August 2020
So often in history, crisis brings calamity, and then calamity begets change.
While all orders of government continue to provide the necessary leadership to bring us through the pandemic, we need to begin thinking about the kind of Province and Country we will build after COVID-19 has been eradicated.
Together, we will determine the new Ontario that emerges in the New Normal. Together, we can define the change, and individually we can become its agents.
Last month, I wrote about the problem of racism in our communities. In recent weeks, the discussion has continued to gain momentum. We are part of an emerging consensus, ensuring the racism that has stubbornly persisted for so long is finally destined for the dust bin of history.
But what of the other, seemingly intractable problems that have plagued us for years, even decades? Isn’t now the time to seize the initiative on solving some of them as well?
Women continue to face barriers which deny their talent, undervalue their contribution, and hold them back.
Economic inequality causes some of us to question our belief in the Canadian dream.
Environmental degradation now threatens not just the quality of life of future generations, but the future of young people living today.
Canada’s Indigenous peoples seek recognition for the injustices they’ve endured, and a respectful dialogue.
Young people are brilliant and connected, but many continue to face barriers to post-secondary education and training.
Blind partisanship erodes our political culture, while respectful, reasoned debate and honesty in politics seem to be discounted.
As difficult as the past months have been, we’ve come through them thus far. We have shown courage, resilience, determination, and caring. Families are closer, friends are dearer, and communities are stronger.
Ontario is our home, and we can be very proud of all we’ve achieved. But we can do even better.
Each of us is empowered to now ask ourselves: How can I help transform the difficulties we’ve endured into a catalyst for a new Ontario, one that is fairer, more just, more inclusive, more empathetic, as well as more prosperous for all?
