Canada Day 2021

Canada Day 2021 is different. A spotlight is shining on racial discrimination in a terrible way.

Recently the remains of 215 children were discovered, buried on the grounds of a Kamloops, BC former residential school for indigenous children, part of Canada's history of the subjugation of native people. The entire country has been shocked and many people are feeling uncomfortable about being Canadian. We are mourning this year and face a future in which probing into other residential schools may uncover more shocking discoveries and horrible treatment of native children. It is not a happy time.

Canadian country and folk singer-songwriter Don Amero performed this mournful version of O Canada at a recent NHL game to honour the lives of the 215 children.

Then, on Sunday, June 6, in London, Ontario, a young man with no sense and a lot of hatred, made the shocking decision to use his truck to murder a Muslim family out for their customary evening walk. Four members of the family, Salman Afzaal, 46, his 44-year old wife, Madiha Salman, their 15-year old daughter, Yumna Salman and 9-year old son, Fayez as well as Salman Afzaal's 74-year old mother were mowed down intentionally by this young man in his truck. Young Fayez, severely injured, is the only member of his family to survive. 

photo from The Globe and Mail

This kind of racially motivated hatred is unacceptable anywhere. How do we change these awful attitudes? 

And how can we celebrate Canada Day in the face of such sadness.