Peter MacKay and Vern White
National Post, Feb. 14, 2022
“But what we have seen in the occupation of Ottawa and blockages at border crossings is not the right of protest enshrined in our constitution, but illegal activity that represents a national security and economic threat to Canada.”
We are a free society that protects and embraces the right to assembly and of peaceful protest. But, after what we have seen in Ottawa and elsewhere over the past 18 days, and to some degree in the past few years at pipelines and rail lines, we are no longer a country that applies the rule of law without fear or prejudice.
The right of protest is integral to — and strengthens — our democracy. Citizens have the right to make their voices heard loud and clear every day and not just at the ballot box.
Canadians are frustrated and tired with all they have endured. Those who don’t like being compelled to get vaccinated to get on an airplane, visit a restaurant, or enter a land border by car or truck can grab a sign and fill our public squares. Indeed, there is ample valid opinion that many Canadian governments have over reached and politicized COVID for partisan benefit. The debate over the decisions made by governments over COVID measures and their impacts on our overall health began prior to and will continue long after the trucks occupying Parliament Hill and our vital infrastructure are gone.
Peter MacKay is a former Minister of Justice, External Affairs and National Defence. Senator Vern White is the former Chief of Police for the City of Ottawa.
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