Canada Day ‘shame’

Dear Editor:

An open letter to Justin Trudeau, John Nater and Doug Ford.

As Canada Day approaches I am full of mixed emotions. I moved to Canada when I was three in 1973 and all of my schooling was taught in Canadian schools. But not a word was mentioned about residential schools and how colonialism destroyed Indigenous culture, families, and spirits. And now the genocide of presumably thousands of innocent children.

My desire to celebrate Canada Day this year is very low. How can I possibly be proud of a country that has treated a people with such hate?  How can I wave a flag when I know so many are still hurting at the hands of our government?  My heart is heavy with the number of unmarked graves being discovered.

This Canada Day is full of shame. This Canada Day I will not put up flags and wear red and white. I will choose orange instead.

As a country we need to do more, figure out a way to make peace, figure out how to facilitate real meaningful healing. It’s time to take ownership of a very dark past and seriously look at the recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Stop talking and start acting!

I also strongly encourage all MPs, MPPs and every Canadian citizen to enroll in the free on-line course Indigenous Canada offered by the University of Alberta.

We have a lot to account for and as leaders in this province and country it is your duty to lead by example and find a way forward to meaningful healing as a nation.

Lynn Philp, Harriston