On Remembrance Day, driving along Portage Avenue, my wife, Heather, noticed people pasting posters on the window of the office for MP Marty Morantz, who is a member of the Jewish community. As a Canadian citizen and a staunch believer in the values that our great nation was built upon, I find it deeply troubling to witness the resurgence of vile hatred towards the Jewish people, reminiscent of the dark days of World War Two, especially on Remembrance Day. The day we remember the sacrifices made by countless young men, not just Canadians but from nations across the globe, who fought to eradicate such poisonous ideologies and hate. Today, it is disheartening to witness the seeds of division being sown in our own communities, manipulated by certain factions for their cause.
The echoes of history reverberate with the horrors of anti-Semitism, and it is a stark reminder that we must remain vigilant against the forces that seek to divide us based on religion, race, or any other arbitrary criteria. Our brave soldiers fought side by side, transcending borders and differences, to eliminate the very hatred that now threatens to seep into the fabric of our society.
As Canadians, we should be united in our rejection of hate in all its forms. Our history is built on the principles of tolerance, diversity, and inclusion, and it is our duty to uphold these values. The very reason why so many people choose to make Canada their home. We must not allow ourselves to be swayed by the divisive tactics of those who seek to exploit current conflicts.
It is particularly disconcerting to witness the manipulation of this devastating situation by certain elements on one side of the political spectre, who, instead of fostering unity, seem intent on deepening the fault lines within our communities. This is not the Canada our forefathers envisioned—a land where citizens stand divided and torn apart by hatred. We must resist falling into the trap of political or religious polarization and recognize the common ground that unites us.
In times like these, it is crucial for us, as Canadians, to reaffirm our commitment to the values that make our nation exceptional. We must stand shoulder to shoulder against hatred and work towards building bridges, not walls. Let us remember the sacrifices of those who fought valiantly to eliminate the scourge of intolerance and let their legacy serve as a guiding light in these challenging times.
Canada is a nation that prides itself on its inclusivity and compassion. As we navigate these troubled waters, let us do so with the knowledge that our strength lies in our unity. It is imperative that we resist the divisive forces and work towards a Canada where the spirit of brotherhood prevails and hatred finds no fertile ground to grow.
Kevin Klein is a former Manitoba Conservative Minister, MLA, the former Chair of the Winnipeg Police Board, and a former Winnipeg City Councillor and CEO & Publisher of Sun Media Manitoba.