Canada: hate can tear us apart

What is it to be a Canadian?

Perhaps the best way to answer that is to describe what isn’t Canadian. What is unwelcome here. 

On the day after Canada Day, we know this: we know that Canada is not a place to come to with hate in one’s heart. It’s not a place to bring bigoted creeds from afar - beliefs that cause division and discord.

Canada is not a place where lawlessness is favoured or desired. It is not a place where the rule of law should be ignored without consequence.

Canada is not a place where one can wear a mask, and terrorize the innocent, and demonize people because of their faith or convictions.

Canada is not a place where hate and enmity is wanted. Canada is not a place for those who do not appreciate the values we share (or shared).

Canada is not a place for those who oppose democracy - or for those who do not understand the principles upon which this country is based.

Canada is not a place where violence is ever a substitute for dialogue and discussion and debate.  It is not a place where a balled fist ever replaces an extended hand of help.

Canada is not a place where one culture, one view, one faith, operate to the exclusion of all others. It is not a place for those who do not celebrate democracy or diversity.

Canada is not a place of anger - it is a place of harmony and decency and mutual respect. 

Canada is not - not now, not ever - a home for ancient hatreds. Never has been, never will be.

Those of us who love Canada - or at least love what Canada should be, and can be - know that values isn’t just a word. Values are hopes and dreams and are the ineffable stuff of life. But what is a Canadian value?

[To read more, subscribe here]