Well , so  so  so argu arguably , I mean , what we should do  I mean , I gather you have  it sounds like you have a few more days of  of nailing things down with the software and so on. But  and then  but , um ,  arguably what we should do is , even though the software can do many things , we should for now pick a set of things , th these things I would guess , and not change that.

And then focus on  everything that 's left. And I think , you know , that our goal should be by next week , when Hynek comes back ,  uh , to  uh , really just to have a firm path , uh , for the  you know , for the time he 's gone , of  of , uh , what things will be attacked. But I would  I would  I would thought think that what we would wanna do is not futz with this stuff for a while because what 'll happen is we 'll change many other things in the system ,


And then focus on  everything that 's left. And I think , you know , that our goal should be by next week , when Hynek comes back ,  uh , to  uh , really just to have a firm path , uh , for the  you know , for the time he 's gone , of  of , uh , what things will be attacked. But I would  I would  I would thought think that what we would wanna do is not futz with this stuff for a while because what 'll happen is we 'll change many other things in the system ,

and then we 'll probably wanna come back to this and possibly make some other choices. But , um.


And then focus on  everything that 's left. And I think , you know , that our goal should be by next week , when Hynek comes back ,  uh , to  uh , really just to have a firm path , uh , for the  you know , for the time he 's gone , of  of , uh , what things will be attacked. But I would  I would  I would thought think that what we would wanna do is not futz with this stuff for a while because what 'll happen is we 'll change many other things in the system ,

and then we 'll probably wanna come back to this and possibly make some other choices. But , um.

But just conceptually , where does the neural net go ? Do  do you wanna h run it on the output of the spectrally subtracted  ?


and then we 'll probably wanna come back to this and possibly make some other choices. But , um.

But just conceptually , where does the neural net go ? Do  do you wanna h run it on the output of the spectrally subtracted  ?


and then we 'll probably wanna come back to this and possibly make some other choices. But , um.

But just conceptually , where does the neural net go ? Do  do you wanna h run it on the output of the spectrally subtracted  ?

Well , depending on its size  Well , one question is , is it on the , um , server side or is it on the terminal side ? Uh , if it 's on the server side , it  you probably don't have to worry too much about size.


But just conceptually , where does the neural net go ? Do  do you wanna h run it on the output of the spectrally subtracted  ?

Well , depending on its size  Well , one question is , is it on the , um , server side or is it on the terminal side ? Uh , if it 's on the server side , it  you probably don't have to worry too much about size.


Well , depending on its size  Well , one question is , is it on the , um , server side or is it on the terminal side ? Uh , if it 's on the server side , it  you probably don't have to worry too much about size.

So that 's kind of an argument for that. We do still , however , have to consider its latency. So the issue is  is , um ,  for instance , could we have a neural net that only looked at the past ?


So that 's kind of an argument for that. We do still , however , have to consider its latency. So the issue is  is , um ,  for instance , could we have a neural net that only looked at the past ?

Um , what we 've done in uh  in the past is to use the neural net , uh , to transform ,  um , all of the features that we use. So this is done early on. This is essentially ,  um , um  I guess it 's  it 's more or less like a spee a speech enhancement technique here


Um , what we 've done in uh  in the past is to use the neural net , uh , to transform ,  um , all of the features that we use. So this is done early on. This is essentially ,  um , um  I guess it 's  it 's more or less like a spee a speech enhancement technique here

right ?  where we 're just kind of creating  new  if not new speech at least new  new FFT 's that  that have  you know , which could be turned into speech  uh , that  that have some of the noise removed.


right ?  where we 're just kind of creating  new  if not new speech at least new  new FFT 's that  that have  you know , which could be turned into speech  uh , that  that have some of the noise removed.


right ?  where we 're just kind of creating  new  if not new speech at least new  new FFT 's that  that have  you know , which could be turned into speech  uh , that  that have some of the noise removed.

Um , after that we still do a mess of other things to  to produce a bunch of features.


Um , after that we still do a mess of other things to  to produce a bunch of features.


Um , after that we still do a mess of other things to  to produce a bunch of features.

And then those features are not now currently transformed  by the neural net. And then the  the way that we had it in our proposal - two before , we had the neural net transformed features and we had  the untransformed features , which I guess you  you actually did linearly transform with the KLT ,


And then those features are not now currently transformed  by the neural net. And then the  the way that we had it in our proposal - two before , we had the neural net transformed features and we had  the untransformed features , which I guess you  you actually did linearly transform with the KLT ,

but  but  but  uh , to orthogonalize them  but   but they were not , uh , processed through a neural net. And Stephane 's idea with that , as I recall , was that  you 'd have one part of the feature vector that was very discriminant and another part that wasn't ,


but  but  but  uh , to orthogonalize them  but   but they were not , uh , processed through a neural net. And Stephane 's idea with that , as I recall , was that  you 'd have one part of the feature vector that was very discriminant and another part that wasn't ,

uh , which would smooth things a bit for those occasions when , uh , the testing set was quite different than what you 'd trained your discriminant features for. So , um , all of that is  is , uh  still seems like a good idea. The thing is now we know some other constraints. We can't have unlimited amounts of latency. Uh , y you know , that 's still being debated by the  by people in Europe but ,  uh , no matter how they end up there , it 's not going to be unlimited amounts ,


uh , which would smooth things a bit for those occasions when , uh , the testing set was quite different than what you 'd trained your discriminant features for. So , um , all of that is  is , uh  still seems like a good idea. The thing is now we know some other constraints. We can't have unlimited amounts of latency. Uh , y you know , that 's still being debated by the  by people in Europe but ,  uh , no matter how they end up there , it 's not going to be unlimited amounts ,

so we have to be a little conscious of that. Um. So there 's the neural net issue. There 's the VAD issue. And , uh , there 's the second stream  thing. And I think those that we  last time we agreed that those are the three things that have to get , uh , focused on.


so we have to be a little conscious of that. Um. So there 's the neural net issue. There 's the VAD issue. And , uh , there 's the second stream  thing. And I think those that we  last time we agreed that those are the three things that have to get , uh , focused on.


so we have to be a little conscious of that. Um. So there 's the neural net issue. There 's the VAD issue. And , uh , there 's the second stream  thing. And I think those that we  last time we agreed that those are the three things that have to get , uh , focused on.

And so the w the default , uh , boundaries that they provide are  they 're OK , but they 're not all that great ?


And so the w the default , uh , boundaries that they provide are  they 're OK , but they 're not all that great ?

I guess they still allow two hundred milliseconds on either side or some ? Is that what the deal is ?


And so the w the default , uh , boundaries that they provide are  they 're OK , but they 're not all that great ?

I guess they still allow two hundred milliseconds on either side or some ? Is that what the deal is ?

Mm - hmm. Uh , so th um , they keep two hundred milliseconds at the beginning and end of speech. And they keep all the


I guess they still allow two hundred milliseconds on either side or some ? Is that what the deal is ?

Mm - hmm. Uh , so th um , they keep two hundred milliseconds at the beginning and end of speech. And they keep all the


Mm - hmm. Uh , so th um , they keep two hundred milliseconds at the beginning and end of speech. And they keep all the


And all the speech pauses , which is  Sometimes on the SpeechDat - Car you have pauses that are more than one or two seconds.


Yeah. And , yeah , it seems to us that this way of just dropping the beginning and end is not  We cou we can do better , I think ,


Yeah. And , yeah , it seems to us that this way of just dropping the beginning and end is not  We cou we can do better , I think ,

because , um ,  with this way of dropping the frames they improve  over the baseline by fourteen percent and  Sunil already showed that with our current VAD we can improve by more than twenty percent.


because , um ,  with this way of dropping the frames they improve  over the baseline by fourteen percent and  Sunil already showed that with our current VAD we can improve by more than twenty percent.


because , um ,  with this way of dropping the frames they improve  over the baseline by fourteen percent and  Sunil already showed that with our current VAD we can improve by more than twenty percent.

Just using either their VAD or our current VAD.


Just using either their VAD or our current VAD.


Just using either their VAD or our current VAD.

So , our current VAD is  is more than twenty percent , while their is fourteen.


So , our current VAD is  is more than twenty percent , while their is fourteen.


So. Yeah. And  another thing that we did also is that we have all this training data for  let 's say , for SpeechDat - Car. We have channel zero which is clean , channel one which is far - field microphone. And if we just take only the , um , VAD probabilities computed on the clean signal and apply them on the far - field , uh , test utterances ,  then results are much better.


So. Yeah. And  another thing that we did also is that we have all this training data for  let 's say , for SpeechDat - Car. We have channel zero which is clean , channel one which is far - field microphone. And if we just take only the , um , VAD probabilities computed on the clean signal and apply them on the far - field , uh , test utterances ,  then results are much better.

In some cases it divides the error rate by two.


In some cases it divides the error rate by two.


In some cases it divides the error rate by two.

How  how much latency does the , uh  does our VAD add ?


How  how much latency does the , uh  does our VAD add ?

If  if we can have a good VAD , well , it would be great.


How  how much latency does the , uh  does our VAD add ?

If  if we can have a good VAD , well , it would be great.

Uh , right now it 's , um , a neural net with nine frames.


If  if we can have a good VAD , well , it would be great.

Uh , right now it 's , um , a neural net with nine frames.


Uh , right now it 's , um , a neural net with nine frames.

So it 's forty milliseconds plus , um , the rank ordering , which , uh , should be


So it 's forty milliseconds plus , um , the rank ordering , which , uh , should be


So , right now it 's one hundred and forty  milliseconds.


So , right now it 's one hundred and forty  milliseconds.

The  the  the smoothing  the m the  the filtering of the probabilities.


The  the  the smoothing  the m the  the filtering of the probabilities.


The  the  the smoothing  the m the  the filtering of the probabilities.

Yeah. It 's not a median filtering. It 's just  We don't take the median value. We take something  Um , so we have eleven , um , frames.


Yeah. It 's not a median filtering. It 's just  We don't take the median value. We take something  Um , so we have eleven , um , frames.


Yeah. Um. So   Yeah , I was just noticing on this that it makes reference to delay.


Yeah. Um. So   Yeah , I was just noticing on this that it makes reference to delay.

So what 's the  ? If you ignore  Um , the VAD is sort of in  in parallel , isn't i isn't it , with  with the  ? I mean , it isn't additive with the  the , uh , LDA and the Wiener filtering , and so forth.


So what 's the  ? If you ignore  Um , the VAD is sort of in  in parallel , isn't i isn't it , with  with the  ? I mean , it isn't additive with the  the , uh , LDA and the Wiener filtering , and so forth.


So what 's the  ? If you ignore  Um , the VAD is sort of in  in parallel , isn't i isn't it , with  with the  ? I mean , it isn't additive with the  the , uh , LDA and the Wiener filtering , and so forth.

Yeah. So  so what happened right now , we removed the delay of the LDA.


Yeah. So  so what happened right now , we removed the delay of the LDA.


Yeah. So  so what happened right now , we removed the delay of the LDA.

So we  I mean , if  so if we  if  so which is like if we reduce the delay of VA So , the f the final delay 's now ba is f determined by the delay of the VAD , because the LDA doesn't have any delay. So if we re if we reduce the delay of the VAD , I mean , it 's like effectively reducing the delay.


So we  I mean , if  so if we  if  so which is like if we reduce the delay of VA So , the f the final delay 's now ba is f determined by the delay of the VAD , because the LDA doesn't have any delay. So if we re if we reduce the delay of the VAD , I mean , it 's like effectively reducing the delay.

How  how much , uh , delay was there on the LDA ?


So we  I mean , if  so if we  if  so which is like if we reduce the delay of VA So , the f the final delay 's now ba is f determined by the delay of the VAD , because the LDA doesn't have any delay. So if we re if we reduce the delay of the VAD , I mean , it 's like effectively reducing the delay.

How  how much , uh , delay was there on the LDA ?

So the LDA and the VAD both had a hundred millisecond delay. So and they were in parallel , so which means you pick either one of them


How  how much , uh , delay was there on the LDA ?

So the LDA and the VAD both had a hundred millisecond delay. So and they were in parallel , so which means you pick either one of them


So the LDA and the VAD both had a hundred millisecond delay. So and they were in parallel , so which means you pick either one of them


And there didn't seem to be any , uh , penalty for that ? There didn't seem to be any penalty for making it causal ?


And there didn't seem to be any , uh , penalty for that ? There didn't seem to be any penalty for making it causal ?

Pardon ? Oh , no. It actually made it , like , point one percent better or something , actually.


Pardon ? Oh , no. It actually made it , like , point one percent better or something , actually.

And he says Wiener filter is  is forty milliseconds delay.


And he says Wiener filter is  is forty milliseconds delay.


And he says Wiener filter is  is forty milliseconds delay.

Yeah. So that 's the one which Stephane was discussing , like


Yeah. So that 's the one which Stephane was discussing , like


Yeah. So that 's the one which Stephane was discussing , like

Yeah. The  you smooth it and then delay the decision by  So.


Yeah. The  you smooth it and then delay the decision by  So.

Right. OK. So that 's  that 's really not  not bad. So we may in fact  we 'll see what they decide. We may in fact have ,  um , the  the , uh , latency time available for  to have a neural net. I mean , sounds like we probably will. So.


Yeah. The  you smooth it and then delay the decision by  So.

Right. OK. So that 's  that 's really not  not bad. So we may in fact  we 'll see what they decide. We may in fact have ,  um , the  the , uh , latency time available for  to have a neural net. I mean , sounds like we probably will. So.

That 'd be good. Cuz I  cuz it certainly always helped us before. So.


Right. OK. So that 's  that 's really not  not bad. So we may in fact  we 'll see what they decide. We may in fact have ,  um , the  the , uh , latency time available for  to have a neural net. I mean , sounds like we probably will. So.

That 'd be good. Cuz I  cuz it certainly always helped us before. So.

What amount of latency are you thinking about when you say that ?


That 'd be good. Cuz I  cuz it certainly always helped us before. So.

What amount of latency are you thinking about when you say that ?

Uh. Well , they 're  you know , they 're disputing it.


What amount of latency are you thinking about when you say that ?

Uh. Well , they 're  you know , they 're disputing it.

You know , they 're saying , uh  one group is saying a hundred and thirty milliseconds and another group is saying two hundred and fifty milliseconds. Two hundred and fifty is what it was before actually. So ,


Uh. Well , they 're  you know , they 're disputing it.

You know , they 're saying , uh  one group is saying a hundred and thirty milliseconds and another group is saying two hundred and fifty milliseconds. Two hundred and fifty is what it was before actually. So ,


You know , they 're saying , uh  one group is saying a hundred and thirty milliseconds and another group is saying two hundred and fifty milliseconds. Two hundred and fifty is what it was before actually. So ,

uh , some people are lobbying  lobbying  to make it shorter.


uh , some people are lobbying  lobbying  to make it shorter.


uh , some people are lobbying  lobbying  to make it shorter.

Were you thinking of the two - fifty or the one - thirty when you said we should  have enough for the neural net ?


Were you thinking of the two - fifty or the one - thirty when you said we should  have enough for the neural net ?

Well , it just  it  when we find that out it might change exactly how we do it , is all.


Were you thinking of the two - fifty or the one - thirty when you said we should  have enough for the neural net ?

Well , it just  it  when we find that out it might change exactly how we do it , is all.

I mean , how much effort do we put into making it causal ? I mean ,  I think the neural net will probably do better if it looks at a little bit of the future.


Well , it just  it  when we find that out it might change exactly how we do it , is all.

I mean , how much effort do we put into making it causal ? I mean ,  I think the neural net will probably do better if it looks at a little bit of the future.


I mean , how much effort do we put into making it causal ? I mean ,  I think the neural net will probably do better if it looks at a little bit of the future.

But , um , it will probably work to some extent to look only at the past. And we ha you know , limited machine and human time , and  effort. And , you know , how  how much time should we put into  into that ? So it 'd be helpful if we find out from the  the standards folks whether , you know , they 're gonna restrict that or not.


But , um , it will probably work to some extent to look only at the past. And we ha you know , limited machine and human time , and  effort. And , you know , how  how much time should we put into  into that ? So it 'd be helpful if we find out from the  the standards folks whether , you know , they 're gonna restrict that or not.

Um. But I think , you know , at this point our major concern is making the performance better and  and , um ,  if , uh , something has to take a little longer in latency in order to do it that 's  you know , a secondary issue.


Um. But I think , you know , at this point our major concern is making the performance better and  and , um ,  if , uh , something has to take a little longer in latency in order to do it that 's  you know , a secondary issue.

But if we get told otherwise then , you know , we may have to c clamp down a bit more.


But if we get told otherwise then , you know , we may have to c clamp down a bit more.

So , the one  one  one difference is that  was there is like we tried computing the delta and then doing the frame - dropping.


So , the one  one  one difference is that  was there is like we tried computing the delta and then doing the frame - dropping.

The earlier system was do the frame - dropping and then compute the delta on the


The earlier system was do the frame - dropping and then compute the delta on the


The earlier system was do the frame - dropping and then compute the delta on the

Which could be a kind of a funny delta. Right ?


Which could be a kind of a funny delta. Right ?


Which could be a kind of a funny delta. Right ?

Oh , oh. So that 's fixed in this. Yeah , we talked about that.


Oh , oh. So that 's fixed in this. Yeah , we talked about that.


So the frame - dropping is the last thing that we do. So , yeah , what we do is we compute the silence probability , convert it to that binary flag ,


So the frame - dropping is the last thing that we do. So , yeah , what we do is we compute the silence probability , convert it to that binary flag ,

and then in the end you c up upsample it to  match the final features number of


and then in the end you c up upsample it to  match the final features number of


and then in the end you c up upsample it to  match the final features number of

It seems to be helping on the well - matched condition. So that 's why this improvement I got from the last result. So. And it actually r reduced a little bit on the high mismatch , so in the final weightage it 's b b better because the well - matched is still weighted more than


It seems to be helping on the well - matched condition. So that 's why this improvement I got from the last result. So. And it actually r reduced a little bit on the high mismatch , so in the final weightage it 's b b better because the well - matched is still weighted more than

So , @ @ I mean , you were doing a lot of changes. Did you happen to notice how much ,  uh , the change was due to just this frame - dropping problem ? What about this ?


It seems to be helping on the well - matched condition. So that 's why this improvement I got from the last result. So. And it actually r reduced a little bit on the high mismatch , so in the final weightage it 's b b better because the well - matched is still weighted more than

So , @ @ I mean , you were doing a lot of changes. Did you happen to notice how much ,  uh , the change was due to just this frame - dropping problem ? What about this ?

Just the frame - dropping problem. Yeah. But it 's  it 's difficult. Sometime we  we change two  two things together and  But it 's around  maybe  it 's less than one percent.


So , @ @ I mean , you were doing a lot of changes. Did you happen to notice how much ,  uh , the change was due to just this frame - dropping problem ? What about this ?

Just the frame - dropping problem. Yeah. But it 's  it 's difficult. Sometime we  we change two  two things together and  But it 's around  maybe  it 's less than one percent.


Just the frame - dropping problem. Yeah. But it 's  it 's difficult. Sometime we  we change two  two things together and  But it 's around  maybe  it 's less than one percent.


Well.  But like we 're saying , if there 's four or five things like that then  pretty sho soon you 're talking real improvement.


Well.  But like we 're saying , if there 's four or five things like that then  pretty sho soon you 're talking real improvement.

Yeah. Yeah. And it  Yeah. And then we have to be careful with that also  with the neural net


Well.  But like we 're saying , if there 's four or five things like that then  pretty sho soon you 're talking real improvement.

Yeah. Yeah. And it  Yeah. And then we have to be careful with that also  with the neural net

because in  the proposal the neural net was also , uh , working on  after frame - dropping.


Yeah. Yeah. And it  Yeah. And then we have to be careful with that also  with the neural net

because in  the proposal the neural net was also , uh , working on  after frame - dropping.


because in  the proposal the neural net was also , uh , working on  after frame - dropping.


So. Well , we 'll have to be  to do the same kind of correction.


So. Well , we 'll have to be  to do the same kind of correction.

It might be hard if it 's at the server side. Right ?


So. Well , we 'll have to be  to do the same kind of correction.

It might be hard if it 's at the server side. Right ?

Mmm. Well , we can do the frame - dropping on the server side or we can just be careful at the terminal side to send a couple of more frames before and after , and  So. I think it 's OK.


It might be hard if it 's at the server side. Right ?

Mmm. Well , we can do the frame - dropping on the server side or we can just be careful at the terminal side to send a couple of more frames before and after , and  So. I think it 's OK.

You have , um  So when you  Uh , maybe I don't quite understand how this works , but , um , couldn't you just send all of the frames , but mark the ones that are supposed to be dropped ? Cuz you have a bunch more bandwidth. Right ?


Mmm. Well , we can do the frame - dropping on the server side or we can just be careful at the terminal side to send a couple of more frames before and after , and  So. I think it 's OK.

You have , um  So when you  Uh , maybe I don't quite understand how this works , but , um , couldn't you just send all of the frames , but mark the ones that are supposed to be dropped ? Cuz you have a bunch more bandwidth. Right ?

Well , you could. Yeah. I mean , it  it always seemed to us that it would be kind of nice to  in addition to , uh , reducing insertions , actually use up less bandwidth.


You have , um  So when you  Uh , maybe I don't quite understand how this works , but , um , couldn't you just send all of the frames , but mark the ones that are supposed to be dropped ? Cuz you have a bunch more bandwidth. Right ?

Well , you could. Yeah. I mean , it  it always seemed to us that it would be kind of nice to  in addition to , uh , reducing insertions , actually use up less bandwidth.


You have , um  So when you  Uh , maybe I don't quite understand how this works , but , um , couldn't you just send all of the frames , but mark the ones that are supposed to be dropped ? Cuz you have a bunch more bandwidth. Right ?

Well , you could. Yeah. I mean , it  it always seemed to us that it would be kind of nice to  in addition to , uh , reducing insertions , actually use up less bandwidth.

But nobody seems to have  cared about that in this  evaluation.


Well , you could. Yeah. I mean , it  it always seemed to us that it would be kind of nice to  in addition to , uh , reducing insertions , actually use up less bandwidth.

But nobody seems to have  cared about that in this  evaluation.


But nobody seems to have  cared about that in this  evaluation.


But nobody seems to have  cared about that in this  evaluation.

If the net 's on the server side then it could use all of the  frames.


If the net 's on the server side then it could use all of the  frames.

Yes , it could be. It 's , like , you mean you just transferred everything and then finally drop the frames after the neural net.


If the net 's on the server side then it could use all of the  frames.

Yes , it could be. It 's , like , you mean you just transferred everything and then finally drop the frames after the neural net.

Right ? Yeah. That 's  that 's one thing which


Yes , it could be. It 's , like , you mean you just transferred everything and then finally drop the frames after the neural net.

Right ? Yeah. That 's  that 's one thing which


Right ? Yeah. That 's  that 's one thing which

But you could even mark them , before they get to the server.


Right ? Yeah. That 's  that 's one thing which

But you could even mark them , before they get to the server.

Yeah. Right now we are  Uh , ri Right now what  wha what we did is , like , we just mark  we just have this additional bit which goes around the features ,  saying it 's currently a  it 's a speech or a nonspeech.


But you could even mark them , before they get to the server.

Yeah. Right now we are  Uh , ri Right now what  wha what we did is , like , we just mark  we just have this additional bit which goes around the features ,  saying it 's currently a  it 's a speech or a nonspeech.


But you could even mark them , before they get to the server.

Yeah. Right now we are  Uh , ri Right now what  wha what we did is , like , we just mark  we just have this additional bit which goes around the features ,  saying it 's currently a  it 's a speech or a nonspeech.

So there is no frame - dropping till the final features , like , including the deltas are computed.


Yeah. Right now we are  Uh , ri Right now what  wha what we did is , like , we just mark  we just have this additional bit which goes around the features ,  saying it 's currently a  it 's a speech or a nonspeech.

So there is no frame - dropping till the final features , like , including the deltas are computed.


So there is no frame - dropping till the final features , like , including the deltas are computed.

And after the deltas are computed , you just pick up the ones that are marked silence and then drop them.


And after the deltas are computed , you just pick up the ones that are marked silence and then drop them.

So it would be more or less the same thing with the neural net , I guess , actually.


So it would be more or less the same thing with the neural net , I guess , actually.

So. Yeah , that 's what  that 's what  that 's what , uh , this is doing right now.


So. Yeah , that 's what  that 's what  that 's what , uh , this is doing right now.


Um. OK. So , uh , what 's , uh  ? That 's  that 's a good set of work that  that , uh


Um. OK. So , uh , what 's , uh  ? That 's  that 's a good set of work that  that , uh

Just one more thing. Like , should we do something f more for the noise estimation , because we still  ?


Um. OK. So , uh , what 's , uh  ? That 's  that 's a good set of work that  that , uh

Just one more thing. Like , should we do something f more for the noise estimation , because we still  ?

Yeah. I was wondering about that. That was  I  I had written that down there.


Just one more thing. Like , should we do something f more for the noise estimation , because we still  ?

Yeah. I was wondering about that. That was  I  I had written that down there.


Yeah. I was wondering about that. That was  I  I had written that down there.


So , we , uh  actually I did the first experiment. This is  with just fifteen frames. Um. We take the first fifteen frame of each utterance to it ,


So , we , uh  actually I did the first experiment. This is  with just fifteen frames. Um. We take the first fifteen frame of each utterance to it ,

and average their power spectra. Um. I tried just plugging the , um ,  uh , Guenter noise estimation on this system , and it  uh , it got worse. Um , but of course I didn't play  with it.


and average their power spectra. Um. I tried just plugging the , um ,  uh , Guenter noise estimation on this system , and it  uh , it got worse. Um , but of course I didn't play  with it.

But  Mm - hmm. Uh , I didn't  do much more  for noise estimation. I just tried this ,


and average their power spectra. Um. I tried just plugging the , um ,  uh , Guenter noise estimation on this system , and it  uh , it got worse. Um , but of course I didn't play  with it.

But  Mm - hmm. Uh , I didn't  do much more  for noise estimation. I just tried this ,

Hmm. Yeah. Well , it 's not surprising it 'd be worse the first time.


But  Mm - hmm. Uh , I didn't  do much more  for noise estimation. I just tried this ,

Hmm. Yeah. Well , it 's not surprising it 'd be worse the first time.


Hmm. Yeah. Well , it 's not surprising it 'd be worse the first time.


it does seem like , you know , i i i i some compromise between always depending on the first fifteen frames and a a always depending on a  a pause is  is  is a good idea. Uh , maybe you have to weight the estimate from the first - teen  fifteen frames more heavily than  than was done in your first attempt. But


Yeah. Um. No , I mean  Um , do you have any way of assessing how well or how poorly the noise estimation is currently doing ?


Is there  was there any experiment with  ? Well , I  I did  The only experiment where I tried was I used the channel zero VAD for the noise estimation and frame - dropping. So I don't have a   I don't have a split , like which one helped more.


Is there  was there any experiment with  ? Well , I  I did  The only experiment where I tried was I used the channel zero VAD for the noise estimation and frame - dropping. So I don't have a   I don't have a split , like which one helped more.

So. It  it was the best result I could get.


So. It  it was the best result I could get.


So. It  it was the best result I could get.

So that 's something you could do with , um , this final system. Right ? Just do this  everything that is in this final system except ,  uh , use the channel zero.


So that 's something you could do with , um , this final system. Right ? Just do this  everything that is in this final system except ,  uh , use the channel zero.


If it 's , you know , essentially not better , then  it 's probably not worth


If it 's , you know , essentially not better , then  it 's probably not worth

Yeah. But the Guenter 's argument is slightly different. It 's , like , ev even  even if I use a channel zero VAD , I 'm just averaging the   the s power spectrum. But the Guenter 's argument is , like , if it is a non - stationary  segment , then he doesn't update the noise spectrum. So he 's , like  he tries to capture only the stationary part in it. So the averaging is , like ,  different from  updating the noise spectrum only during stationary segments. So , th the Guenter was arguing that , I mean , even if you have a very good VAD , averaging it , like , over the whole thing is not a good idea.


Yeah. But the Guenter 's argument is slightly different. It 's , like , ev even  even if I use a channel zero VAD , I 'm just averaging the   the s power spectrum. But the Guenter 's argument is , like , if it is a non - stationary  segment , then he doesn't update the noise spectrum. So he 's , like  he tries to capture only the stationary part in it. So the averaging is , like ,  different from  updating the noise spectrum only during stationary segments. So , th the Guenter was arguing that , I mean , even if you have a very good VAD , averaging it , like , over the whole thing is not a good idea.


Yeah. But the Guenter 's argument is slightly different. It 's , like , ev even  even if I use a channel zero VAD , I 'm just averaging the   the s power spectrum. But the Guenter 's argument is , like , if it is a non - stationary  segment , then he doesn't update the noise spectrum. So he 's , like  he tries to capture only the stationary part in it. So the averaging is , like ,  different from  updating the noise spectrum only during stationary segments. So , th the Guenter was arguing that , I mean , even if you have a very good VAD , averaging it , like , over the whole thing is not a good idea.

Because you 're averaging the stationary and the non - stationary , and finally you end up getting something which is not really the s because , you  anyway , you can't remove the stationary part fr I mean , non - stationary part from  the signal.


Because you 're averaging the stationary and the non - stationary , and finally you end up getting something which is not really the s because , you  anyway , you can't remove the stationary part fr I mean , non - stationary part from  the signal.

So  Yeah. So you just  update only doing  or update only the stationary components. Yeah. So , that 's  so that 's still a slight difference from what Guenter is trying


Because you 're averaging the stationary and the non - stationary , and finally you end up getting something which is not really the s because , you  anyway , you can't remove the stationary part fr I mean , non - stationary part from  the signal.

So  Yeah. So you just  update only doing  or update only the stationary components. Yeah. So , that 's  so that 's still a slight difference from what Guenter is trying

Well , yeah. And  and also there 's just the fact that , um , eh , uh , although we 're trying to do very well on this evaluation , um , we actually would like to have something that worked well in general. And , um , relying on having fifteen frames at the front or something is  is pretty


So  Yeah. So you just  update only doing  or update only the stationary components. Yeah. So , that 's  so that 's still a slight difference from what Guenter is trying

Well , yeah. And  and also there 's just the fact that , um , eh , uh , although we 're trying to do very well on this evaluation , um , we actually would like to have something that worked well in general. And , um , relying on having fifteen frames at the front or something is  is pretty


Well , yeah. And  and also there 's just the fact that , um , eh , uh , although we 're trying to do very well on this evaluation , um , we actually would like to have something that worked well in general. And , um , relying on having fifteen frames at the front or something is  is pretty


So , um. Um , it 'd certainly be more robust to different kinds of input if you had at least some updates. Um.


So , um. Um , it 'd certainly be more robust to different kinds of input if you had at least some updates. Um.

But , um. Well , I don't know. What  what do you , uh  what do you guys see as  as being what you would be doing in the next week , given wha what 's  happened ?


But , um. Well , I don't know. What  what do you , uh  what do you guys see as  as being what you would be doing in the next week , given wha what 's  happened ?


So , should we keep the same  ? I think we might try to keep the same idea of having a neural network , but  training it on more data and adding better features , I think , but  because the current network is just PLP features. Well , it 's trained on noisy  PLP


So , should we keep the same  ? I think we might try to keep the same idea of having a neural network , but  training it on more data and adding better features , I think , but  because the current network is just PLP features. Well , it 's trained on noisy  PLP

PLP features computed on noisy speech. But   there is no nothing particularly robust in these features.


PLP features computed on noisy speech. But   there is no nothing particularly robust in these features.


So , uh , I  I don't remember what you said  the answer to my , uh , question earlier. Will you  will you train the net on  after you 've done the spectral subtraction or the Wiener filtering ?


So , uh , I  I don't remember what you said  the answer to my , uh , question earlier. Will you  will you train the net on  after you 've done the spectral subtraction or the Wiener filtering ?

So we have a VAD which is like neur that 's a neural net.


So we have a VAD which is like neur that 's a neural net.


So we have a VAD which is like neur that 's a neural net.

Oh , you 're talking about the VAD net. OK.


Oh , you 're talking about the VAD net. OK.


So that  that VAD was trained on the noisy features.


So that  that VAD was trained on the noisy features.

So , right now we have , like , uh  we have the cleaned - up features , so we can have a better VAD by training the net on  the cleaned - up speech.


So , right now we have , like , uh  we have the cleaned - up features , so we can have a better VAD by training the net on  the cleaned - up speech.

Yeah , but we need a VAD for uh noise estimation also. So it 's , like , where do we want to put the VAD ? Uh , it 's like


So , right now we have , like , uh  we have the cleaned - up features , so we can have a better VAD by training the net on  the cleaned - up speech.

Yeah , but we need a VAD for uh noise estimation also. So it 's , like , where do we want to put the VAD ? Uh , it 's like

Can you use the same net to do both , or  ?


Yeah , but we need a VAD for uh noise estimation also. So it 's , like , where do we want to put the VAD ? Uh , it 's like

Can you use the same net to do both , or  ?


Yeah , but we need a VAD for uh noise estimation also. So it 's , like , where do we want to put the VAD ? Uh , it 's like

Can you use the same net to do both , or  ?

Can you use the same net that you  that I was talking about to do the VAD ?


Can you use the same net to do both , or  ?

Can you use the same net that you  that I was talking about to do the VAD ?

Mm - hmm. Uh , it actually comes at v at the very end.


Can you use the same net that you  that I was talking about to do the VAD ?

Mm - hmm. Uh , it actually comes at v at the very end.


Can you use the same net that you  that I was talking about to do the VAD ?

Mm - hmm. Uh , it actually comes at v at the very end.

So the net  the final net  I mean , which is the feature net  so that actually comes after a chain of , like , LDA plus everything. So it 's , like , it takes a long time to get a decision out of it. And   and you can actually do it for final frame - dropping , but not for the VA - f noise estimation.


Mm - hmm. Uh , it actually comes at v at the very end.

So the net  the final net  I mean , which is the feature net  so that actually comes after a chain of , like , LDA plus everything. So it 's , like , it takes a long time to get a decision out of it. And   and you can actually do it for final frame - dropping , but not for the VA - f noise estimation.


So the net  the final net  I mean , which is the feature net  so that actually comes after a chain of , like , LDA plus everything. So it 's , like , it takes a long time to get a decision out of it. And   and you can actually do it for final frame - dropping , but not for the VA - f noise estimation.

You see , the idea is that the , um , initial decision to  that  that you 're in silence or speech happens pretty quickly.


You see , the idea is that the , um , initial decision to  that  that you 're in silence or speech happens pretty quickly.


You see , the idea is that the , um , initial decision to  that  that you 're in silence or speech happens pretty quickly.

Cuz that 's used by some of these other  ?


Cuz that 's used by some of these other  ?

And that  Yeah. And that 's sort of fed forward , and  and you say " well , flush everything , it 's not speech anymore ".


And that  Yeah. And that 's sort of fed forward , and  and you say " well , flush everything , it 's not speech anymore ".

I thought that was only used for doing frame - dropping later on.


I thought that was only used for doing frame - dropping later on.

Um , it is used , uh  Yeah , it 's only used f Well , it 's used for frame - dropping. Um , it 's used for end of utterance


I thought that was only used for doing frame - dropping later on.

Um , it is used , uh  Yeah , it 's only used f Well , it 's used for frame - dropping. Um , it 's used for end of utterance

because , you know , there 's   if you have  more than five hundred milliseconds of  of  of nonspeech then you figure it 's end of utterance or something like that.


Um , it is used , uh  Yeah , it 's only used f Well , it 's used for frame - dropping. Um , it 's used for end of utterance

because , you know , there 's   if you have  more than five hundred milliseconds of  of  of nonspeech then you figure it 's end of utterance or something like that.


because , you know , there 's   if you have  more than five hundred milliseconds of  of  of nonspeech then you figure it 's end of utterance or something like that.


because , you know , there 's   if you have  more than five hundred milliseconds of  of  of nonspeech then you figure it 's end of utterance or something like that.

And it seems important for , like , the on - line normalization. Um. We don't want to update the mean and variance during silen long silence portions. Um. So it  it has to be done before


And it seems important for , like , the on - line normalization. Um. We don't want to update the mean and variance during silen long silence portions. Um. So it  it has to be done before


And it seems important for , like , the on - line normalization. Um. We don't want to update the mean and variance during silen long silence portions. Um. So it  it has to be done before

this mean and variance normalization. Um.


And it seems important for , like , the on - line normalization. Um. We don't want to update the mean and variance during silen long silence portions. Um. So it  it has to be done before

this mean and variance normalization. Um.

Um. Yeah. So probably the VAD and  and maybe testing out the noise  estimation a little bit. I mean , keeping the same method but  but , uh ,  seeing if you cou but , um noise estimation could be improved. Those are sort of related issues.


this mean and variance normalization. Um.

Um. Yeah. So probably the VAD and  and maybe testing out the noise  estimation a little bit. I mean , keeping the same method but  but , uh ,  seeing if you cou but , um noise estimation could be improved. Those are sort of related issues.


this mean and variance normalization. Um.

Um. Yeah. So probably the VAD and  and maybe testing out the noise  estimation a little bit. I mean , keeping the same method but  but , uh ,  seeing if you cou but , um noise estimation could be improved. Those are sort of related issues.

It probably makes sense to move from there. And then , uh ,  later on in the month I think we wanna start including the  neural net at the end. Um. OK. Anything else ?


Um. Yeah. So probably the VAD and  and maybe testing out the noise  estimation a little bit. I mean , keeping the same method but  but , uh ,  seeing if you cou but , um noise estimation could be improved. Those are sort of related issues.

It probably makes sense to move from there. And then , uh ,  later on in the month I think we wanna start including the  neural net at the end. Um. OK. Anything else ?


It probably makes sense to move from there. And then , uh ,  later on in the month I think we wanna start including the  neural net at the end. Um. OK. Anything else ?

Good. Yeah. You didn't  didn't fall. That 's good.


Good. Yeah. You didn't  didn't fall. That 's good.

Our e our effort would have been devastated if you guys had   run into problems.


Good. Yeah. You didn't  didn't fall. That 's good.

Our e our effort would have been devastated if you guys had   run into problems.

So , Hynek is coming back next week , you said ?


Our e our effort would have been devastated if you guys had   run into problems.

So , Hynek is coming back next week , you said ?


So , Hynek is coming back next week , you said ?

I guess the week after he 'll be , uh , going back to Europe , and so we wanna


I guess the week after he 'll be , uh , going back to Europe , and so we wanna

Is he in Europe right now or is he up at  ?


I guess the week after he 'll be , uh , going back to Europe , and so we wanna

Is he in Europe right now or is he up at  ?

No , no. He 's  he 's  he 's dropped into the US. Yeah. Yeah.


Is he in Europe right now or is he up at  ?

No , no. He 's  he 's  he 's dropped into the US. Yeah. Yeah.

So. Uh.  So , uh. Uh , the idea was that , uh , we 'd  we 'd sort out where we were going next with this  with this work before he , uh , left on this next trip. Good.   Uh , Barry , you just got through your  quals , so I don't know if you  have much to say. But , uh.


No , no. He 's  he 's  he 's dropped into the US. Yeah. Yeah.

So. Uh.  So , uh. Uh , the idea was that , uh , we 'd  we 'd sort out where we were going next with this  with this work before he , uh , left on this next trip. Good.   Uh , Barry , you just got through your  quals , so I don't know if you  have much to say. But , uh.

Mmm. No , just , uh , looking into some  some of the things that , um ,  uh , John Ohala and Hynek , um , gave as feedback , um , as  as a starting point for the project. Um. In  in my proposal , I  I was thinking about starting from a set of , uh , phonological features ,  or a subset of them. Um , but that might not be necessarily a good idea according to , um , John.


So. Uh.  So , uh. Uh , the idea was that , uh , we 'd  we 'd sort out where we were going next with this  with this work before he , uh , left on this next trip. Good.   Uh , Barry , you just got through your  quals , so I don't know if you  have much to say. But , uh.

Mmm. No , just , uh , looking into some  some of the things that , um ,  uh , John Ohala and Hynek , um , gave as feedback , um , as  as a starting point for the project. Um. In  in my proposal , I  I was thinking about starting from a set of , uh , phonological features ,  or a subset of them. Um , but that might not be necessarily a good idea according to , um , John.


So. Uh.  So , uh. Uh , the idea was that , uh , we 'd  we 'd sort out where we were going next with this  with this work before he , uh , left on this next trip. Good.   Uh , Barry , you just got through your  quals , so I don't know if you  have much to say. But , uh.

Mmm. No , just , uh , looking into some  some of the things that , um ,  uh , John Ohala and Hynek , um , gave as feedback , um , as  as a starting point for the project. Um. In  in my proposal , I  I was thinking about starting from a set of , uh , phonological features ,  or a subset of them. Um , but that might not be necessarily a good idea according to , um , John.

He said , uh , um , these  these phonological features are  are sort of figments of imagination also.


Mmm. No , just , uh , looking into some  some of the things that , um ,  uh , John Ohala and Hynek , um , gave as feedback , um , as  as a starting point for the project. Um. In  in my proposal , I  I was thinking about starting from a set of , uh , phonological features ,  or a subset of them. Um , but that might not be necessarily a good idea according to , um , John.

He said , uh , um , these  these phonological features are  are sort of figments of imagination also.


He said , uh , um , these  these phonological features are  are sort of figments of imagination also.


He said , uh , um , these  these phonological features are  are sort of figments of imagination also.

In conversational speech in particular. I think you can  you can put them in pretty reliably in synthetic speech.


In conversational speech in particular. I think you can  you can put them in pretty reliably in synthetic speech.


In conversational speech in particular. I think you can  you can put them in pretty reliably in synthetic speech.

But  we don't have too much trouble recognizing synthetic speech since we create it in the first place. So , it 's


In conversational speech in particular. I think you can  you can put them in pretty reliably in synthetic speech.

But  we don't have too much trouble recognizing synthetic speech since we create it in the first place. So , it 's

Right. Yeah. So , um , a better way would be something more  more data - driven ,


But  we don't have too much trouble recognizing synthetic speech since we create it in the first place. So , it 's

Right. Yeah. So , um , a better way would be something more  more data - driven ,


But  we don't have too much trouble recognizing synthetic speech since we create it in the first place. So , it 's

Right. Yeah. So , um , a better way would be something more  more data - driven ,

just looking at the data and seeing what 's similar and what 's not similar.


Right. Yeah. So , um , a better way would be something more  more data - driven ,

just looking at the data and seeing what 's similar and what 's not similar.


just looking at the data and seeing what 's similar and what 's not similar.

So , I 'm  I 'm , um , taking a look at some of , um ,  Sangita 's work on  on TRAPS. She did something where , um   w where the TRAPS learn She clustered the  the temporal patterns of , um , certain  certain phonemes in  in m averaged over many , many contexts. And , uh , some things tended to cluster.


So , I 'm  I 'm , um , taking a look at some of , um ,  Sangita 's work on  on TRAPS. She did something where , um   w where the TRAPS learn She clustered the  the temporal patterns of , um , certain  certain phonemes in  in m averaged over many , many contexts. And , uh , some things tended to cluster.

Right ? You know , like stop  stop consonants clustered really well.


Right ? You know , like stop  stop consonants clustered really well.


And , uh , um ,  v vocalic was clustered.


And , uh , um ,  v vocalic was clustered.

And ,  um , so ,  those are  interesting things to


And , uh , um ,  v vocalic was clustered.

And ,  um , so ,  those are  interesting things to

So you 're  now you 're sort of looking to try to gather a set of these types of features ?


And ,  um , so ,  those are  interesting things to

So you 're  now you 're sort of looking to try to gather a set of these types of features ?


So you 're  now you 're sort of looking to try to gather a set of these types of features ?

Yeah. Just to see where  where I could start off from ,


Yeah. Just to see where  where I could start off from ,


Yeah. Just to see where  where I could start off from ,

uh , you know ? A  a  a set of small features and continue to iterate and find , uh , a better set.


uh , you know ? A  a  a set of small features and continue to iterate and find , uh , a better set.


OK. So next week hopefully we 'll  can get Hynek here to  to join us and , uh , uh.


Alright. Let me get my glasses on so I can  see them. OK.


Honourable members, I call this meeting to order. Welcome to the 15thmeeting of the House of Commons Special Committee on the COVID-19 Pandemic. This will be a hybrid meeting. Members will be participating via video conference or in person.  I will remind you that in order to avoid issues with sound, members participating in person should not also be connecting by video conference. In order to ensure that those joining the meeting via video conference can be seen and heard by those in the chamber, two screens have been set up here on either side of the Speaker's chair, and members in the chamber can listen to the floor audio or to interpretation using the earpieces on their desks. Before speaking, please wait until I recognize you by name and please direct your remarks through the chair. For those joining by video conference, I'd like to remind you to leave your microphones on mute when you are not speaking. Also, please note that if you want to speak in English, you need to be on the English channel for interpretation, and if you want to speak French, you should do so on the French channel. Should you wish to alternate between the two languages, please change to the channel for the language that you happen to be using at the time. Should members participating by video conference need to request the floor outside their designated speaking times, they should activate their mic and state that they have a point of order. Those in the Chamber can rise in the usual way. Please note that today's proceedings will be televised in the same way as a typical sitting of the House. We will now proceed to ministerial announcements. I invite the Right Hon. Prime Minister to take the floor.

Thank you, Mr.Chair. I rise today to address what so many people of colour live with every day. Over the past few days, we've seen horrific reports of police violence against black men and women south of the border, but these are not isolated incidents or elsewhere problems. Prejudice, discrimination and violence are a lived reality for far too many people. They are a result of systems that far too often condone, normalize, perpetrate and perpetuate inequality and injustice against people of colour. As a country, we are not concerned bystanders simply watching what is happening next door. We are part of it. The calls for justice, for equality and for peace are found echoed in our communities, because anti-black racism is happening here, everywhere in Canada, every single day. This is something that our own staff, cabinet ministers and colleagues face even in these halls. Over the past few days, I've heard many of these personal stories directly from them. I'm not just talking about acts of violence. I'm also talking about microaggressions, which many of us may not even see. That is the daily reality of far too many racialized Canadians, and it needs to stop. When it comes to being an ally, I have made serious mistakes in the past, mistakes that I deeply regret and continue to learn from. I want to thank my colleagues, community leaders and fellow Canadians for opening my eyes to what is really going on in our communities and for helping me better understand both privilege and power. I'm not perfect, but not being perfect is not a free pass to not do the right thing. It's not an excuse to not step up, stand up for each other, be an ally. I know that for so many people listening right now, the last thing you want to hear is another speech on racism from a white politician. I'm not here today to describe a reality I do not know or to speak to a pain I have not felt. I'm here because I want you to know that our government is listening. We hear your calls for justice, equality and accountability. We acknowledge your frustration, your anger, your heartbreak. We see you.  Since coming to office, our government has taken many concrete steps to fight anti-black racism, systemic discrimination and injustice across the country. We are working directly with the communities and their leaders to close the gaps that persist in Canada. For example, we have provided $9million to support programs for black Canadian youth. We have made significant investments to enable the Public Health Agency of Canada to provide more mental health services to people who have experienced racism or intergenerational trauma. We are helping community organizations to obtain funding to purchase equipment or lease space. We have also created the anti-racism secretariat, which has an envelope of $4.6million, to address systemic barriers, such as employment, justice and social participation, that perpetuate injustice. We have made progress, but we know the work is far from being done.  Over the past five years, our government has worked with communities to recognize and address injustices. We've taken action to support community organizations, invest in better data and fight racism. While we've made some progress, there is still so much more to do, because here are the facts in Canada: Anti-black racism is real. Unconscious bias is real. Systemic discrimination is real. For millions of Canadians, it is their daily, lived reality. The pain and damage it causes are real too. Mr. Chair, every Canadian who has felt the weight of oppression, every student who has the courage to demand a better future, every person who marches and posts and reads and fights, from Vancouver to Montreal to Halifax, expects more than the status quo. They expect more and deserve better.  The Government of Canada has a lot of work to do, but we're ready. We're ready to work with our opposition colleagues, community leaders and Canadians to make our country a more just and fair place. Racism never has a place in this country, and we will do everything we can to eradicate it from coast to coast to coast. Thank you, Mr.Chair.

The honourable Leader of the Opposition.


Thank you, Mr.Chair. I rise today to address what so many people of colour live with every day. Over the past few days, we've seen horrific reports of police violence against black men and women south of the border, but these are not isolated incidents or elsewhere problems. Prejudice, discrimination and violence are a lived reality for far too many people. They are a result of systems that far too often condone, normalize, perpetrate and perpetuate inequality and injustice against people of colour. As a country, we are not concerned bystanders simply watching what is happening next door. We are part of it. The calls for justice, for equality and for peace are found echoed in our communities, because anti-black racism is happening here, everywhere in Canada, every single day. This is something that our own staff, cabinet ministers and colleagues face even in these halls. Over the past few days, I've heard many of these personal stories directly from them. I'm not just talking about acts of violence. I'm also talking about microaggressions, which many of us may not even see. That is the daily reality of far too many racialized Canadians, and it needs to stop. When it comes to being an ally, I have made serious mistakes in the past, mistakes that I deeply regret and continue to learn from. I want to thank my colleagues, community leaders and fellow Canadians for opening my eyes to what is really going on in our communities and for helping me better understand both privilege and power. I'm not perfect, but not being perfect is not a free pass to not do the right thing. It's not an excuse to not step up, stand up for each other, be an ally. I know that for so many people listening right now, the last thing you want to hear is another speech on racism from a white politician. I'm not here today to describe a reality I do not know or to speak to a pain I have not felt. I'm here because I want you to know that our government is listening. We hear your calls for justice, equality and accountability. We acknowledge your frustration, your anger, your heartbreak. We see you.  Since coming to office, our government has taken many concrete steps to fight anti-black racism, systemic discrimination and injustice across the country. We are working directly with the communities and their leaders to close the gaps that persist in Canada. For example, we have provided $9million to support programs for black Canadian youth. We have made significant investments to enable the Public Health Agency of Canada to provide more mental health services to people who have experienced racism or intergenerational trauma. We are helping community organizations to obtain funding to purchase equipment or lease space. We have also created the anti-racism secretariat, which has an envelope of $4.6million, to address systemic barriers, such as employment, justice and social participation, that perpetuate injustice. We have made progress, but we know the work is far from being done.  Over the past five years, our government has worked with communities to recognize and address injustices. We've taken action to support community organizations, invest in better data and fight racism. While we've made some progress, there is still so much more to do, because here are the facts in Canada: Anti-black racism is real. Unconscious bias is real. Systemic discrimination is real. For millions of Canadians, it is their daily, lived reality. The pain and damage it causes are real too. Mr. Chair, every Canadian who has felt the weight of oppression, every student who has the courage to demand a better future, every person who marches and posts and reads and fights, from Vancouver to Montreal to Halifax, expects more than the status quo. They expect more and deserve better.  The Government of Canada has a lot of work to do, but we're ready. We're ready to work with our opposition colleagues, community leaders and Canadians to make our country a more just and fair place. Racism never has a place in this country, and we will do everything we can to eradicate it from coast to coast to coast. Thank you, Mr.Chair.

The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Over the past week, we have all been affected by the heartbreaking killing of George Floyd in the United States. The video is painful to watch. No one should ever have to plead for help while a crime is being committed, ignored by other members of law enforcement. The tragedy triggered marches, occupations, protests and, unfortunately, riots. However, I hope it has mostly sparked conversations. Racism is real, painful and unacceptable.  No one should ever feel unsafe because of the colour of their skin, especially around police officers who have a duty and a responsibility to uphold the law for all. Here in Canada, we are fortunate to live in a country that is welcoming, tolerant and inclusive. Canada was a beacon of freedom to so many escaping slavery during the U.S. Civil War. Our nation has benefited immensely from great Canadians who overcame prejudices and discrimination to serve their communities and make Canada a better country: Lincoln Alexander, elected as a Conservative in 1968, was the first black member of Parliament and went on to become the first black cabinet minister; John Ware was born into slavery in South Carolina but, following the American Civil War, was a leading figure in bringing the first cattle to Alberta and spearheading the ranching industry that would become the backbone of the province; Josiah Henson escaped slavery to become a thriving businessman in Ontario; and of course, Viola Desmond challenged segregation in Nova Scotia. Black Canadians throughout history have not just built this nation with their contributions; they have also represented Canada with excellence and pride on the world stage, like Harry Jerome, who represented Canada in three Olympic Games and won a bronze medal in 1964. He would go on to become a teacher in British Columbia, once again serving with excellence to try to make a better world for the next generation. Throughout our history, black Canadians have put their lives on the line for their fellow Canadians, bravely serving around the world in our armed forces. While there are many things we can point to in our history with pride, that is not to say that we have a perfect record, nor that we are immune to the threat of racism or that anti-black racism is just an American problem. Canada has had its own dark episodes of racism that cannot be ignoredsadly, not just in our past. Every day, there are people who experience discrimination or racism in some form. Throughout this pandemic, we have seen a troubling spike in anti-Asian racism. No one should be attacked in their community or targeted on the bus because of the colour of their skin. Nor should places of worship be broken into and desecrated, like the synagogue in Montreal. The Conservatives condemn all acts of anti-semitism, racism and discrimination. In a peaceful and free country like Canada, there is absolutely no room for intolerance, racism or extremism of any kind.  But the violence and destruction we have seen in response are not the answer. Millions of people are protesting peacefully across the United States and in Canada, and we must always protect the rights of people who are protesting peacefully and within the law for a just cause and separate them from those who exploit tragedies to commit acts of violence. Mr. Floyd's brother, Terrence, said that violence will not bring his brother back. Instead, he has called for peace and justice and urged the crowds to educate themselves and to vote. Out of such tragedy, Mr. Chair, that is a powerful message about how each one of us can use our democratic rights to effect change. In a peaceful and free country like Canada, there is absolutely no room for intolerance, racism and extremism of any kind. We are not born believing we are better than one another. We are all created in the image and likeness of God, and because of that, we are all equal. An infinite value exists in each one of us.  Canada is an incredibly diverse country. Canada is a nation of immigrants that stands on the traditional territories of first nations, Inuit and Mtis people. Waves of newcomers have come to Canada for a better life because our country is built on a rock-solid foundation of enduring values, democratic institutions, the rule of law and fundamental and universal human rights. Everyone comes here because Canada is built on solid values, democratic institutions, and respect for the rule of law, as well as for fundamental, universal human rights. We must absolutely protect these values, because they are what sets us apart. They allow Canada to offer what so many other countries simply cannot. There are those who say that diversity is our strength, and that is true, but it doesn't quite capture the full picture. Diversity is the result of our strength, and our strength is and always has been our freedom. It is the freedom for people to preserve and pass on their cultural traditions and the opportunity to live in peace with those around them; the freedom to live your life with equality under the law, regardless of your race or ethnic background; and the economic freedom that so many governments around the world deny their people. It is that economic freedom that ensures that hard work pays off. It gives people the ability to work towards their dreams and choose their own path in life. Together, generations of Canadians who trace their roots back to countries around the world have built Canada to truly the greatest country on earth, the true north strong and free. To ensure that our people remain free, we must continue to fight attacks on our freedoms, including racism and all forms of brutality and injustice in Canada and around the world. Minority rights must be protected. Freedom of religion must be protected. Freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest must be protected. As John Diefenbaker said, I am a Canadian...free to speak without fear, free to worship...in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.


The honourable Leader of the Opposition.

Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Over the past week, we have all been affected by the heartbreaking killing of George Floyd in the United States. The video is painful to watch. No one should ever have to plead for help while a crime is being committed, ignored by other members of law enforcement. The tragedy triggered marches, occupations, protests and, unfortunately, riots. However, I hope it has mostly sparked conversations. Racism is real, painful and unacceptable.  No one should ever feel unsafe because of the colour of their skin, especially around police officers who have a duty and a responsibility to uphold the law for all. Here in Canada, we are fortunate to live in a country that is welcoming, tolerant and inclusive. Canada was a beacon of freedom to so many escaping slavery during the U.S. Civil War. Our nation has benefited immensely from great Canadians who overcame prejudices and discrimination to serve their communities and make Canada a better country: Lincoln Alexander, elected as a Conservative in 1968, was the first black member of Parliament and went on to become the first black cabinet minister; John Ware was born into slavery in South Carolina but, following the American Civil War, was a leading figure in bringing the first cattle to Alberta and spearheading the ranching industry that would become the backbone of the province; Josiah Henson escaped slavery to become a thriving businessman in Ontario; and of course, Viola Desmond challenged segregation in Nova Scotia. Black Canadians throughout history have not just built this nation with their contributions; they have also represented Canada with excellence and pride on the world stage, like Harry Jerome, who represented Canada in three Olympic Games and won a bronze medal in 1964. He would go on to become a teacher in British Columbia, once again serving with excellence to try to make a better world for the next generation. Throughout our history, black Canadians have put their lives on the line for their fellow Canadians, bravely serving around the world in our armed forces. While there are many things we can point to in our history with pride, that is not to say that we have a perfect record, nor that we are immune to the threat of racism or that anti-black racism is just an American problem. Canada has had its own dark episodes of racism that cannot be ignoredsadly, not just in our past. Every day, there are people who experience discrimination or racism in some form. Throughout this pandemic, we have seen a troubling spike in anti-Asian racism. No one should be attacked in their community or targeted on the bus because of the colour of their skin. Nor should places of worship be broken into and desecrated, like the synagogue in Montreal. The Conservatives condemn all acts of anti-semitism, racism and discrimination. In a peaceful and free country like Canada, there is absolutely no room for intolerance, racism or extremism of any kind.  But the violence and destruction we have seen in response are not the answer. Millions of people are protesting peacefully across the United States and in Canada, and we must always protect the rights of people who are protesting peacefully and within the law for a just cause and separate them from those who exploit tragedies to commit acts of violence. Mr. Floyd's brother, Terrence, said that violence will not bring his brother back. Instead, he has called for peace and justice and urged the crowds to educate themselves and to vote. Out of such tragedy, Mr. Chair, that is a powerful message about how each one of us can use our democratic rights to effect change. In a peaceful and free country like Canada, there is absolutely no room for intolerance, racism and extremism of any kind. We are not born believing we are better than one another. We are all created in the image and likeness of God, and because of that, we are all equal. An infinite value exists in each one of us.  Canada is an incredibly diverse country. Canada is a nation of immigrants that stands on the traditional territories of first nations, Inuit and Mtis people. Waves of newcomers have come to Canada for a better life because our country is built on a rock-solid foundation of enduring values, democratic institutions, the rule of law and fundamental and universal human rights. Everyone comes here because Canada is built on solid values, democratic institutions, and respect for the rule of law, as well as for fundamental, universal human rights. We must absolutely protect these values, because they are what sets us apart. They allow Canada to offer what so many other countries simply cannot. There are those who say that diversity is our strength, and that is true, but it doesn't quite capture the full picture. Diversity is the result of our strength, and our strength is and always has been our freedom. It is the freedom for people to preserve and pass on their cultural traditions and the opportunity to live in peace with those around them; the freedom to live your life with equality under the law, regardless of your race or ethnic background; and the economic freedom that so many governments around the world deny their people. It is that economic freedom that ensures that hard work pays off. It gives people the ability to work towards their dreams and choose their own path in life. Together, generations of Canadians who trace their roots back to countries around the world have built Canada to truly the greatest country on earth, the true north strong and free. To ensure that our people remain free, we must continue to fight attacks on our freedoms, including racism and all forms of brutality and injustice in Canada and around the world. Minority rights must be protected. Freedom of religion must be protected. Freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest must be protected. As John Diefenbaker said, I am a Canadian...free to speak without fear, free to worship...in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr.Chair. George Floyd is not a victim of racism; he is another victim of racism. At a time of crisis when outrage is overwhelming the caution and fear of disease among thousands of people who, despite everything, take to the streets to express that outrage, we here in politics will have to be careful, once again, about the words we use. Indeed we are particularly inclined to give other people's words a meaning other than the one they would have liked to give them. Today, our dutyand I would say almost our only dutyis to express our solidarity, our sadness, our indignation and our anger, but above alland in saying this, I'm thinking of all my friends and acquaintances in the wonderful black community in Quebec and the UnitedStatesour friendship. We must try to be heard by all humans. Every time we talk about this, a small part of me surfaces, that of the non-practising but unrepentant anthropologist who wants to remind us that races do not exist. It is the frequency of manifestations of certain genetic traits favoured by geography and history, which in turn shape cultures. Racism expresses itself first and foremost through aggression against what is presumed to be the culture of others, difference. Each time difference instills fear, it is, of course, one time too many. We must learn to live equality in diversity, in itself an extraordinary thing. Governments in the U.S. have all been racist. Their racism has necessarily been expressed, at some point in their history, in their institutions. It has left its mark. It is the only thing that we have the right to call systemic racism or systemic discrimination. I am concerned when anyone suggests that we are all and collectively inclined to engage in systemic discrimination or when anyone claims to be a bulwark of virtue between us and the victims. I believe that the Canadian government is not racist, that the Quebec government is not racist, and that the governments of our municipalities are not racist either. I believe, however, that there may be traces of horrible things left in our institutions that colour our relationships with people of different origins or with people who were here long before us. So systemic racism probably exists. It should not denounce individuals, but it should encourage us to reread our rules to get rid of what might still be discriminatory in them. This day belongs to GeorgeFloyd. This day belongs to the black people of the UnitedStates. This day belongs to the black people of Quebec and Canada. We don't play politics at the funeral doors: we gather our thoughts, and let indignation and sadness be expressed. We leave the streets to those who need to speak with one voice, in peace. All that is peaceful is legitimate. Nothing that is violent is legitimate. The Prime Minister expressed the desire to implement concrete measures to fight racism. The first must be to show our solidarity and friendship. I'm proposing a very concrete measure, which is to give priority and expedited processing to the files of refugee claimantsespecially Haitian, especially black, but also of other originswho have expressed their desire to be part of the Quebec nation by putting themselves on the front line. He has the power and the duty to do so, and if he needs Parliament, let's do it tomorrow or right now. That way, words will become actions, and the next step will be all the more credible. In the meantime, our duty is to stand up for those who are afraid and against those who frighten them. Thank you, Mr.Chair.


Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. Over the past week, we have all been affected by the heartbreaking killing of George Floyd in the United States. The video is painful to watch. No one should ever have to plead for help while a crime is being committed, ignored by other members of law enforcement. The tragedy triggered marches, occupations, protests and, unfortunately, riots. However, I hope it has mostly sparked conversations. Racism is real, painful and unacceptable.  No one should ever feel unsafe because of the colour of their skin, especially around police officers who have a duty and a responsibility to uphold the law for all. Here in Canada, we are fortunate to live in a country that is welcoming, tolerant and inclusive. Canada was a beacon of freedom to so many escaping slavery during the U.S. Civil War. Our nation has benefited immensely from great Canadians who overcame prejudices and discrimination to serve their communities and make Canada a better country: Lincoln Alexander, elected as a Conservative in 1968, was the first black member of Parliament and went on to become the first black cabinet minister; John Ware was born into slavery in South Carolina but, following the American Civil War, was a leading figure in bringing the first cattle to Alberta and spearheading the ranching industry that would become the backbone of the province; Josiah Henson escaped slavery to become a thriving businessman in Ontario; and of course, Viola Desmond challenged segregation in Nova Scotia. Black Canadians throughout history have not just built this nation with their contributions; they have also represented Canada with excellence and pride on the world stage, like Harry Jerome, who represented Canada in three Olympic Games and won a bronze medal in 1964. He would go on to become a teacher in British Columbia, once again serving with excellence to try to make a better world for the next generation. Throughout our history, black Canadians have put their lives on the line for their fellow Canadians, bravely serving around the world in our armed forces. While there are many things we can point to in our history with pride, that is not to say that we have a perfect record, nor that we are immune to the threat of racism or that anti-black racism is just an American problem. Canada has had its own dark episodes of racism that cannot be ignoredsadly, not just in our past. Every day, there are people who experience discrimination or racism in some form. Throughout this pandemic, we have seen a troubling spike in anti-Asian racism. No one should be attacked in their community or targeted on the bus because of the colour of their skin. Nor should places of worship be broken into and desecrated, like the synagogue in Montreal. The Conservatives condemn all acts of anti-semitism, racism and discrimination. In a peaceful and free country like Canada, there is absolutely no room for intolerance, racism or extremism of any kind.  But the violence and destruction we have seen in response are not the answer. Millions of people are protesting peacefully across the United States and in Canada, and we must always protect the rights of people who are protesting peacefully and within the law for a just cause and separate them from those who exploit tragedies to commit acts of violence. Mr. Floyd's brother, Terrence, said that violence will not bring his brother back. Instead, he has called for peace and justice and urged the crowds to educate themselves and to vote. Out of such tragedy, Mr. Chair, that is a powerful message about how each one of us can use our democratic rights to effect change. In a peaceful and free country like Canada, there is absolutely no room for intolerance, racism and extremism of any kind. We are not born believing we are better than one another. We are all created in the image and likeness of God, and because of that, we are all equal. An infinite value exists in each one of us.  Canada is an incredibly diverse country. Canada is a nation of immigrants that stands on the traditional territories of first nations, Inuit and Mtis people. Waves of newcomers have come to Canada for a better life because our country is built on a rock-solid foundation of enduring values, democratic institutions, the rule of law and fundamental and universal human rights. Everyone comes here because Canada is built on solid values, democratic institutions, and respect for the rule of law, as well as for fundamental, universal human rights. We must absolutely protect these values, because they are what sets us apart. They allow Canada to offer what so many other countries simply cannot. There are those who say that diversity is our strength, and that is true, but it doesn't quite capture the full picture. Diversity is the result of our strength, and our strength is and always has been our freedom. It is the freedom for people to preserve and pass on their cultural traditions and the opportunity to live in peace with those around them; the freedom to live your life with equality under the law, regardless of your race or ethnic background; and the economic freedom that so many governments around the world deny their people. It is that economic freedom that ensures that hard work pays off. It gives people the ability to work towards their dreams and choose their own path in life. Together, generations of Canadians who trace their roots back to countries around the world have built Canada to truly the greatest country on earth, the true north strong and free. To ensure that our people remain free, we must continue to fight attacks on our freedoms, including racism and all forms of brutality and injustice in Canada and around the world. Minority rights must be protected. Freedom of religion must be protected. Freedom of expression and the right to peaceful protest must be protected. As John Diefenbaker said, I am a Canadian...free to speak without fear, free to worship...in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair.

Thank you, Mr.Chair. George Floyd is not a victim of racism; he is another victim of racism. At a time of crisis when outrage is overwhelming the caution and fear of disease among thousands of people who, despite everything, take to the streets to express that outrage, we here in politics will have to be careful, once again, about the words we use. Indeed we are particularly inclined to give other people's words a meaning other than the one they would have liked to give them. Today, our dutyand I would say almost our only dutyis to express our solidarity, our sadness, our indignation and our anger, but above alland in saying this, I'm thinking of all my friends and acquaintances in the wonderful black community in Quebec and the UnitedStatesour friendship. We must try to be heard by all humans. Every time we talk about this, a small part of me surfaces, that of the non-practising but unrepentant anthropologist who wants to remind us that races do not exist. It is the frequency of manifestations of certain genetic traits favoured by geography and history, which in turn shape cultures. Racism expresses itself first and foremost through aggression against what is presumed to be the culture of others, difference. Each time difference instills fear, it is, of course, one time too many. We must learn to live equality in diversity, in itself an extraordinary thing. Governments in the U.S. have all been racist. Their racism has necessarily been expressed, at some point in their history, in their institutions. It has left its mark. It is the only thing that we have the right to call systemic racism or systemic discrimination. I am concerned when anyone suggests that we are all and collectively inclined to engage in systemic discrimination or when anyone claims to be a bulwark of virtue between us and the victims. I believe that the Canadian government is not racist, that the Quebec government is not racist, and that the governments of our municipalities are not racist either. I believe, however, that there may be traces of horrible things left in our institutions that colour our relationships with people of different origins or with people who were here long before us. So systemic racism probably exists. It should not denounce individuals, but it should encourage us to reread our rules to get rid of what might still be discriminatory in them. This day belongs to GeorgeFloyd. This day belongs to the black people of the UnitedStates. This day belongs to the black people of Quebec and Canada. We don't play politics at the funeral doors: we gather our thoughts, and let indignation and sadness be expressed. We leave the streets to those who need to speak with one voice, in peace. All that is peaceful is legitimate. Nothing that is violent is legitimate. The Prime Minister expressed the desire to implement concrete measures to fight racism. The first must be to show our solidarity and friendship. I'm proposing a very concrete measure, which is to give priority and expedited processing to the files of refugee claimantsespecially Haitian, especially black, but also of other originswho have expressed their desire to be part of the Quebec nation by putting themselves on the front line. He has the power and the duty to do so, and if he needs Parliament, let's do it tomorrow or right now. That way, words will become actions, and the next step will be all the more credible. In the meantime, our duty is to stand up for those who are afraid and against those who frighten them. Thank you, Mr.Chair.

The honourable member for Burnaby South.


Thank you, Mr.Chair. George Floyd is not a victim of racism; he is another victim of racism. At a time of crisis when outrage is overwhelming the caution and fear of disease among thousands of people who, despite everything, take to the streets to express that outrage, we here in politics will have to be careful, once again, about the words we use. Indeed we are particularly inclined to give other people's words a meaning other than the one they would have liked to give them. Today, our dutyand I would say almost our only dutyis to express our solidarity, our sadness, our indignation and our anger, but above alland in saying this, I'm thinking of all my friends and acquaintances in the wonderful black community in Quebec and the UnitedStatesour friendship. We must try to be heard by all humans. Every time we talk about this, a small part of me surfaces, that of the non-practising but unrepentant anthropologist who wants to remind us that races do not exist. It is the frequency of manifestations of certain genetic traits favoured by geography and history, which in turn shape cultures. Racism expresses itself first and foremost through aggression against what is presumed to be the culture of others, difference. Each time difference instills fear, it is, of course, one time too many. We must learn to live equality in diversity, in itself an extraordinary thing. Governments in the U.S. have all been racist. Their racism has necessarily been expressed, at some point in their history, in their institutions. It has left its mark. It is the only thing that we have the right to call systemic racism or systemic discrimination. I am concerned when anyone suggests that we are all and collectively inclined to engage in systemic discrimination or when anyone claims to be a bulwark of virtue between us and the victims. I believe that the Canadian government is not racist, that the Quebec government is not racist, and that the governments of our municipalities are not racist either. I believe, however, that there may be traces of horrible things left in our institutions that colour our relationships with people of different origins or with people who were here long before us. So systemic racism probably exists. It should not denounce individuals, but it should encourage us to reread our rules to get rid of what might still be discriminatory in them. This day belongs to GeorgeFloyd. This day belongs to the black people of the UnitedStates. This day belongs to the black people of Quebec and Canada. We don't play politics at the funeral doors: we gather our thoughts, and let indignation and sadness be expressed. We leave the streets to those who need to speak with one voice, in peace. All that is peaceful is legitimate. Nothing that is violent is legitimate. The Prime Minister expressed the desire to implement concrete measures to fight racism. The first must be to show our solidarity and friendship. I'm proposing a very concrete measure, which is to give priority and expedited processing to the files of refugee claimantsespecially Haitian, especially black, but also of other originswho have expressed their desire to be part of the Quebec nation by putting themselves on the front line. He has the power and the duty to do so, and if he needs Parliament, let's do it tomorrow or right now. That way, words will become actions, and the next step will be all the more credible. In the meantime, our duty is to stand up for those who are afraid and against those who frighten them. Thank you, Mr.Chair.

The honourable member for Burnaby South.

Thank you, Mr.Chair. Many, many Canadians were shocked to see the violence surrounding the murder of GeorgeFloyd. GeorgeFloyd's murder is a grim reminder that anti-black racism still exists and that it hits hard. Anti-black racism isn't only in the UnitedStates; it's here in Canada, too. Systemic racism against blacks, indigenous people and many other visible minorities is alive and well: racial profiling, economic inequality, social inequality, discriminatory hiring, trivialization of violence, excess incarceration, and so on. Things aren't moving forward because one government after another prefers pretty words to concrete action. When the time comes to act, they don't have the courage, they don't have the will to act. People are feeling a lot of grief and frustration, but we can turn that into action and justice. We must not just call for peace. I believe that we have to call for justice. Justice is the only way to create a better world.  When people around the world saw the killing of George Floyd, it left all of us shaken to our core. It was chilling, the casual violence of anti-black racism, the callous taking of another human being's life. It hurt to the core. There was pain. There was sadness. There is anger, and rightly so. There is frustration. This isn't just an American problem. This is just as much a Canadian problem as well, and something that continues to exist across our country. Anti-black racism and anti-indigenous racism are real. People have suffered violence. Indigenous people and black people have suffered violence and have been killed at the hands of police here in Canada. I think about Regis Korchinski-Paquet in Toronto and the calls for justice for Regis. A black trans woman was killed in suspicious circumstances in an interaction with the police. I think about Stewart Kevin Andrews, a young indigenous man killed in an interaction with the police in Winnipeg. The anger and frustration are about this: How many more people need to die before there's action? How many more speeches will be made? How many more protests need to happen before something is done? How many more times will people plead to breathe? How many more times will they plead to live? What we're talking about is basic human dignity. How many more voices have to ask, demand, plead, beg for basic human dignity? People are angry. They're feeling like enough is enough. Why do they need to keep on asking? Why do black people, why do indigenous people need to keep on asking to be treated like humans? Why? You know, people are done with pretty speeches, particularly pretty speeches from people in power who could do something about it right now if they wanted to. I'm standing in a hall of power, the chamber of the Commons, with a Prime Minister who has the power not just to say pretty words but to actually do something about this. The Prime Minister of this country has the power to go beyond pretty words and pretty speeches and do something. I don't have all the answers. I don't think any one person does. We're going to have to come up with those solutions together, but there are certainly some things we do know. Martin Luther King said, True peace is not merely the absence of tension; it is the presence of justice. That's what we need. We need justice.  Killer Mike extolled that people should plan, plot, strategize, organize and then mobilize. Cardi B put it this way: Another way for the people to take powerI don't want to make everything political but it is what it isis by voting. So what do we vote for? We vote for a government to take action. I call on the Prime Minister, in this hall of power: If the Prime Minister believes that black lives matter, will the Prime Minister commit to ending racial profiling in our country? If the Prime Minister believes that black lives matter, will the Prime Minister commit to ending the over-policing of black bodies? If the Prime Minister believes, truly believes, that black lives matter, will the Prime Minister commit to ending the over-incarceration of black people in this country? If the Prime Minister truly believes that black lives matter, will he commit to ensuring that there are race-based data to make better decisions? Will he commit to ensuring that there's access to education and to health resources? The Prime Minister has the power to do all these things right now. The Prime Minister simply needs to get it done. If the Prime Minister truly believes that indigenous lives matter, then similarly the Prime Minister must commit today to ending the racial profiling of indigenous people, the over-policing of indigenous people and the over-incarceration of indigenous people. If the Prime Minister truly believes that indigenous lives matter, the Prime Minister could stop taking indigenous kids to court; the Prime Minister could stop delaying the action on the calls for justice for the murdered and missing indigenous women and girls. If the Prime Minister believes that indigenous lives matter, he could ensure that there's clean drinking water and access to justice and to education and housing right now. People are angry because they are frustrated and done with pretty words. People are angry because they're done with pretty speeches from people in power who could do something about it right now. People don't want peace. They don't want an absence of tension. People want the presence of justice. People want justice. People deserve justice. People need justice, and justice is what people will get. Nothing less will do. Thank you.