Skip to main content

“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

Adam Olsen -- While I must defend the right to peacefully demonstrate, it’s also important to use encourage people to us tactics that advance the interests they’re demonstrating for


This week I saw my riding grapple with mixed emotions to the protesters who blocked the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, for two hours, in what they said was an act of solidarity with the Wet’suwet’en Hereditary Chiefs who are opposed to the Coastal GasLink pipeline currently being constructed in their territory.

Living in this vibrant democracy is not easy. We all recognize the constitutionally protected right to protest, but when these acts of democratic engagement impact our daily lives, it can be hard to stand behind those foundational principles. Things are often easier in theory than in practice.

But nothing worth doing ever does come easy. The very freedoms and rights we enjoy today as Canadians have not come easily and protecting them today requires every one of us to remain diligent and engaged.

While I must defend the right for people to peacefully demonstrate it is also important to publicly encourage people to use tactics that advance the interests that they are demonstrating for, tactics that nurture relationships not deepen divisions. 

Not all peaceful tactics help build constituencies of support and unfortunately shutting down a major ferry terminal is not an action that builds goodwill even though it may be peaceful and nonviolent.


The challenges in front of us requires patience, compassion, and a constant reminder that we are all ultimately on the same side. We all want the best for our families and our province.

As the MLA for Saanich North and the Islands I am acutely aware of the impact delays on the BC Ferries service has on constituents and all islanders. Indeed, issues with BC Ferries are among the most common concerns raised by constituents in our communities, important issues I continue to advocate for. The ferries are not just there for the convenience of travelers.

Islanders rely on ferries as a lifeline for medical appointments, food, jobs… everything. This past week’s protest that blocked the Pat Bay Highway at the Swartz Bay ferry terminal, was thankfully peaceful and limited to a few hours, but it would have been respectful if the organizers provided some warning and given people the opportunity to adjust and plan.

But it is important for me to be clear: I support the right of the citizens of Canada and British Columbia to peaceful, nonviolent demonstration. It is a constitutionally protected right and an important part of our democracy.

I want to be just as clear that this and other acts are a direct reflection of governments failing to address the deep division in our society that has evolved over generations. I am committed to my part in mending these relationships. That means navigating the turbulence created by these issues with humility and self-reflection and yet remaining resolute that we cannot afford to have our constitutionally protected rights diminished.

Adam Olsen is MLA Saanich North and the Islands.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

PEATS: I am writing with a critical concern regarding the imminent closure of the Eljen Medical Clinic, a vital healthcare facility in our community

The following is a copy of a letter sent to me, which was sent to BC’s Minister of Health Adrian Dix. It is with regards to the impending closure of the Eljen Medical Clinic in Dawson Creek.   Dear Minister,   I am writing to you today with a critical concern regarding the imminent closure of the Eljen Medical Clinic, a vital healthcare facility in our community. The closure, scheduled for the summer of 2024, is a result of the utterly burdensome terms and conditions imposed by the bureaucratic Northern Health. As a result, Dawson Creek stands to lose four doctors who have made this city their home, and who wish to continue serving the people of our community.   The impending closure of the Eljen Medical Clinic is a significant blow to our city. Not only will it result in the loss of highly qualified and dedicated healthcare professionals, but it will also deprive thousands of Dawson Creek residents of access to their primary physicians. At a time when healthcare se

Selina Robinson: "You broke my heart . . ." (The Real Story)

The mildly Zionist, innocuously leftish and now ousted advanced education minister’s letter to her New Democratic Party caucus colleagues, explaining why she has resigned the caucus to sit as an independent. The letter is an historic document, an artifact of the disgraceful cultural moment we’re living through. It’s important. It’s also a scorcher. It’s gathering a heck of a lot of attention . I’m printing it in full here. I’ve been insisting that what happened to Robinson is a much bigger deal and a completely different story than the one we’d all been led to believe. The necessary background: My piece in the National Post: The despicable untruths behind Selina Robinson's political lynching . More importantly , a Real Story investigation: The Problem With The Selina Robinson Story. . . It wasn't true. What follows is the story of what really happened. Let’s just get into it. Apart from punctuation and spelling I replicate the letter faithfully, with some further comm

Poll finds ignorance regarding BC NDP decision to co-manage public lands with indigenous (Western Standard)

. . . . The poll allowed British Columbians to give weight to key priorities. More than half say that the respect for reconciliation and the leadership shown by the government in including indigenous partners in decisions are both important to them. That said, concerns about further complicating resource development (which already necessitates the consideration of indigenous peoples' interests in relevant regions) and economic risks, are equally weighted by the population. ARI also found there is a sense the consultation timeline has been rushed. One-quarter (26%) say the current timeline offered by the government is acceptable. But more disagree, including half (48%) who want to see more consultation, extending deliberations into the fall or later this year, and one-quarter (27%) who want to kill the proposed changes entirely . . . . CLICK HERE for the full story

Labels

Show more