Official Statement - Pickering Recognizes the Passing of the Honourable Murray Sinclair

Pickering, ON, November 5, 2024 – The Mayor and Members of Council of the City of Pickering express their deepest sorrow on the passing of the Honourable Murray Sinclair and offer their shared and sincerest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, as well as to Indigenous Peoples and communities across Turtle Island.

An Anishinaabe and member of the Peguis First Nation, Murray Sinclair dedicated his life to pursuing justice, truth, and reconciliation for Indigenous Peoples. From his work as a lawyer and becoming the first Indigenous judge appointed in Manitoba, to his appointment to the Senate, Murray Sinclair consistently advocated for Indigenous rights while shaping a path forward for Canada, grounded in respect, healing, and friendship.

As Chief Commissioner of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), he played a pivotal role in shedding light on the painful truths of the residential school system, bringing the experiences of over 6,000 Survivors to the forefront to ensure that their stories are known, remembered, and honoured for generations to come. The TRC’s 94 Calls to Action remain a vital framework for moving Canada toward healing and justice.

To commemorate the passing of Murray Sinclair, flags at City of Pickering facilities will be flown at half-mast. Books of condolence will be made available at City Hall, the Central Library, and the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex for residents wishing to share their thoughts, prayers, and messages of reflection. Copies of the TRC’s Calls to Action booklets will also be available at these locations for those looking to learn more about his legacy and deepen their understanding.

“Murray Sinclair’s loss is felt deeply by all who were privileged to know him and by the countless lives he touched through his dedication to truth, justice, and reconciliation,” said Mayor Kevin Ashe. “The Calls to Action will continue to shape the path forward, and his legacy will inspire future generations in Pickering, and across Turtle Island, to honour the past, heal the present, and work together for a better future.”

Media Contact: 

Shauna Tawadrous
Supervisor, Public Affairs & Corporate Communications
Office of the CAO
905.420.4660 ext. 2134