Season’s Greetings and Merry Christmas from Elizabeth Marshall, OLA Director of Research
Elizabeth Marshall
As Canadians slowly begin to recover from the previous unprecedented times this will not be a “conventional” Christmas Greeting.
We are still being faced with politicians, public servants and media fearmongering, creating crisis after crisis where there really isn’t one. How much more are Canadians expected to endure? The constant preaching about Covid, the constant preaching about the flu – it seems there is no end to the panic some would force on the average person. Yes, we need to know to protect our children but does it have to be all consuming and does it have to be everyday and all the time?
We have listened to the many conflicts in and by our governments and those disruptions have continued to divide this Country to its very core. It isn’t merely the pandemic or the purported health care crisis. It’s the many issues we have seen with our elected officials. And it seems they have little or no understanding of the Constitution or what is needed, wanted or desired by the average Canadian.
Last year, when I was Chairperson for the Canadian Justice Review Board, I used the words of Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR). He stated, in 1933, and perhaps we should pay heed to his words, or our society, and even humanity, may be in jeopardy. It is hoped his words will inspire all Canadians. It is also hoped that his words will inspire, not only our elected officials, but the various Courts and Tribunals, to uphold the fundamental freedoms established in the principle of our Constitution, without bias, discrimination, segregation or fear.
FDR – “This is pre-eminently the time to speak the truth, the whole truth, frankly and boldly. Nor need we shrink from honestly facing conditions in our country today. This great Nation will endure as it has endured, will revive and will prosper. So, first of all, let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance. In every dark hour of our national life a leadership of frankness and vigor has met with that understanding and support of the people themselves which is essential to victory.”
Throughout the past 2 to 3 years, we have seen the affects of a government’s actions on Canadians. And yet, we have seen Canadians rise to these challenges, but we have also seen families divided, businesses closed and certain aspects of our Canadian culture torn apart, all based in fear – not truth, not law, not science – but fear.
And yet, in 2022, we have seen signs that can give us some semblance of comfort. It might seem that the wind of change is beginning to remove those branches that have ensnarled Canadians. To some people’s relief, the twisted brambles are being cut away and it can only be hoped that the shifting breeze will continue.
Unfortunately, this movement cannot be expected, by our federal level of government. Until those who govern begin to understand the average person or the needs, dreams and spirations of the majority of the people and begin to show respect, by listening to the voice of the people, we will continue to be forfeited of our own humanity. It would seem they forget or have never learned what it is to be included in the majority. For that, they should be pitied, but then there has been nothing stopping them from walking in any other Canadian’s shoes. Perhaps that is something they should do to understand the basics, of reality, in Canada.
Out of this fear, though, have been some successes. We have seen some small businesses continue, although they are barely hanging on; we have seen members of the medical community stand with their fellow Canadians against unconstitutional mandates; we have seen members of the legal profession take action for the protection of every Canadian’s constitutional rights. These are all things we can celebrate, as these people have not allowed fear to become that “nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.”
Some Canadians have continued with their efforts to inspire government(s) not to abuse Canadians through legislation, regulation and by-laws. Those Canadians take exception with any of the aforementioned being brought forward, and/or passed, during a pandemic, a war in Europe, outlandish inflation, the deepening of the recession, etc., without the people of this Nation being allowed to have their voices heard. That is not democracy and yet it is discriminatory.
What can we hope for with the coming year? There is a light at the end of this dark tunnel – it is Canadians themselves. If we can learn to treat each other with the respect we would like to be treated with; if we can look to our history to see we are merely repeating what has already come before; and if we can take the words of FDR to heart – leaving the fear where it belongs, in the darkness; we, as a Nation, can overcome these dark days and become the Canadian people we once were.
As Past Chairperson of the Canadian Justice Review Board, I would like to thank all of those Directors, and every Canadian who has not lost faith; who has not given in to the fear. They work tirelessly in an effort to inform, educate and assist in their own way, all Canadians. To you all, Season’s Greetings, Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy, Prosperous 2023!
Elizabeth F. Marshall, President – All Rights Research Ltd.,
Director of Research – Ontario Landowners Association
Past Chair – Canadian Justice Review Board
Legislative/Legal Researcher – Lawyers, MPs, MPPs, Municipal Officials
I am not a lawyer and do not give legal advice. Any information relayed is for informational purposes only. Please contact a lawyer.
