As Canadians, our focus on what we have in common and our commitment to basic human decency must be paramount.
Across our country, Canadians are in mourning after the school shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C. that claimed the lives of nine people, seriously injured two people, and left 25 people injured. Canadian leaders have issued heartfelt messages calling for Canadians to unite in praying for those who have lost their loved ones:
And while most online posts have been genuinely compassionate and befitting of this tragic moment, some have also used this tragedy to try to score political points and advance political agendas. I will not link to those posts, as that would simply spread division at a time when Canada needs unity. That said, it is important to push back against the trend of immediately politicizing everything. This trend, which can prove quite lucrative for those chasing clicks, is having a deeply corrosive impact on our public discourse.
At moments like this, and in all moments where we are reminded of how precarious and fragile life can be, we face a choice between elevating the better parts of our nature or succumbing to our worst impulses. For some, the impulse to divide, enrage, and gain short-term advantage overcomes the need for empathy and compassion. In each moment, we decide which aspect of our nature to focus on, and those decisions impact not only ourselves but also others. We can lament that the world seems to be becoming a harsher and less kind place, but that is ultimately under our control. If we want a kinder and more loving Canada, we can make it so by centring kindness and love.
And so, for whoever reads this, I urge you to continue putting the best part of yourself forward. Let’s all resist the temptation to gain a temporary advantage over others, and instead recognize our common humanity, mourn together, and stand as one unified nation in our determination to make our country and our world a better place.
Spencer Fernando
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