Stop. This. Madness.

People protest injustice. People protest human rights violations. People protest inaction against climate change. People protest political abuse and power-mongering.

What is currently happening in Ottawa and in so many other Canadian cities is not protesting. These events are a slap in the face to the people of Canada who have done the right thing from the beginning of the pandemic, meaning most Canadians. They are an affront to the health care workers who have dedicated hours upon hours, sacrificed time with their families and often their own lives to prevent COVID from killing their patients. They are offensive to the thousands of Canadians who have lost their lives to the health crisis. These “protesters” are showing utter disrespect to Canada and its values.

It breaks my heart to hear the words “Ottawa is under siege”. It breaks my heart to hear that the Manitoba Legislature employees’ safety is in question. It breaks my heart to see Canada in this dark and somber state.

But my optimism is unwavering. Canada will find a way out of the present perils, regroup and recover, while the fringe will remain the fringe. Canadians are an unbreakable bunch. We are armed with heart, humor and resilience. We take care of one another and do not let someone’s misguided anger stand in our way. We believe in humanity and science. In an ever-changing world, we are a beacon of hope, goodness and a better future. 

And that, my friends, is what real freedom is all about.