View From the Legislature

There are many ways in a modern democracy that people can voice their opinions about public matters and decisions. During my time in elected office there has hardly been a day that has gone by that someone has not, either by email, phone or in person, provided feedback on a government issue. Often, protests and demonstrations are organized by groups of people to make their voices collectively heard.

These larger protests and demonstrations often take the form of marches in a community sometimes culminating at historical or political landmarks, like the Canadian Museum for Human Rights or the Manitoba Legislature. I have seen many of these occur at the Manitoba Legislature. They are usually very emotional, but almost always peaceful. Peaceful demonstrations are an important and valued part of our democracy. They are what distinguish countries like Canada from some other nations that do not allow such mass demonstrations of expression.

This past Canada Day in Manitoba there were demonstrations to mark the discovery of unmarked graves thought to be primarily of indigenous children at the former locations of residential schools. This discovery has caused a great deal of sorrow and reflection among Canadians. On Canada Day, at my office, some individuals put up signs of protest related to this discovery. The signs were left up for the day. They were done in such a way so as not to cause damage to the office, but to deliver a message. They were a peaceful form of protest and expression. The kind that occurs in a free and democratic country.

However, that same day, a peaceful march in Winnipeg turned violent at the Manitoba Legislature. There were reports of an assault and two statues on the grounds of the Legislature were torn down, one sustaining substantial damage.

The number of people who were involved in conducting the damage was small in comparison to the overall number of people who participated in the demonstrations. Leaders involved in the demonstration were quick to condemn the acts of violence and damage. Those that were responsible for the violence and damage should face legal consequences for their actions. Peaceful protests are an important part of change and democracy, but the violence and damage that took place at the Manitoba Legislature on Canada were simply not acceptable.

This past Canada Day in Manitoba will be remembered as a difficult one for many reasons. Canada is not a perfect country. No country is. Yet, despite its faults, it is seen by millions of people around the world as one of the best places to live. And it can maintain and grow in that status by properly acknowledging and addressing past mistakes and resolving to learn from them. Peaceful demonstrations and protests are one part of that learning process.

The difficult week ended with the hopeful appointment of Mary Simon, a former diplomat, as Canada’s Governor General of Canada. She is the first indigenous person to serve in this role and she acknowledged that her appointment was a step forward on the long path toward reconciliation. It was a reminder as well that there is much to admire about Canada. And much to be hopeful for its future.