25/11/2024
Hey Everyone,
I want to address something that’s been weighing on many of us: the growing polarization in Canada. This post comes from my perspective as a Canadian, and it’s about how we can stop the "blue wave" that seems destined for our country. I believe that by addressing the root issues honestly, we can bring balance back to our political landscape.
Let’s start with a simple truth: what often gets amplified in the media is not a reflection of the majority. Clickbait stories and sensational headlines dominate because they sell. This distortion makes it seem like extreme views, whether on the left or right, are more common than they actually are.
But we can’t ignore the frustration that’s brewing. Many Canadians, especially those disillusioned during the pandemic, feel unheard. And if we want to bridge the divide, we must first acknowledge some hard truths.
# # # **Acknowledging Pandemic Missteps**
Let’s be honest: not all pandemic mandates were logical. Closing schools while keeping big-box stores like Costco open didn’t make sense. These decisions devastated families and communities. Mental health suffered, learning gaps widened, and the ripple effects are still being felt. Saying this doesn’t make you “extreme”; it makes you willing to address reality.
The Canadian trucker convoy reflected these frustrations. While the honking may have been disruptive, the protest itself was peaceful and represented a valid cause. Canadians united to voice their concerns about overreach, and that’s something worth recognizing. Ignoring this only deepens divisions.
# # # **Truth and Reconciliation Must Be Central**
Canada’s history with Indigenous peoples is not ancient; it’s recent. The graves uncovered at former residential schools are a stark reminder of our ongoing responsibility to seek truth and justice. Reconciliation isn’t a side issue—it should be at the heart of our national conversation. Canadians can handle this truth, and it’s essential if we want to move forward as a united country.
# # # **Violence Against Women: A National Crisis**
We also need to confront the reality of violence against women in Canada. The country’s three largest mass murders specifically targeted women, and the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls continues to be a national tragedy. These are uncomfortable conversations, but they’re necessary. Why isn’t this dominating discussions alongside housing, inflation, or other pressing issues? If we want real change, we must be willing to face the problems head-on.
# # # **The Cost of Living and the Class Divide**
The pandemic also exposed and worsened class divides. Many middle-class families, myself included, were left struggling. I was renovicted from my home, where I paid $1,750 per month, and forced into a market where I now pay $2,500. That’s a staggering increase that affects my children’s education, health, and overall well-being. And I’m just one of thousands of Canadians facing similar struggles.
The cost of living in Canada is out of control, and people are feeling abandoned. Watching politicians attend glamorous events or rub shoulders with the ultra-wealthy doesn’t resonate with those trying to decide whether to pay rent or buy groceries. These disconnects between leadership and real life only alienate voters.
# # # **What Happens If We Ignore These Issues?**
Many Canadians are politically homeless right now. They’re waiting for leaders who will address these challenges with honesty and compassion. Ignoring these issues doesn’t just alienate voters—it drives people further away from politics altogether. Worse, it risks voters flipping sides out of frustration, choosing what feels like the lesser of two evils.
If we’re serious about building a better Canada—one that is just, balanced, and representative of everyone—we need to start by addressing the root causes of frustration. Let’s talk about class, the cost of living, violence against women, truth and reconciliation, and the very real struggles Canadians face every day.
By focusing on truth and accountability, we can re-engage those who feel abandoned and bring balance back to Canadian politics. Canadians can handle the truth. Let’s start the conversation.
