The world needs more Canada

Photocredit: CBC news

It was Bono who notably proclaimed “The world needs more Canada” at the Air Canada Center in 2003. Thirteen years later, President Obama used the same expression when addressing the Canadian parliament.

It is true. The world does need more Canada, more acceptance of the “other” be it refugees or immigrants, more politeness and kindness which are hallmarks of the Canadian people and tolerance, also another Canadian trademark.

Yet, President Obama’s farewell speech struck a chord within me.

He observed that “our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted” and “Democracy can buckle when we give into fear”.

Why should that matter here in Canada?

It matters now more than ever. In the last 12 years not only has Canadian diversity increased…but so have our property taxes, car insurance, University tuition, heating bills and gasoline to name a few. The US election has shown us that when the going gets tough…blame everyone else for it!

Currently overheard conversations in the grocery are about why the government is paying for Syrian refugees while food costs keep rising. There is also talk about Mississauga city councillors who have agreed to increase their pay so they don’t feel the rising costs of utility bills and property taxes while their constituents do. The general feeling of angst and powerlessness saturates the air.

President Obama spoke about guarding our democracy. It is something we need to do here. If you have an issue in your community – write your city councillor or your MP. If you believe you are paying more taxes and getting less services – speak up. When we don’t speak up and just whisper among ourselves, nothing will get done and we will reach a point where we will blame each other.

For Canada to stay Canada – we must be vigilant with our own democracy. Be heard.