On behalf of People First Fundraising Solutions, I wish every visitor, newcomer and citizen from Victoria to St. John’s and from Grise Fiord to Peelee Island a jubilant and memorable Canada Day 2022. The past two years have not exactly featured many cheerful moments. Rather we have witnessed some of the most tragic and ugliest occurrences in our nation’s existence.
Beginning with the horrific discovery of 215 unmarked graves in Kamloops last May, we were reminded of the genuine atrocities that thousands of Indigenous children endured at Residential Schools in every province. Hundred of additional burial sites were found at former Residential School locations which triggered widespread mourning for the beautiful innocent souls that were lost. Awareness and understanding of the pure evil that pervaded these institutions rose sharply.
Another unpleasant event that divided our country was the three-week occupation of downtown Ottawa by thousands of truckers demanding an end to all covid restrictions. Calling themselves the “Freedom Convoy”, the siege ended with a brutal clash between police and protesters and a controversial deployment of the Emergencies Act by the federal government.
A troubling aspect of the Convoy was how its participants co-opted our Canadian flag and waved it in an aggressive and intimidating manner. Nearly every vehicle was outfitted with multiple flags, but this was not a demonstration fuelled by patriotism and unity. It was motivated by anger and other toxic sentiments. Of course, not every protester shared these beliefs or behaved in a boorish fashion. Yet a notable segment of the protesters was there for the abject purpose of generating negative responses throughout the population. The sad upshot is many people now have a visceral reaction when they see someone displaying a Canadian flag and they are immediately suspicious as to that person’s true motivations.
While some fly the flag for nefarious purposes, most Canadians continue to showcase the Maple Leaf because they are thankful to live in such a great country. We must be wary of the faux patriotism expressed by those who have hijacked our flag and attached it to their misguided and dystopian mission. Simultaneously it is beyond imperative that we strengthen our affinity to the Red Maple Leaf.
When you and your family stand for “O Canada” this weekend, do so as an expression of gratitude that you live in the greatest nation on the planet. Celebrate the fortitude that navigated us through a brutal pandemic. Pay homage to the courageous women and men of our Armed Forces who protect our freedom and way of life. Above all, let’s work together to make this entire world a better place.
Be safe, have fun and remember to be grateful as we all say Happy 155th Birthday Canada!
Stay well,
Mike
