How perspectives have changed.
For weeks, Canadian media coverage focused on the so-called Freedom Convey with their occupation in downtown Ottawa and their border blockades at locations across the country.
Now, all eyes are on Ukraine and a true fight for freedom.
The convey further divided Canadians. Everyone should be entitled to an opinion, within reason, and opposition to vaccination mandates is an issue that resonates with many, particularly among rural Canadians and farmers.
Blocking border crossings never made sense. Similar to the anti-pipeline protests that block railways and roads, there should be limited tolerance. Protest if you want to, but don’t block critical infrastructure. It’s easier for police forces to nip this kind of activity in the bud than clean up the mess after the situation escalates.
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Like everyone else, the Freedom Convey had the right to protest in the nation’s capital. They didn’t have the right to turn it into an occupation and make it their personal playground.
Unlike border blockades, the occupation had little effect on the economy of the nation, but it was a serious disruption for thousands of Ottawa residents. With some of the “organizers” talking about overthrow of the government and others espousing extreme views, the occupation needed to end.
Too bad they didn’t leave on their own terms. Enacting the Emergencies Act may have been an overreach. A more effective police response when the protesters first arrived may have negated the need for this national embarrassment. To its credit, the federal government revoked the act soon after the occupation was ended.
When police forces finally got their act together, their action was commendable. Protesters were given every opportunity to leave and police showed restraint in the face of ongoing taunts. The protesters deserve some accolades too. Although video coverage showed many acting like bozos, serious violence was avoided.
In the end, public support eroded for the protest and the occupation. Pandemic restrictions are slowly being lifted, but it isn’t due to the Ottawa occupation.
While the protesters were united in their disdain for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, it’s unclear who the political winner is now that the dust has settled. It’s the Conservative leader who has been ousted by his party.
While dislike for Trudeau is strong in the West and particularly strong in rural regions and among farmers, the Liberals were democratically elected. Governing during a pandemic hasn’t been easy for any stripe of government.
“Freedom,” bellowed many protesters as they were pushed from the streets of Ottawa. “Freedom.”
In a twist of fate, the entire western world is now riveted on the life and death battles in Ukraine and a much more genuine definition of freedom.
Here in Canada, we worry about the price of fertilizer, the supply chain for farm inputs and the lacklustre performance of our railways. All are legitimate concerns, but they pale in comparison to what has unfolded in Ukraine. The Russian aggression will have long-lasting ramifications for us all.
Many observers expected Ukraine to crumble under a Russian onslaught. Instead, in the face of immense human suffering and a rising death toll, Ukrainian citizens are doing what they can to defend their country. When truck drivers, teachers and farmers take up arms and risk their lives, the world takes notice.
It’s amazing what a country can accomplish when united in a common cause. Amazing how weak a country looks when its citizens are divided and bickering.
Kevin Hursh is an agricultural journalist, consultant and farmer. He can be reached by e-mail at kevin@hursh.ca.
