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By Doug Collins

One Man's Opinion

COLLINS: Canada Day little less celebratory this year

Jul 1, 2022 | 8:30 AM

IT’S GREAT TO BE ABLE TO GO OUT and celebrate today. To get out and see people face to face, to greet them as we participate in all the events of the day.

But the bright red of the maple leaf in our flag is a little duller.

We used to think we had a different mindset than our neighbours south of the border. Canadians were always considered “nicer” than our American neighbours. Friendly, respectful, caring, considerate, empathetic, willing to reach out and help our fellow Canadians. But the last couple of years have changed us.

We still have those who meet the criteria above, but there are many more who have become hardened, distrustful, violent, critical of immigrants, and generally uncaring. Protests that have turned violent, gangland slayings, intimidation, bullying and abuse of those coming here to make a new home. Mistrust of politicians, police, bureaucrats, and in some cases even our friends.

Social media is full of trolls, including sexual predators, intent on disrupting any kind of meaningful discussion, claiming it’s their right to say what they want.

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A shortage of medical health workers at all levels with no plan for fixing things. More opioid deaths than ever. Plans for reconciliation that are moving nowhere fast.

And in the U. S., the overturning of Roe versus Wade is yet another blow to women’s rights, no matter what your take on the ethics of the case.

Extreme inflation, supply shortages, and record-high gas prices were all seemingly put in place to stifle a hoped-for rebound in business post- COVID.

The positive is that there are people out there who are ready and willing to take on leadership roles. And in those leaders, we have to pin our hopes for tomorrow.

Canadians have always been strong and resilient, and world leaders in many areas.

While the red in the flag is a little less bright today, working with a vision gives us a focus. Our task now is to find leaders to help form that vision, and that starts right here at home with you and me.

Sounds a bit cheesy but it’s true.

I’m Doug Collins and that’s One Man’s Opinion.

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Editor’s Note: This opinion piece reflects the views of its author, and does not necessarily represent the views of CFJC Today or Pattison Media.