Canada, Vancouver needs us.
Today is not a day for sarcasm and nonsense but for sombre and serious reflection
I had an entire Substack article ready and scheduled to send, and just unscheduled it out of respect for the tragedy at the Lapu Lapu festival in Vancouver.The annual festival celebrates the best of Filipino culture, and marks the defeat of Spanish colonialism in the Phillipines.
Political satire no longer feels appropriate, or all that important, in the wake of the loss of nine lives, as well as the suffering of those who are injured and traumatized.
As the news unfolds I am grateful that election Canada rules require the suspension of advertising on television for the entire day before, and the day of an election.
All of the leaders have expressed shock, sadness and support for those who are impacted by the tragedy. Jagmeet Singh was in attendance at the festival a couple hours prior, and is particularly affected, though all seem shaken as they revise schedules and keep an eye to the west where details are slowly coming out about the tragedy.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Carney has cancelled a planned event in Hamilton to receive briefings and has reassured the country that national security agencies suggest there is no further threat to Canadians. A thirty year old man has been arrested after first being detained and held by festival voluteers and attendees, against a fence. CBC is reporting that he was known to police for different reasons. The police have stated that terrorism, an act that has political motivation, has been ruled out.
As the leaders of the parties carry on as best they can on this last day before campaigning I would like to see Canadians stop politicking at this time. This is a devasting event that requires us to find, and reveal our better angels. Let’s come together, no matter the colour of your party’s logo, and be Canadian. We have to support those impacted through respectful and thoughtful words and actions. Take care of yourselves out there. Take care of your neighbours. Hug your loved ones.
Vive le Canada
Thank you Carolyn for your words of kindness. You speak for all of us.
So sorry to hear about this tragedy. It’s a senseless act of violence. My condolences to the families of the deceased and pray the injured will recover well.