It has been just under five years since the start of the pandemic, and just over three years since the convoy descended on Parliament Hill in Ottawa.

Five years since our government stripped Canadians of previously-guaranteed Charter rights – putting conditions on our right to enter, leave and move freely within our own country.

The vaccinated were permitted their freedoms while the remaining roughly ten percent of Canadians, those who chose to stand up for their Charter rights, were prevented from working, travelling, socializing, and even attending online classes.  
Then they turned the compliant ones against us. We were targeted and shamed at every turn by our neighbours, friends and families, ridiculed by our coworkers and treated as less than human. The media and celebrities even wished death upon us. All because we didn’t toe the line.

We knew it wasn’t about a virus; it was about compliance.

After almost two years of being unfairly targeted by our own government, the magic that was the convoy was born out of frustration and desperation, and was taken up by Canadians and the world, as a beacon of hope for freedom.

Once again, our government came down hard on those they viewed as noncompliant. Beating, trampling or bullying those who tried to be heard, arresting others and freezing bank accounts and assets, blatant abuse and illegal search and seizure.

Our last hope was our justice system – surely, they would return our Charter to its rightful position at the forefront of all that makes Canada a free and democratic society?

Unfortunately, no, the political bias and manipulation runs deep in Canada. Ruling after ruling siding with the oppressors. There have been a few courageous individuals who put our laws ahead of their political affiliations, but for most it was career suicide to stand up for truth and justice.

Now our political environment has changed with rumours of an election on the horizon. At long last some politicians are finding their voice and standing for what they know to be true and just.

It is refreshing to hear these words spoken by MP Marilyn Gladu. It is a welcome change; better late than never, as they say. We thank her for speaking up and hope others will find their voice as well.