There are some events that should be considered political free zones.
An event where someone can go without hearing your national, provincial or local politicians try to push whatever the hot issue of the day is.
Events that either because of their solemn, contemplative nature, deserve to have people’s attention devoted to the individuals participating in the event or the event itself.
Remembrance Day is a good example. When politicians take part in Remembrance Day ceremonies they check their political views at the door and focus on remembering sacrifices men and women, both past and present, have made in protecting Canada’s ideals and way of life.
On the other end of the spectrum there should be other events that should be a political free zone due to their celebratory nature. Events where the community can get together and enjoy being together.
Canada Day is one those events.
Town of Barrhead mayor, Gerry St. Pierre, during his Canada Day address, spoke to the crowd about the funding breakdown of the town’s recreational facilities before making a short statement about how town council remained committed to building the proper aquatic centre.
St. Pierre said he was making the statement, regarding the pool specifically, because the audience expected him to make a comment about the aquatic centre after the town received a petition signed by 511 residents asking council to revisit the aquatic centre issue.
And St. Pierre wasn’t the only politician who decided to use Canada Day as a platform.
Each of the leaders of the major political parties issued statements alluding to the upcoming federal election which is expected to be called in the fall. Prime Minister Stephen Harper referenced the October 22nd attack on Parliament Hill and the deployment of Canadian troops in Iraq and Kuwait.
NDP Leader Tom Mulcair issued a Canada Day statement saying that Canadians had many things to be proud of but a lot of work still needed to be done, adding that the NDP could be counted upon to make life more affordable for families and make Canada a fairer country. Only Liberal leader, Justin Trudeau, released a non-partisan message saying Canada is, “a place of fairness and of opportunity; a place where people from every imaginable country and culture, who speak every language, live and work, and build and thrive together.” This summer Barrhead area residents will have an opportunity to go to or participate in a number of events and celebrate what is good about our community. And sometimes that is what we need to do, just celebrate.
