Table of Contents

VOLUME THREE

Transcripts

1. Introduction

2. Opening Statements

3. Witness Testimony

4. About the Transcripts

Page numbers have been included in the original transcripts to facilitate ease of reference and navigation for readers.

Table of Contents

Witness Transcripts 1

Truro, Nova Scotia Part 1 of 9 2

Day 1 5

Day 2 149

Day 3 329

Toronto, Ontario Part 2 of 9 521

Day 1 524

Day 2 678

Day 3 868

Winnipeg, Manitoba Part 3 of 9 1032

Day 1 1035

Day 2 1184

Day 3 1409

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Part 4 of 9 1591

Day 1 1594

Day 2 1757

Day 3 1947

Red Deer, Alberta Part 5 of 9 2124

Day 1 2127

Day 2 2313

Day 3 2614

Vancouver, British Columbia Part 6 of 9 2796

Day 1 2799

Day 2 2965

Day 3 3139

Quebec City, Quebec Part 7 of 9 3309

Day 1 3312

Day 2 3476

Day 3 3681

Ottawa, Ontario Part 8 of 9 3873

Day 1 3876

Day 2 4049

Day 3 4249

Virtual Hearings Part 9 of 9 4576

Virtual Hearing 1 4577

Virtual Hearing 2 4627

Virtual Hearing 3 4646

1. Transcripts

11.1 Introduction

The inclusion of full transcripts of each of the witnesses as part of the official record is an essential component of the Commission‘s work. These transcripts serve to preserve the firsthand accounts, opinions, experiences, and perspectives of those directly impacted by or involved in the issues under investigation.

Process of Transcription: The transcription process involved the detailed recording of all verbal testimony given by the witnesses during the hearings. A team of volunteer transcribers, utilized both manual (human) or automated (AI-based) methods, as well as multi-levels of manual reviews to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Every word is documented in the transcript, preserving the tone and context of the testimony.

Quality Assurance: Transcripts are carefully reviewed for accuracy. This may involve listening to the recorded testimony multiple times and correcting any errors. In some cases, unclear or disputed sections may be annotated within the transcript.

Importance of Transcripts: The transcripts serve multiple purposes. They provide a permanent, verifiable record of the hearings. This is important for ensuring the transparency and accountability of the Commission‘s work. It also allows those who were not present at the hearings to access the information presented.

Furthermore, transcripts can serve as a valuable resource for future research, policy development, and historical record. They ensure that the experiences and voices of the witnesses are preserved for posterity, contributing to our collective understanding of the issues investigated by the commission.

In this way, the transcription process provides a meticulous, enduring account of the testimonies provided by the witnesses. It plays a vital role in preserving the evidence, upholding the integrity of the Commission‘s proceedings, and informing future generations. 

11.2 Opening Statements

We are proud to present full transcripts of the opening statements made at each of the eight hearings held across Canada as part of this Commission‘s proceedings. While these statements are not direct testimonies from witnesses, they hold significant value and form an integral part of our understanding of the proceedings.

The opening statements set the tone for each hearing, encapsulating the mood, context, and undercurrents of the deliberations that followed. Delivered by key figures in the Commission, these remarks provide insights into the purpose, motivations, and aspirations of the Inquiry. They elucidate the themes that emerged in each hearing, illuminating the unique character and concerns of the various communities involved.

These transcripts offer an opportunity for readers to delve into the emotions, reflections, and aspirations that framed each of the eight hearings. They capture the intensity, hope, and commitment that defined the opening moments of each session. Each opening statement is a call to attention and a pledge of dedication to the truth-seeking mandate of the Commission.

The Commissioners have underscored the importance of these opening statements as part of the official record. Their inclusion reflects our commitment to preserving a complete and nuanced account of the proceedings. It is our hope that these transcripts will serve not only as a historical record but also as a source of insight and understanding for future generations as they reflect on this pivotal period in our national journey.

With the availability of these opening statement transcripts, we invite you to immerse yourself in the spirit and resolve that catalyzed each hearing, deepening your understanding of the proceedings and the invaluable contributions made by all involved.

11.3 Witness Testimony

We are honoured to present to you the complete transcripts of the testimonies provided by both lay and expert witnesses during the hearings of this Commission. These accounts form the heart of our proceedings, encapsulating a wealth of experience, knowledge, and insight that has been crucial to our understanding of the issues at hand.

Lay witnesses—those individuals who have lived through the events under investigation—provide personal, firsthand accounts that breathe life into our understanding of these experiences. Their testimonies paint a vivid picture of the human impact of these events, revealing the deeply personal and often poignant realities that lay behind the facts and figures. These accounts provide an invaluable perspective that helps us appreciate the complexity and the human dimension of the issues we are exploring.

Expert witnesses, on the other hand, provide a different yet equally valuable perspective. Drawn from various fields such as healthcare, education, law, and social sciences, these individuals offer insights grounded in extensive study, research, and professional experience. Their testimonies help us to understand the broader context, uncover underlying mechanisms, and explore potential solutions.

Both types of testimonies—lay and expert—are integral to our investigation. Together, they offer a nuanced and multifaceted understanding of the subjects at hand. The dialogue between personal experience and professional expertise deepens our appreciation of the complexity of the issues under review, informing our deliberations and guiding our recommendations.

The transcripts of these testimonies, painstakingly prepared by our dedicated volunteer transcription team, offer an accurate, detailed, and enduring record of these proceedings. They ensure that the voices heard during the hearings continue to resonate, informing and inspiring future discussions and decisions.

As you explore these transcripts, we invite you to reflect on the diverse perspectives, experiences, and insights they represent. These are the voices that have shaped our work, and we hope they will also shape your understanding of the important issues that have been brought before this Commission.

11.4  About the Transcripts

Our transcription volunteer team was a dedicated group of individuals who committed their time and expertise to support the essential work of this Commission. Their collective mission was to ensure the accurate and comprehensive documentation of each witness‘s testimony, preserving their stories and contributing to a deeper understanding of the issues at hand.

This team was comprised of a diverse and skilled group, including both professional transcriptionists and individuals with strong listening and typing skills from various backgrounds. They were united by their shared dedication to accuracy, attention to detail, and respect for the content they handled.

Our volunteers understood the importance of their role in this process. They were committed to translating the spoken word into text with the utmost care, maintaining the tone and intent of the original statement, and ensuring that every voice was accurately represented.

Their work played a critical role in ensuring transparency, promoting accessibility, and preserving the historical record of these proceedings. Through their efforts, we maintained a thorough and lasting account of the testimonies presented to the Commission, contributing to our collective understanding and memory of these impactful events.

In recognition of their dedication and important contributions, we extend our deepest gratitude to our volunteer transcription team. Their unwavering commitment to this task reflected the spirit of service, civic engagement, and commitment to truth that was central to the work of our Commission.