By Peter Christensen

Op-Ed Commentary

Now that Brian Horejsi and Gerry Warner, in their opinion pieces, using the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedom as cloth have polished their jackboots to a nice bright shine, it seems timely to review the Charters’ basic tenants.

Our tradition, that is the Canadian tradition of liberty, which is also known as the Great Charter of Freedom gives every Canadian citizen the following rights:

• Freedom of conscience and religion.
• Freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of speech and of the press.
• Freedom of peaceful assembly.
• Freedom of association.

The language and inference of those who made belittling comparisons between the war of aggression by Russia on Ukraine and the recent demonstrations in our Capital based their comments on the very lack of tolerance found in authoritarian governments. This desire for authoritarian tactics and list making rather than negotiated treaty makes me very sad, it makes me fear for the future of Canada.

I may not agree with the content of particular demonstrations, no matter how confused they appear from the outside. However, I do believe that the Charter of Rights and Freedom is worth defending; its adoption seems to be the only evidence of a Canadian conscience.

One journalist remarked that he was surprised to see what he interpreted as “extreme right wing” demonstrators wrapping themselves in a Canadian flag.  A rather naïve observation I grant you, however it does raise the spectre of the “extreme left wing” politicos doing the same thing. The chest thumping message of both being that might is right!

Suppose that rather than buying into the postures of aggression, that were so easily sold to us, that Canadians demanded a compassionate and conciliatory approach be taken to demonstrators at the outset.

Suppose our government had used an educate and discuss approach at the beginning to disband demonstrators rather than fed the fuel of arrogance and divisive stonewall? Suppose negotiation had started by acknowledging that our ‘Great Charter of Freedom’ is a working document from which a desire for resolution can be drawn? Is it possible the outcome would have been different? Is it possible?

Once again Canadians were deceived and hoodwinked by partisan driven politicos in the Prime Minister’s Office. Unelected insiders who arbitrarily, based on their best guess at what will buy them votes, decide the course of action for our government.

There is a choice, you can polish your jackboots and beat the war drum while you jump and dance to the tune of partisan propaganda or you can take a step back and ask for a compassionate and reasonable solution based on democratic and Charter principles.

Which one do you think would be best for Canadians in the long run?

– Peter Christensen is a Columbia Valley-based writer

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