What an incredible thing to see how the threat of tariffs from our southern neighbours have brought our province and even our country, together once again.
Sure, there are still disagreements, and if you listen to social media, you are likely going to be seeing more and more fear and anger-inducing posts and reels to manipulate and distract you as we head into a federal election.
But perhaps this is a good time to take a pause and reflect on how for at least a moment, we all put aside petty squabbling to come together to support Canada and our way of life.
Could we use this pause to consider how powerful it made many of us feel to have a clear path to making a difference? To recognize the power we each have as individuals to take a stand and help to creat positive change.
All you had to do is check a label. Imagine what more could be possible.
Now, of course, there will be people who choose not to participate or who cannot afford to stick to strict rules on every purchase, and there will also be times when we all don't get it exactly right or have to compromise. But those exceptions don't have to mean we give up and quit on our country and stop bothering, they can just be an opportunity to reset and go forward.
This trade war reminds me in some ways of the stories my grandmother told me about how during the Second World War people would go door to door asking for donations of household items made of metal in order for citizens to help support the war effort. I think she said she got in trouble for giving away a much-needed pan.
The push to supply the war effort in a global battle against fascism meant every citizen was encouraged to do what they could to help. Grow a "victory" garden. Carpool to save fuel and reduce the reliance on foreign oil. Donate any and all scrap metal to help build planes, tanks and more.
These measures were critical in helping to supply our country with the resources it needed.
Now many of us are acting along these same lines again and our government is encouraging us to make these choices for the future of our province and country.
This extra work and perhaps making many small sacrifices can add up, and as a country with one of the highest standards of living in the world, many Canadians are willing to do this even in the face of the rising cost of living. It is heartening to see people using the power they have to make a difference.
So act as though what you do makes a difference — because it does.
