Dear Burlington, 

Last night, the Prime Minister addressed Parliament during an emergency debate on the current blockade and security situation in Ottawa. Indeed, across the country we have seen those who are frustrated demonstrate in various provincial capitals.

Canadians have a right to peaceful protest. Canadians also have the right to live in peace. These demonstrations are infringing on the rights of citizens to live in peace. In Ottawa, air horns have been blasting non-stop for 10 days. Citizens – particularly frontline healthcare workers - are being harassed in the streets, they are seeing violent and racist symbolism, businesses have been shuttered for over 10 days. This is not the way to end the pandemic.

Everyone is tired of the pandemic. We all want this to end. But the enemy is not a vaccine, it is not a mask, it is not public health restrictions. It is COVID-19.

From the very beginning, Canadians have done the best they can with the tools we have at our disposal: vaccines, masks, distancing. And they do it because they want to keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

To everyone who has done their part: thank you. The pandemic has been really hard on everyone, thank you for doing what you can. As the Prime Minister put it last night, “that is the story of the country: people who have been there for each other.”

At this tumultuous time, I felt it was important to share his words with you.

Two years is a long time to be living through this pandemic. I’m tired of it too, I can’t wait for it to be over. But we’ve come this far, let’s stay united, let’s stay focused.

I invite you to read his remarks in full below or watch them at the link here. 

With gratitude,