Dear Editor:
The COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for many people in many different ways. We’ve lost loved ones. Patients in hospitals and residents in long-term care homes have been isolated from their family and friends when they were most in need. Jobs were lost. Children and youth have had to cope with less than optimal ways of learning. Parents of young kids have struggled mightily to meet their job requirements while also taking care of kids.
The overwhelming majority of us have dealt with these challenges with the common goal of getting safely through the pandemic in a way that minimized harm to ourselves, our loved ones and our broader community. Masks, social distancing, handwashing, patience, kindness, and vaccination have not been too much to ask of 89% of Canadian grown ups.
Yet, we have a small fringe who take their guidance from extremists who pretend to represent ordinary folks, but truly do no such thing. I can live with people expressing contrary opinions. All healthy societies encourage that. What I can’t live with is the behaviour we are witnessing among the so-called trucker convoys in Ottawa and other parts of the country.
We have seen many despicable acts already, from desecrating monuments to demanding food meant for homeless people. I have several colleagues in Ottawa that must now travel two or more hours to get to their jobs in local hospitals. Today I learned that staff outside of Elisabeth Bruyere hospital were harassed for wearing masks. This is a hospital caring for some of the most medically complex and vulnerable older persons, people with severe disabilities, and people who are in palliative care programs.
In the midst of this we learn that the new leader of the federal opposition wants her colleagues to make this “Justin Trudeau’s problem.” What a disgraceful abrogation of duty. This is not a partisan issue. Every party should be working to put a stop to this shameful, counterproductive disregard for the rights and well-being of others.
As one of his constituents, I call on MP Michael Chong to act now to put an end to the pandering within his party to elements that represent the intolerant, uncooperative and unhelpful extremes among us.
John Hirdes,
Elora