Shahina Siddiqui
Fear mongering and wedge politics were nasty hallmarks of the recent federal election campaign.
Even though it has finally concluded, and Canadians have chosen a new government, the lingering impact of this divisive fight is still being felt across the country.
Recently, approximately 500 people gathered on the north side of the Manitoba Legislature as part of a rally entitled, Our Canada. One Canada. No to Fear. Yes To Unity.
The rally was a response to the fear-based politicking that emerged during the federal election campaign.
Niigaan James Sinclair
Muslim and Indigenous peoples in Canada (among others) felt targeted by hurtful attacks rooted in wedge politics, designed to split public opinion and distract voters from addressing important issues of the day.
Several community leaders were on hand. There was a postcard campaign aimed at directing politicians to stand for unity with marginalized sectors of the community. And, there was an announcement of a proclamation from Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger.
The following audio recorded by CKUW 95.9 FM, contains excerpts of speeches from Shahina Siddiqui, President of the Islamic Social Services Association, Niigaan Sinclair, Head of the University of Manitoba Native Studies Department, Belle Jarniewski, Chairperson of the Freeman Family Foundation Holocaust Education Centre, James Christie, former Dean of the University of Winnipeg’s Theology Department, and Manitoba Premier Greg Selinger:
Cover photo by Doug Kretchmer
Soundcloud photo by Oliver Rupert
Thanks, Michael. The way the whole thing played out, makes me think we needed to go down that path for some strange reason. Some of us went so over the edge, didn’t we. Do you think the experience of the election and the last nine years helps us realize how very fragile freedoms are? To realize how easy it is to be hurtful and manipulative, to be fearful and to turn away from those we should be helping? Gosh.
Thanks for shining the light, Michael!