Moving forward and coming together
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This article was published 09/03/2022 (448 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Like many Canadians, my ancestors fled tyranny and war-torn eastern Europe over 130 years ago to come to the Canadian prairies for freedom and opportunity. Their hard work and sacrifice created a better life for all who followed. I am motivated to honour them, to do right by them and my constituents, and contribute to a united and prosperous Canada.
However, since I was elected over two years ago, I have grown increasingly concerned over the state of our national unity. There is an alarming rise of western alienation and Quebec separatism, an increasing divide between urban and rural Canada, and division over the COVID-19 pandemic is severe. With these issues, national unity is at an all-time low.
This division is understandable in many ways. If one were to use a word to describe the last two years, and the immense challenges presented by COVID-19, government mandates, and restrictions, I would say it would be “trauma.” Millions of Canadians have been traumatized. Families have lost loved ones to COVID-19, suicide, and drug overdose; there have been delayed surgeries; untold damage has been done to our mental health and the development of our children; and countless others have been deeply impacted by the social isolation, job losses, and hundreds of thousands of small business closures over the past two years.
Thankfully, the world is now beginning to move past this challenging time. The United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Norway, Ireland, and other advanced nations are opening up, lifting mandates and restrictions, and learning to live with COVID-19. Several provinces, including Manitoba, have begun their re-opening plans. Dr. Theresa Tam recently said existing public health measures need to be “re-evaluated” so we can “get back to some normalcy.” It is also very clear that we need to transform our health-care system to ensure we are better prepared for future pandemics and that our incredible health care workers are fully equipped.
Unfortunately, even though we have some of the highest vaccinations rates in the world, widespread testing, and anti-viral COVID-19 treatments are being developed, the federal government has not announced a re-opening plan. This deeply concerns me. Canadians need hope for the future and a clear plan for Canadians to get their free lives back. The Liberal government must show compassionate leadership and present us all with a plan.
My office is happy to assist Kildonan-St. Paul constituents with questions or concerns related to federal issues. If you need assistance, please call 204-984-6322.
Raquel Dancho
Kildonan-St. Paul constituency report
Raquel Dancho is the Conservative MP for Kildonan-St. Paul.