By Parry-Sound Muskoka MP Scott Aitchison
There’s a growing divide in Canada.
A divide between those with salaries, benefits, and a pension and those without. Between those who have been to university, and those who have learned through an apprenticeship. Between those who work with their hands on a jobsite and those who can work on the computer in their living room. Between those who have gotten vaccinated and those who for whatever reason have chosen not to.
I first ran at the age of 21 for Huntsville Town Council because I believed then, as I still do now, that public service is one of the highest callings—that politics can be a force for good and that government should be a place where we all come together to ensure that nobody gets left behind. That steadfast belief in what good people in politics can accomplish has guided me throughout my career. I’ve always believed in the simple principle that every citizen has a right to be heard and respected, whether I agree with their perspective or not.
But as our country grows further polarized, I worry that more and more Canadians feel as if they are unable to voice their perspectives—or that their government simply does not want to hear them.
The past two weeks in Ottawa, we’ve seen protesters from across the nation converge on Parliament Hill to express their opposition to federal mandates that require truckers be vaccinated in order to cross the border. And while we’ve all condemned the hateful symbols used by a small group of individuals, the peaceful protests have generated discussion and debate on all sides of the political spectrum.
I want to be clear: I support vaccination. They are safe and effective. I’ve never budged on my belief that we should encourage as many people to get vaccinated as possible. However, I also understand for a wide variety of reasons that some in our society will not get vaccinated. I believe calling those individuals names, banishing them from society, and using them to score cheap political points is just wrong.
At the height of COVID-19, we were “all in this together”. In fact, the prime minister of Canada was on his front porch every single day talking about how Canadians had each other’s backs. Then, the 2021 federal election rolled around and the prime minister changed his tone. He saw an opportunity to use those who had yet to be vaccinated as a political prop in order to win an election. We went from a united front against the pandemic to a society deeply divided over the “vaccinated versus unvaccinated”.
That divisive attitude from his Liberal government has continued up to this day. An attitude of stubbornness, an attitude of being unwilling to hear any opposition to their beliefs as a government. In fact, at a time where we see hundreds of truckers in Ottawa who are here because they believe they are not being heard, what did Justin Trudeau do? Well, rather than meet with Canadians who hold a different perspective than his, the prime minister called them “racists and bigots” which further dumped fuel on the fire.
Look, we all want to see the protest end. We all want to see a peaceful resolution so that Ottawa residents can go back to their lives and truckers can go back to their jobs. I firmly believe that this protest should have never had to have happened in the first place. No Canadian should ever have to resort to parking their truck in front of Parliament because they feel like their perspective is unworthy of being heard by their government and every Canadian should be able to rely on the leadership from a prime minister who shows up during the tough times, rather than going into hiding as he has done over the last two weeks.
The hard truth is that Justin Trudeau has stopped talking to Canadians he disagrees with. He slices and dices the electorate for political points. He always looks to find a way to pit Canadian versus Canadian and I believe that needs to change. We need to bring people together rather than split communities and neighbours apart.
Canada is at a crossroads. I have never seen our country more divided and I believe that there are two paths our country can travel down.
The first is a road of anger, hatred, fighting, and rhetoric. It’s a road of only listening to our own tribe and being unwilling to listen to other people’s ideas. Or we can travel down a second road and choose our better values. We can choose a road of hope, optimism, pluralism, and creativity. We can choose as Canadians to hear the other side, we can choose to respect differences of opinion. We can choose to value individual responsibility over static groupthink.
Canada was built on the idea that we will disagree with each other. We are not always supposed to see eye-to-eye, and, as Canadians, we should welcome an honest, constructive and respectful debate on the great issues of our time. To paraphrase a quote from one of my favourite screenwriters, Aaron Sorkin, “You want to claim this land as the True North Strong and Free? Then let’s see you acknowledge someone whose words make your blood boil, who’s standing center stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours.”
My message to the prime minister is simple: show some leadership, listen to those you disagree with, and let’s work together to find a peaceful resolution to this protest. To the protesters: continue to remain vigilant and call out acts of hatred and disrespect. Remember that people live in Ottawa and deserve to be able to live their normal lives. Be open to a constructive discussion on ways you can go back home while allowing us as elected representatives to continue the fight for the government to show a concrete plan to get out of the constant lockdowns and mandates. To everyone else: let’s tone down the heat. Let’s be open to hearing opinions other than our own and let’s try to find it in us to see the other side.
This is Canada. We are supposed to disagree sometimes, but we always find a way to be able to have a pint afterwards. Let’s do it again this time.
(Photo of Parliament Hill by festivio on Pixabay. Photo of Scott Aitchison courtesy of Scott Aitchison.)
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Listen..Listen….Listen and then.talk and seek to understand the issues without relying on rhetoric.
I appreciate the manner in which Scott Aitchison raised some crucial issues that have been developing in this country over the past decade, that includes identity politics, tribal thinking, and an inability to have civil dialogue about important issues. We all need to listen more and seek to understand the discontent of a growing number of Canadians about the status quo that is not working for a large number of the population.
These protests are certainly about more than just the vaccine mandates; but when did the government assume the right to dictate what people do with their bodies. The importance of “”consent” in medical and mental health is a cornerstone of ethical practice. The trauma that is caused when people do not feel safe, have no choice, or cannot take responsibility for their own lives will drive them towards desperate acts. Mandates are not reliable methods to encourage public health as many studies have shown, and when you remove choices, it is expected that there will be backlash. Democracy is founded on the right to choose.
I recommend people take a look at the essay “Needle Points” by Norman Doidge, MD, Psychiatrist and author of the book “The Brain that Changes Itself”. Fear is gripping the brains of many Canadians, and that fear is never a good place to start a helpful conversation. Even Brian Peckford, former Newfoundland premier is a lead plaintiff in a lawsuit that claims the federal government’s Covid-19 requirement for air travel is unconstitutional and infringes all Canadians charter rights. Many of the discontent are educated, knowledgable Canadians who want freedom for all.
I have worked as a mental health practitioner for more than 30 years, and never have I seen such social alienation, anxiety and the demonization of difference; the “othering” of people is a primal survival instinct based on fear. The stigma of this “othering” alienates citizens from each other, and will only foment unrest and possible violence. I have participated in protests for social justice in the past and there were always some extremists who would join the foray – but they were not the majority and they should not get the attention when thousands of citizens are exercising the right to protest and express their anger over how the pandemic has been handled over the past two years.
Yes, I agree that the protesters tactics are neither legal nor helpful, as they are infringing on the rights of other peoples livelihood and the passage of goods across the border. The tactics should not get in the way of delving into the underlying reasons why these desperate measures are being taken. Suicide is neither legal nor helpful, but it is an act of desperation. It is much more constructive to understand the “what” and “why” of desperate acts, versus further alienating people who are angry and upset.
The failure of the current government to initially act decisively has exacerbated the situation. Basic negotiation tactics require diplomacy, respectful dialogue and sometimes compromise. Reminds me of a divorcing couple; intervene early and avoid unnecessary pain and destruction which starts by not making the other your enemy.
I am not a member of any political party and am not affiliated with any politician. When there is this much public demonstration we need to wake up and pay attention to what people are upset about. Both Trudeau and often the media have acted in unprofessional ways by using extremist language to describe the protesters which does not facilitate participatory democracy. Some of the protestors have also disgraced themselves by blocking the international borders and overtaking the capital. All factions have issues that need to be moderated so that we can move towards national cohesion and belonging.
If you read this and disagree, please take a deep breath before you respond. I ask that you respectfully provide your opinion, but please do your homework and find out what is underneath this discontent – otherwise you are only scratching the surface. Seek to understand what is going on under the facade, to search for greater appreciation of the reality of others without pre-conceived judgements which furthers our collective suffering.
Let’s get the trucks moving; and may we be able to do that peacefully with firm, compassionate leadership.
Respectfully,
Catherine Moffat
Divided / Polarizing Country ( attached email letter to Premier Moe-Feb . 9th )
Inbox
John Barltrop
Thu, Feb 10, 8:27 PM (2 days ago)
to Scott.Aitchison
Dear Mp Scott Aitchison
You stated “We need to bring people together rather than split communities and neighbours apart “. Feb 10th
The blame for this polarizing country lies with all levels of government municipal ( Ottawa Jim Watson mayor / police chief Sloly ) , Provincial ( Premiers of Ontario , Saskatchewan , and Alberta – Conservative governments ) and PM Justin Trudeau who will not back down on his vaccine mandate for truckers . However, the US has the same vaccine mandate as Canada . Therefore ,unvaccinated Canadian truckers would not be allowed to enter the US .
It was your Conservative party that supported / emboldened the ” Freedom Convoy ” from western Canada to travel to Ottawa that has now turned into a two week hostage occupation of our capital city . Today your interim leader Candice Bergen ( aka Maga Hat ) is pleading that our borders ( Windsor , Sarnia , Emerson ( Manitoba ) , and Coutts ( Alberta ) be reopened for all traffic .
Your party will now reap what you have sown , and canada will be the worst for it .
“Thanks” to the federal Conservative party of Canada , Ontario will lose millions / billions of dollars in trade. There is a possibility that our auto industry will be irreparably damaged because of your party’s lack of foresight to backing the ” Freedom Convoy” .
John Barltrop
Markham, Ontario / Cottage Huntsville Ontario
Most diverse, inclusive city in Canada
John Barltrop
Wed, Feb 9, 8:38 PM (23 hours ago)
to premier, premier, premier, candice.bergen, pm, chrystia.freeland, jagmeet, omar.alghabra, yves-francois.blanchet, premierministre, andrew.scheer, marco.mendicino, jim.watson, erin.otoole, michael.chong, michelle.rempel, mayor_tory, Paul
Dear Premier Scott Moe
From my perspective,you have abdicated your responsibility to a majority of Saskatchewan citizens as you allow no mandated masking / no proof of vaccinations requirements in your province as of next week . It seems to me that your Covid-19 announcements are based on political polling / not medical science .
Also from my perspective , the Ottawa protest /insurrection , closure of international border crossings in my province at Windsor/Detroit and Sarnia are also due to Saskatchewan politicians and a Convoy trucker organizer meddling in Ontario affairs .
1) Photos showing
MPs Warren Steinley, Kevin Waugh, Andrew Scheer, Fraser Tolmie, Rosemarie Falk , Canadce Bergen ( Manitoba ) , and Sen. Denise Batters grinning — some giving the thumbs-up — in front of one of the protest trucks
2) Chris Barber, a truck driver and organizer associated with the “Freedom Convoy” who is from Saskatchewan stated if things do not go well in Ottawa we will move our protest to Toronto .
Mark Carney, former governor of the bank of Canada stated : “But now in its second week, no one should have any doubt. This is sedition. That’s a word I never thought I’d use in Canada. It means “incitement of resistance to or insurrection against lawful authority.”
Andrew Coyne ( National Post ) stated : “But many more object to any public-health measure of any kind – not just vaccine mandates, but vaccines, masks, the lot. And behind them all are the organizers and leaders of the event, including QAnon-style loons, white-replacement theorists, and former members of the Soldiers of Odin, whose declared objective is to replace the current elected government with a committee made up of themselves, the Governor-General and the Senate.
Their objectives are plainly absurd. Their tactics – taking downtown Ottawa hostage, effectively – are intolerable.
What does the Conservative Party of Canada, the party of LAW and ORDER, say about this ? Nothing !
The Federal Conservative party of Canada , including the provincial governments of Alberta , Saskatchewan , and including my province of Ontario have largely ignored the medical /science data re Covid -19 so that they can placate their right wing , social Conservative base .
Also the Federal Liberal government is without fault , but I do not want PM Justin Trudeau to back down on the international border vaccine mandate for truckers .
I hope that your hospitals which are near peak capacity are not overwhelmed in the months to come with Omicron / unvaccinated people .. We in Ontario sadly remember a number of your Covid ICU cases being transferred by air from your province to Ontario ,as your hospitals were overwhelmed, last year . . In a couple of instances your citizens died in our hospitals alone .
As a Libertarian, I am tired and frustrated with this Covid-19 pandemic , but I am willing to follow mask/vaccine mandates for the health and safety of my family, friends , neighbours , and all Ontarians/ Canadians .
One other observation. How many BLIPC Canadian citizens do you see protesting across Canada ?
john barltrop
Markham , Ontario
Most diverse , inclusive city in Canada
Scott, Yes the country is extremely polarized and in real trouble. Trudeau has demonstrated that he lacks leadership and any true sound judgement. He has not only embarrassed Canada abut he has and continues to create a dangerous situation for all Canadians. But like others have stated am extremely concerned about your message as well the direction of the Conservative Party. Your party is part of the problem with your “Flip Flop” policies, your constant attacks on leaders and your inconsistencies. This is a horrible and would argue dangerous time for Canada having two of the largest parties in disarray and continuing to flame the polarization. The Truckers Protest is a symptom of a larger problem in that our political leaders and MP’s are totally lost. Your party needs to better attract leaders that can unify your party as well as the country. your message just confirms the confusion.
I feel compelled to respond to the opportunistic, self serving commentary by Scott Aitchison. This is a clear example of trying to score cheap political points with his claim that he’s never seen our country more divided. As a typically polite Canadian I would call it misleading partisan rhetoric, when I’d really prefer to call it dishonest claptrap, despite the widely accepted platitudes he includes.
A platitude such as “every citizen has a right to be heard and respected, whether I agree with their perspective or not” is of course admirable as long as the perspective espouses acceptable legal and societal values, is a red herring.
Scott says that Trudeau has called those with opposing viewpoints names, “villifying them, banishing them from society and using them to score cheap political points.” It is not those with opposing viewpoints about vaccines that Trudeau is referring to. Scott says the PM called protestors racists and bigots. He neglects to point out that Trudeau “as we all were, – was condemning the hateful symbols used by a small group.”
Canadian society has always had some wide divisions, particularly between rich and poor. Some of the divisions Scott mentions are questionable at best. What evidence does he have that those who have been to university as opposed to those who have learned through apprenticeship are in any way divided in their general views or with respect to vaccines? And that those who work with their hands are divided from those who work at a computer? And by the way, in our world of technology, many who work with their hands including farmers, carpenters etc now regularly do some of their work planning, designing and organizing use computers and other high tech equipment.
The numbers are clear that the vast majority of Canadians are not divided in pandemic related issues with fully vaccinated percentages in the mid 80’s, including the vast majority of truckers who are not protesting or blocking essential trade routes but are working to get goods to Canadians or at least, they’re trying to! Most everyone feels tired and fed up with the pandemic. I guess some react to this very challenging two years with more patience than others.
Trudeau made it clear he was referring to protestors who displayed disgraceful values, to the real fringe elements with Nazi or Confederate racist symbols, homophobic actions and ridiculous bad behaviours such as assaulting workers at a homeless shelter. He was also referring to to the significantly more dangerous and some international elements, mostly from U.S. right wing extremist groups.
Many people legitimately protesting and others just along for the ride have little idea of the complex connections with groups trying to destabilize democracy around the world. The evidence is there in interviews with some protesters. We ignore this proven intelligence at our peril. Trudeau is right to call the above groups dangerous fringe elements and not engage with them as a widely accepted strategy.
He has worked hard over the past few years to bring provincial premiers together to work on issues of concern to Canadians. Ten dollar a day daycare across the country is one small example. He has certainly never tried to pit Canadians against Canadians. He has worked with the NDP to improve quality of life for families and workers. He tried to work with the Conservative opposition but lately with their two now failed leaders, they have been more interested in saying anything critical, real or imagined, to make the government look bad and to get into power instead of coming up with or supporting policies that improve quality of life.
The previous PM, Harper was the king of being unwilling to hear any opposition to his beliefs. He didn’t call provincial premiers together – not even once – between 2009 and 2015, the longest gap in first ministers consultation meetings in 97 years!
(https://www.macleans.ca/politics/Ottawa/why-pm-wont-meet-premiers/ )
I find it abhorrent that Harper commented that doing anything about missing and murdered indigenous women was “not on our radar.” The Trudeau efforts at working with Indigenous peoples across Canada on this issue and other reconciliation issues, has been like day and night compared to the previous Conservative governments shameful lack of care. Current government steps in this direction are challenging and not perfect but are slowly making a positive difference and trying to right evil, centuries long divisions.
Scott is surely aware of the extremist connections to the protest in both organizing and helping to fund them. What are his ideas to organize to work against this?
Scott is for sure aware that the concrete plans to end lockdowns and mandates he’s asking for, are under control of the provincial governments except for the cross border mandate. How does his commentary in any way advance even one actual strategic solution for bringing Canadians together if he finds them so divided? I find it so aggravating when the Conservative opposition stand up and offer only criticism and pointed fingers, like political grandstanding, instead of outlining reasonable, workable ideas that will improve the lives of all Canadians. I am clearly not a Conservative voter but neither am I a Liberal voter.
This “great divide” is between 95% of us and the 5% who are too selfish to think of the health staff, family & friends their negligence infects. They call that freedom? Yah right. By all means end the mandate but ONLY after law changes charging them when they come moaning to hospital, and allowing someone infected by one of them to sue their a**. Problem solved.
Mr.Aichison, I don’t see you understanding the concept behind public health initiatives. The intent is to maximize overall protection of society members, not preserve freedom to act without constraints. As members of society we don’t have freedom to opt out of things we find inconvenient or offensive to perceived beliefs.
Maybe this is the real division between the majority of Canadians who believe in and vote for fair just and inclusive policies, and those who appear not to? How many of these protestors even voted in GE44?
Of the
A well balanced view presented…. bravo. It’s easy to see where the right and left views are.
A politician can have a trouble keeping on the middle road. We have been listening to the government & main stream media for two years.
Now it’s time hear the doctors, medial experts that have yet to have the opportunity to be heard.
Name calling has never been productive. Shame on the people who have been doing it for the last two years….. that is why we are where we are.
Thank you Scott….. that doesn’t mean I agree with everything you said.????
Here’s my read of this mess. Canadians came together over the terrible last two years. A large majority ‘follow the science’, from distancing, masking, isolation to multiple vaccine jabs. It saved lives, mostly those at highest risk (pre-existing conditions, elderly) and protected our (under-funded) hospital system. The sacrifices made, the costs and pains endured are vast and still growing. All front-line workers are to be celebrated for their dedication and service.
Unfortunately COVID-19 persists, doing what corona viruses do, evolve. The overwhelming evidence now says we must shift our approach, learning to live with it. Canadian provinces and most western countries now understand this and are moving that way. It’s a clear acknowledgement that the long-term consequences & costs associated with continuing past measures now exceeds the benefits. It is no longer an acceptable trade-off for most people.
Given this, it’s bewildering that Justin Trudeau as recently as Friday refuses to acknowledge this reality, even while his own chief medical officer Dr. Tam says it clearly, and importantly, saying changes are coming. While protests persist and spread, Trudeau was MIA (ironically, also isolating due to testing positive), giving divisive recorded responses, taking no helpful/meaningful action and blaming others. It’s no wonder a recent Maru public opinion poll found most Canadians want an immediate end to the protests, but also want an immediate end to COVID restrictions. As for Trudeau’s handling of things, only 16% said they would vote for him based on his actions. https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/this-could-cost-him-his-job-a-blockaded-canada-turning-on-trudeau-poll-finds
PM Trudeau made a difficult situation worse and now Canadians are paying the price. Instead of uniting and laying out a constructive path forward, he politicizes and divides. Even a few Liberal caucus members brave enough to speak out see this.
Scott was right to call it out. Most Canadians should remember this come the next election.
Thank you for your genuine comments, we sure do need someone who can look at a situation without prejudice on either side. I do understand the protest in Ottawa, these people are not terrorists but desperate people who are losing their livelihoods, who on following their conscience are now told that if they do not obey the Government, they will be literally starved to death. In other words, obey or you will not be allowed to work OR collect unemployment insurance … in Canada ?? I believe the protestors have a point! I don’t know that I agree with stopping the border crossings but perhaps the protestors are desperate because the Prime Minister will do not listen to them except call them terrorists. Remember what Martin Niemoller said in his quote, because this time it is the unvaccinated that are being blasphemed but next time it may be you that are being asked to do something against your conscience and no one will listen. See this website from a resident who lives in Ottawa in the midst of the Protest: https://maybury.ca/the-reformed-physicist/2022/02/03/a-night-with-the-untouchables/?fbclid=IwAR1Imel1OtGPS9b3aLRQ_SdOMxmM7rZTPQ8TZgQUFanDmHONkea3-q41568
Scott for heaven’s sake shake your head. Sadly, you fail to mention the key point, that the small percentage of far-right Canadians are allowing themselves to be manipulated by the increasingly-wealthy far-right American plutocrats at the top and the increasingly impoverished far-right American workers at the bottom who lost their jobs and their company paid health insurance, and don’t understand what happened to themselves and their country. Putin and Xi must be rubbing their hands in delight. The American right would like nothing better than to destroy Canada’s reputation as a reliable neighbor and trading partner. Its only the federal conservatives that are divided. The federal conservatives have totally failed us, but thankfully Doug Ford is a caring moderate and is astute enough to see what is happening.
Rhetoric (Merriam-Webster): language that is intended to influence people and that may not be honest or reasonable.
Examples here: “more and more Canadians feel as if they are unable to voice their perspectives — or that their government simply does not want to hear them”. In the era of social media, is there anyone who feels unable to voice their perspectives? They are heard; it’s a matter of not wanting to set a precedent by legitimizing absurd demands. Only truckers and “vaccine mandates” are mentioned; that’s not what this is about.
“peaceful protests have generated discussion and debate”. Glad I wasn’t living within earshot of that peace. I know of no points of debate put forward.
Top example “banishing them from society”
“they feel like their perspective is unworthy of being heard”. Then they’d be better off with a worthy perspective.
“going into hiding”
“He always looks to find a way to pit Canadian versus Canadian”. Always.
“value individual responsibility over static groupthink”. Then I wish to hear more personal thinking from politicians rather than dictated form letters and phrases. We don’t want to be dictated to, now do we.
“honest, constructive and respectful debate on the great issues of our time”. Indeed; and “freedom” is not one of them.
“To the protesters: continue to remain vigilant and call out acts of hatred and disrespect.” What may be meant here is for members of the group to call out over-actors. Yet using this phrase to call on people to “remain vigilant” is eerie. Way too close to what we heard from that guy not that far south of us.
“Be open to a constructive discussion”.
“constant lockdowns and mandates”
“we always find a way to be able to have a pint afterwards”. What may be meant here is “together”, yet …
There is no law saying one must be vaccinated only that if a person wishes to pursue certain endeavors it is required. If i wish to drive I must pass a test and then hold a valid license. Also if I decide to open a restaurant I must meet rigid health standards etc. For the public good we are made to meet certain standards. The idea that we should all be able to do whatever suits us the general public be damned is ridiculous. Its easy to say the present government should meet and negotiate with the protesters but whether they realize it or not they have been hijacked by extremists and any semblance of a sane, reasonable message has been lost. It must be obvious to all that when you decide to demonstrate against authority of any kind nowadays the extremists in our midst are ready to jump in and because of money and powerful interests south of the border they end up as the tail wagging the dog. The Conservatives problem in all this is they are trying to use it to discredit the ruling party and as usual do nothing helpful. Scott you fall into the same mold.
When you talk about a country being so divided, and then proceed to attack a person who a lot of Canadians support (as controversial as he may be), you are a part of the problem. Your whole post screams of hypocrisy.
Amongst many bad things revealed by this protest is the sullying and disrespect for our flag. When I see a truck here with a flag I don’t think of a patriotic Canadian but of an anti-vaxxer and person who cares not for their community.
I’m sorry Scott… and disappointed, but you’ve lost me. ( I still naively believe that if you had written this piece yourself, it would have had a more sincere ring to it. I don’t like to accept that such a short time “in the ring” has had this much effect on you)
What kind of “respectful” conversation do you propose to have with someone…or a mob… who is so self-absorbed, so selfish, so utterly misinformed ….as to choose to act against unimpeachable evidence (by rational thinkers) of wide-spread societal benefit…. who KNOWINGLY contributes to causing avoidable sickness and death in many people…..who deliberately takes actions resulting in such a predictable crippling of our health care system….who willingly supports harrassment and even anarchy ??
I suggest that Mother Theresa, Ghandi and Mandela combined wouldn’t be able to pull that off ! So stop waffling Scott and do something, say something helpful !
Admittedly, our Government is totally inept…Leadership totally absent…BUT it doesn’t have a majority…That’s where you’re supposed to come in. Time to step out of the crowd Scott.
Why is our Parliament so utterly, totally ineffective ? This has been allowed to fester into a crisis jeopardizing not only our health care, but also our economy. The best our elected representatives can do is to suggest more “talking”, “understanding” …”respect” !? C’mon !
What’s all this foot dragging talk about injunctions, declaring emergencies, drafting new regulations ? Surely we already have laws against everything that’s going on. What kind of Society do we have when there’s an unwillingless to enforce them ? (There would be few confrontations if a photo of the lic place along with notice of a hefty fine were put in the mail ! I like to think trucks would be moving by now if the kind of losses innocent businesses are suffering were inflicted on protesters.)
….and never mind worrying about divisiveness and calling these people out Scott. It’s waaay too late for that….and besides, do we see any reluctance on their part ? It’s abundantly clear that there are entrenched positions here.
In what kind of democracy does a mob’s rights/”feelings” take precedence over the majority ?
I am NOT advocating force….but surely we have ways to “enforce” legitimately enacted laws…. “threatening a police officer…with a tyre iron” ! …a free pass ??? Really ?
Maybe we did dismiss their views at first but we certainly have all heard their message by now. They can’t reasonably use the excuse any more, that ” we want to be heard”. However, what is the cost to our democracy if we allow a minority to overturn legitimately enacted regulations, simple by disrupting and holding the country to ransom ?
I’m totally disgusted with the Liberals !!…and now the Conservatives.
Scott, some of your examples of divide amongst Canadians is not equal nor equivalent in importance – but a giant leap. Your comparators have me scratching my head. In some of your examples, I see and smell rhetoric, reminiscent of the populism of the DF political campaign. Don’t buy into it Scott.
Following the science, research and epidemiology has been the most responsible method. Considering the protest is anti-science at its core, can mean that only those politicians that understand and responsibly support the public health of its citizens will in the long run do what is best for them. Protecting our health care system, our health care workers needs to be the highest priority. There will be an end to restrictions. I applaud the courage to stand firm on mandatory vaccinations for those without medically recognized exemptions.
The protest is a contentious concern. There are children accompanying their parents in the trucks, in this adult “temper tantrum”. There are extreme fringe groups capitalizing on an initial peaceful movement. There are rights to peaceful assembly and protest to protect. There are extreme groups and actions that are being addressed at a national security level. Proceeding carefully, lawfully, with jurisdictional responsibilities and authorities used well is essential. There is foreign money flowing into the movement and organizational tactics of illegal, banned groups which needs to be investigated and shut down.
JT has not caused this. He is anything but a coward. The “heat in the kitchen” has caused a couple of Liberal MPs to leave the party and imagine that there is any possibility of negotiation (false assumption). Can one negotiate with a 3 year old having a tantrum? Best to let them express their “you’re not the boss of me” until their actions begin to harm themselves or others & then to step in. There are members in your own party who remain in ignorance about the pandemic and best responses.
Paul Whillans: Meant to respond earlier; something along the same lines as your comment, but went to work in my shop instead. Came back and read your piece and I think you’ve said it. Except the resign part. Not much leadership there I admit and certainly no declared loyalty. But where is that in any of the aspiring ‘conservative’ mob. Hopefully there can be rehabilitation.
The only thing the “Conservatives” accomplished with their ousting of their previous leader, is that none of them trust each other or can be trusted.
Maybe our local MP would like to explain how he can perch atop that fence and not ruin a good pair of jeans…. or worse.
“I have never seen our country more divided.”
After that it’s just “Blah, blah, blah.”
Even the guy who blows the snow out of my driveway (me) could say something along those lines, without meaning and meant to not express an opinion that might not get one a spot in the next ‘shadow cabinet’.
We don’t need more useless rhetoric. We have a PM that can mouth enough about our “nation of laws” and seemingly not notice that the ‘strike’ or whatever, is in contravention of a whole parcel of those laws. Do something!! You can’t talk a nail into a board.
I’m to the point where I’m looking for guys in black hats with hammers.
But it seems I wake up each morning to that bland, inert sea of gray.
Mr. Aitchison: Your message, “To the protestors: continue to remain vigilant…” is appalling, to say the least. Frightening. Worrisome.
Moreover, I’m disheartened, but not surprised, to read that you, as our MP, is placing the blame of this mess onto the shoulders of others – in particular, Liberals. You take no responsibility whatsoever for your party’s inactions. Do you not realize that Ottawa is in Ontario? We have a premier in our province, namely Doug Ford. Well, we’re waiting…
The truckers who have parked “…their truck in front of Parliament because they feel like their perspective is unworthy of being heard by their government…” have gone beyond the pale of a protest. They have disrupted the lives of many: threats, blocking trucks loaded with produce/food, harassing innocent people. Businesses, schools, and churches have been forced to close due to safety concerns. Noise pollution. Some truckers have brought along their children. This is not a healthy or safe environment for children.
Many citizens are living in a state of fear. Many have lost their source of income. Our economy is seriously at stake and soon, our food sources. Some of the participants in this protest want to overthrow the government. What is happening now is akin to terrorism. These so-called protests are spilling over into other communities in Canada and abroad. Some participants from the U.S. are involved. The actions and inactions of these groups are adversely affecting innocent people.
Yet, Mr. Aitchison, your message to those participating in acts of sheer terrorism is, “To the protestors: continue to remain vigilant…”
Coming from our MP this is Appalling. Frightening. Worrisome.
To Paul Whillans: According to the definition of Terrorism under Section 83.01 of the Criminal Code of Canada Terrorism, it is most fitting re the so-called ‘protestors.’ For example, some businesses have had to shutter, streets are blocked (just imagine if you have a much needed medical appointment in that area but you can’t get through), some protestors have verbally threatened citizens, horn honking at all hours is happening, a school AND a church (or 2?) had to close, trucks loaded with produce /food cannot get through with delays “that threaten to exacerbate product shortages and worsen already-high inflation.” (Toronto Star, Jacob Lorinc, Friday, February 11, 2022). Daily policing costs are sky high; their salaries don’t come from money trees.
Moreover, and most frightening, is that there are some who are determined to overthrow the government – under the guise of Freedom. Let’s be clear. Our economic security is severely threatened. Thousands and thousands of innocent people have been in a state of fear for 2 weeks. The terrorism is spilling over into other cities and countries. THIS. IS. NOT. A. PROTEST.
Thank you, Paul, for bravely submitting your response and calling a spade a spade – unlike others.
Sitting firmly on the fence as usual. That’s why PPC will get my vote from now on. You career politicians make me nauseous.
I have seen my fair share of back peddling and by some really BIG political people. But Scott Aitchison, you and your speech is probably the most blatant.
Thanks for this Scott and I can say this makes me proud to be your constituent. I think you hit the nail on the head. The ability to “agree to disagree ” is something many Canadians have abandoned. Until we find that ability again this country will remain polarized.
Sorry Scott but this really does sound like Conservative rhetoric. You suggest that the PM have an open conversation with the “protestors”. Please tell me what this conversation would be. PLEASE !
They have demands. They have loudly shown that they are not interested in a conversation.
I am also Very concerned that you suggest the “protestors” “continue to remain vigilant etc.”. So you’re not calling for them to admit they’ve made their point and head home ? What a shame Scott.
No government – Liberal, Conserative or whatever should negotiate with an anarchist group like this.
Scott I have to disagree with you on your view of this so called vaccine. It is proven not to do very much good and could possibly do a lot of harm over the long haul. That being said I’m not totally against it. If you do some research and you think it will help you with this virus by all means go get the shots but if you are like me and research what you can and decide you don’t think it will help you much or are afraid of it don’t take it. All I ask is that i can still have some life and not be pressured by govt. or anyone else into shooting something into my body that I don’t trust. For Govt or anyone to try and force me or someone else to take these shots by taking privileges away is against the charter of rights and freedoms of this once great country and any govt or person in power doing this should be charged. As far as the truckers protests are concerned I support them 100% thank god some group had the intestinal fortitude to stand up for what is right in this country. They do not just have truckers on their side they have doctors lawyers and scientists all of who disagree with all the mandates and restrictions and especially are against shooting this so called vaccine into out children. I could keep going but Doppler will likely censor this like most everything else I comment on just one more freedom they want to take away.
I am also saddened by how the angry rhetoric and negative noise has taken over, blocking out any possible dialogue that could lead to a peaceful resolution of the border blockade and occupation of our cities.The public health restrictions are gradually lifting even as the healthcare system continues to cope with high numbers of sick persons.We need all leaders to focus on collaborative strategies to get us thru this mess to address priorities like climate justice, truth and reconciliation, and the immediate housing situation.We have to find a way to community.
Section 83,01 of the Criminal Code of Canada Terrorism is ” an act or omission, in or outside Canada,
(i) that is committed
(A) in whole or in part for a political, religious or ideological purpose, objective or cause, and
(B) in whole or in part with the intention of intimidating the public, or a segment of the public, with regard to its security, including its economic security, or compelling a person, a government or a domestic or an international organization to do or to refrain from doing any act, whether the public or the person, government or organization is inside or outside Canada, ……
So Aitchison wants the Government of Canada to negotiate with these terrorists (like it or not that is what these “protesters” are….if you don’t like the definition in the CCC then change it but don’t pretend it doesn’t exist). Like the rest of his party Aitchison is just a political hack who doesn’t believe in the rule of law……oh how the Conservatives of today are quick to abandon the traditional conservative values.
He is unfit to hold public office…….. Resign Aitchison
Thanks Scott. Very well said.
Yup. That pretty much sums it up.