Our collective lips may be bloodied, but we are not defeated. We may be shamed, but we cannot turn away from the horror of the past three years--or it will never be expunged. Worse, it will once again visit itself on our children and grandchildren.

It is a fact of history that the true strength of a nation lies within the determination and resolve of its citizens.

We encourage you to reflect upon the society we desire for our children, one that is characterized by justice, equality, sustainability, and opportunity for all. It is a vision that can only be realized when we actively engage in the democratic processes that govern our land.

The power to effect change rests firmly in our hands.

Now is the time to demand transparency and accountability from our elected officials, to actively participate in public discourse, and to hold our governments to the highest standards.

We must remain vigilant, ensuring that our voices are heard and our concerns are addressed.

Let us not underestimate the influence we possess as engaged and informed citizens.

To create the society we all dream of, we must come together across all divides—geographical, social, and ideological.

We must embrace dialogue, respect diverse perspectives, and find common ground in our shared aspirations.

By fostering unity and understanding, we can overcome the challenges that lie before us and build a brighter future.

We must reject and turn away from the hateful ideologies and propaganda that was used to terrorize and control us. They did control us—neighbour against neighbour, parent against children, brother against brother, us versus them.

However, our responsibility extends beyond governance alone. We must also take a critical look at our individual actions and how we empowered the government to achieve these horrors.

Let us strive to be responsible stewards of our country, vigilantly protecting democratic practices that preserve our God-given rights and freedoms. Let us foster compassion, empathy, and inclusivity, creating a society that celebrates diversity and supports the most vulnerable among us, and protects the rights and freedoms of everyone.

Let the words Never Again be heard on every lip.

In the face of adversity, it is our duty as citizens to remain hopeful, resilient, and committed to the principles that define us as Canadians. We have a rich history of progress and innovation, and we can draw upon this legacy to shape a future that reflects our values and aspirations.

Together, let us embrace the responsibility that comes with citizenship. Let us engage in meaningful dialogue, hold our government accountable, and actively participate in the democratic process. Let us be the change we wish to see in our society.

With determination and unity, we can create a Canada that we are truly proud to pass on to our children, a nation that embodies justice, equality, sustainability, and boundless opportunities for all.

It cannot be business as usual. The crimes perpetrated on every single one of us must be addressed--and the perpetrators, at all levels, held to account.

10.2 Final Message from the Commissioners

We, the Commissioners of the National Citizens Inquiry, wish to express our heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous honour and privilege of serving on this distinguished Commission.

As this stage, as the Inquiry draws to a close, we reflect upon the incredible journey we have undertaken together and the significant impact our collective efforts have had on the pursuit of truth, justice, and accountability.

The Commissioners have had a firsthand opportunity to travel Canada from coast-to-coast and meet the some of the most extraordinary and courageous citizens of Canada. These witnesses, although aware of the potential consequences of their testimony, bravely stepped forward and set an example for the rest of Canadians.

Throughout this arduous but profoundly important process, we have had the opportunity to work alongside some of the most dedicated professionals, experts, and stakeholders. Their unwavering commitment to the ideals of transparency, fairness, and the pursuit of truth has been an inspiration to us all.

We are grateful for their valuable contributions and for enriching our understanding of the complex issues at hand.

We extend our deepest appreciation to the individuals and organizations who courageously came forward to share their experiences, expertise, and perspectives. Their willingness to engage with the Inquiry has been vital in uncovering the facts, shedding light on critical matters, and shaping the recommendations that will guide positive change.

We also express our gratitude to the wider public for their unwavering support and unwavering confidence in our work. Their expectations, concerns, and aspirations have served as a constant reminder of the significance of our task and the responsibility entrusted to us.

We have endeavoured to honour this trust by conducting a thorough, impartial, and diligent Inquiry.

The collaborative spirit and professionalism exhibited by the Commission members, staff, and all those involved in the Inquiry have been exemplary. Their dedication, expertise, and tireless efforts have been instrumental in our collective pursuit of truth, fairness, and the betterment of our society.

As the Commissioners conclude our mandate, we are acutely aware of the impact our findings and recommendations may have on individuals, communities, and institutions.

We commit to ensuring that our Report reflects the highest standards of integrity, accuracy, and fairness, as we strive to provide a comprehensive account and actionable recommendations that address the core issues at hand.

Finally, we express our profound disappointment to the governments, legislatures, and all those who have not stepped forward to support and facilitate the work of this Public Inquiry. Their abject disregard for accountability, transparency, and the pursuit of justice is an existential threat to a just and democratic society.

Once again, we extend our sincere gratitude to each and every member of this Commission whose dedication, expertise, and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of truth have made this journey possible. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve alongside such exceptional individuals.

Thank you.

Janice Kaikkonen                          Dr. Bernard Massie

Janice Kaikkonen                          Heather DiGregorio