Freedom of Choice & Privacy

PART I Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms Whereas Canada is founded upon principles that recognize the supremacy of God and the rule of law:

Rights and freedoms in Canada 1 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.

Fundamental freedoms 2 Everyone has the following fundamental freedoms: (a) freedom of conscience and religion; (b) freedom of thought, belief, opinion, and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication; (c) freedom of peaceful assembly; and (d) freedom of association.

We are fortunate to have a very fulsome, yet simple charter of rights in our country, and an elegant document that all can read and understand.  Our charter of rights, the constitution as it were is not very old, so it still should be fresh in everyone’s mind.  The same can be said about the Emergency Measures Act, which was amended in 1988 I believe, before that it was called the WAR Measures act.

WAR / Emergency Measures: Like the constitution, which defines the principles and rights we have in Canada, the emergency measures act is only to be used under the direst circumstances…like well, a war or in the case of PM Elliot Trudeau when a domestic terrorist group, known as the FLQ kidnapped a foreign ambassador (James Cross), and murdered a Quebec cabinet minister (Pierre LaPorte).  Some say that the circumstances there didn’t even warrant the act being invoked, but it was limited in time, and location to end very quickly a violent situation.

The preamble of the act below, the Coles notes version as it were, something that the current PM should have read states the purpose, and how in general terms the act should be used. Here is the link so you can read for yourself. (Emergencies Act (justice.gc.ca)).

So herein lies the rub.  I honestly believe that neither the founding fathers of our country, nor those that create the laws, especially the constitution, the War Measures Act, or the Emergency Measures Act for that matter could have conceived that we would have such an underqualified Prime Minister that would be elected.  Moreover, that there would be checks and balances in place, that would not allow only foolhardy actions but reckless abandon when it comes to rights and freedoms. 

I’ll ask all of you to help me to put this to an end, I fear that we are going to have a stain on our country’s history at this point, but there also have been so many good things that have come out of the last three weeks.  We have seen many of the leaders for what they are.  We have seen the best and the worst of ourselves along the way as well. 

What I am asking you is this:

Stop talking about vaccines and masks.  Let people have their privacy back, and respect their choices, even if they were not the same you would have made.  We are at the end of this.  Let’s take the time to like each other again, there have been so many new names and labels invented that are hurtful, let them go, its not worth losing your soul over, and it sure as heck not worth losing our country over.  We are way stronger together, then what we are being driven apart.

Sincerely,

MLA Shane Getson