Are we witnessing a turning point in history?
That thought came to mind while watching coverage of the Pope’s funeral last weekend.
Elections around the globe have been about change and seem to reflect a dose of populism. Far-right parties have seen success, as have non-traditional political actors that bear messages not reflective of customary values. There seems to be an unnecessary edge associated with campaigns today.
It brings to mind that George Bush proclamation in 2001 that people are “either for us or against us.” He was referencing nations or groups that failed to get behind American efforts to thwart terrorism. That age-old saw of defining the enemy in such stark contrasts does little to advance the greater cause.
Setting people up in camps and perpetuating tribal mentalities has brought us to this point.
Reactions to the outcome of this current federal election are understandably polarized. That’s more or less how voters have been trained in recent years. The vast echo chambers found online and promoted through social media have done their best to reduce conversations to for-and-against arguments. We find it frustrating and wonder if other Canadians by virtue of the votes are starting to feel the same.
Locally, Michael Chong, MP for Wellington-Halton Hills North and John Nater, MP for Perth-Wellington, retained their seats decisively. We believe that speaks to their constituency work and sensible approach to time in Ottawa. Unlike their leader, Pierre Poilievre, both men demonstrate an ability to work with others.
As we see it, in this time of uncertainty, we need to see more of that maturity.
Mark Carney, now an officially elected prime minister of a minority government, will need to make immediate efforts to include Conservatives and other parties as he establishes priorities for his government. The Trump factor, which poses a threat to Canada as well as the global economy, requires Canadians to pull together with a unified voice.
This is easier said than done, but we do hope Carney has the good sense to extend that olive branch. Musings to date suggest Poilievre intends to hang around despite losing his seat. Regardless of who provides leadership in the House of Commons or wrests control as party leader, it is in the country’s interest to set aside the sophomoric politics that have plagued the Conservative Party since PM Harper left the building.
We hope Carney brings a management style focused on results, by including all parties more significantly in policy debates, to make Canada stronger. That statement may come across as a bit naïve, but it is a path forward from this decade-long malaise.
Respect for other opinions and approaches, let alone geography and demographics, is desperately needed.
With this election concluding and the votes counted, Canadians may believe their task is finished until the next time. We strongly encourage people to stay involved, whether it be participating in local riding activities, writing letters to the editor or to MPs, or reading real news and holding politicians to account.
Much work lies ahead.
‘In Our Fathers’ Footsteps’
We owe it to our future, to remember the past.
Eighty years ago, almost to the week, the Allies liberated the Netherlands during the Second World War. Canada played a significant role in routing out the Germans and their Nazi ways.
Guest speaker Bob Foster, son of Dr. V.S. Foster, a WW II veteran, will lead an event on May 9 at the Fergus Legion, with a slideshow entitled “In Our Fathers’ Footsteps.” Further details are available in our story on page 5.
Locals organizing the event are excited about this commemoration. Fergus Legion president Randy Graham, guest speaker Bob Foster and post-war immigrant to Canada John Gansekoele have worked on this project for weeks.
For Graham, it is a continuation of incredible efforts to keep the Legion relevant by honouring the past, supporting veterans and providing a social outlet for the community. Much can be accomplished by working together for the public good.
Foster, son of “Doc” Foster, shared with us some understandable frustration that his dad wasn’t an open book on the topic of war experiences. This is a shared experience of many other families, where much of what took place overseas was not talked about.
It may seem out of sorts with today’s over-sharing of mundane experiences, but sparing family the details of what they saw and did is quite typical of veterans.
Gansekoele, someone we regard as an old friend, remains humble and thankful for the work of Canadian soldiers who liberated his birthplace. We had a few moments at the front counter when he brought in the flyer for this event. While most families have a resident historian, his family can be proud of his work to remember the consequential impact of Canada on their lives.
Along with ridding their hometown of the Nazi scourge, Canada opened its arms to John’s family. To add greater context, had the war turned out differently, we might not know John, nor his immediate descendants who now number 100.
Let’s do our best to remember this inspiring part of Canada’s military history.
