Rights and Freedoms

 

As demonstrations across Canada continue against the imposition of mandates-federal and provincial-in relation to efforts to control the spread of the Covid 19 virus, a minority of the population have come to the conclusion that their rights and freedoms have been usurped. 

This is not correct.

The opening paragraph of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms states:

          “...The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees the rights and freedoms set out in it subject only to such reasonable limits prescribed by law as can be demonstrably justified in a free and democratic society….”

The pandemic is a crisis unlike any we have seen in a century.  In Canada, millions have been infected; tens of thousands have died; and untold numbers have or will experience long lasting complications from their experience with the virus. 

It has been the responsibility of our elected officials at all levels of government to enact measures that, in their collective wisdom, provide the greatest protection for ALL.  Some may disagree with the decisions that have been taken, but many, many more would be upset had the government not taken steps to curb the impact on society from the consequences of inaction.

Regardless of which side of the coin you find yourself, we all must remember this.  Rights and freedoms come with a concurrent task; that is responsible behaviour. In a democratic society, our freedoms call us exercise those rights and freedoms without impeding the rights and freedoms of others. Demonstrate if you will, but in a manner which befits the privileges that you have and that you would want another to extend to you.

To those who disagree, speak loudly…with your vote.