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OrilliaMatters welcomes letters to the editor ([email protected]) The following letter is regarding recent the truckers' protest and vaccine mandates.
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Not everybody has experienced devastating damages as a result of COVID-19 public health policies in Canada, but millions have. Doug Ford admitted just yesterday that Ontario has some of the most restrictive policies in North America.
Some people agree that the dangers of the virus justify these policies, but a lot of others disagree. Those who disagree want the right to make their own decisions on whether they feel it’s safe for them to work, socialize or travel.
We live in a democracy but these COVID-19 restrictions were never voted on, they were imposed without debate. This imposition is seen by many as government overreach.
The health of our country is a complex issue requiring many areas to thrive in order for balance to remain. A lot of people protesting want nuanced policy where all facets of society including the health of the economy, unrestricted access to social spaces, and education are considered as essential pieces of the puzzle.
It’s common knowledge that our prime minister has made some outrageously divisive comments lately. Blaming unvaccinated citizens (around 23 per cent of our country) for why our economy remains shuttered and name-calling them ‘misogynist’, ‘extremist’, and ‘racist’. A true leader unites and does not divide.
To segregate and name-call a group of citizens who have already faced remarkable losses in all areas of their lives is to invite backlash. It should be no surprise to anyone that there are protests in Ottawa; that many are deeply upset and broken by their country’s failure to support them. I’m surprised we did not see this sooner.
(Some) mainstream media are calling these protesters white supremacists and Trumpists. I suppose they missed the Clan Mother who travelled from Yellowknife to bless the protest; or the Indigenous drummers who travelled from Northwest Territories who performed while hundreds of people danced together, united, for the first time in two years.
This movement raised over $10 million in a few weeks and is receiving global support worldwide.
It would enlighten every critic of this protest to take a look at the grassroots journalists streaming video of all the positive things happening outside of mainstream media’s reporting.
When politicians stop representing large groups of people, the people rise up together for change. These protests are not going away, because current policies aren't doing enough to serve Canadians. This is a historic moment. It is an opportunity for Canada's leader to step up and listen to the concerns of its people instead of slandering them from the ivory tower.
Jaina Kelly
Orillia
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