Once upon a time I got sucked in by the Justin Trudeau illusion. I assumed “sunny ways” was a real thing. .For a period of time, like many Canadians, I even publicly supported the COVID-19 response taken by Doug Ford, Justin Trudeau, Jason Kenney and the like..Then something happened. Things just kept escalating. And escalating. The images on our TV and social media screens showed a nation very divided. It showed a lack of empathy for each other and a complete unwillingness to have any respectful dialogue. This most certainly includes Prime Minister Trudeau..Fear took over completely and peppered the hearts and minds of all Canadians. My own opinion started shifting and changing. I realized things were going too far. Lines were being crossed, that I just didn’t feel comfortable about..Why were people being coerced into taking medical therapy they didn’t want? The high-handed steps taken by many governments, liberal and conservative alike, went too far. I decided in 2021 that my health was my business and I chose not to take the vaccine..I also had a look deep down into my political soul and realized civil freedoms are of the utmost importance to a healthy democracy. Liberty matters to me. It should matter to each of us..But, because I refused to take the COVID-19 vaccine, I immediately felt isolated and locked down in my own country..To give you some brief context on myself, I believe in three key things: Free speech, the marketplace of ideas, and standing up for the little guy. Those are values everyone should adhere to too, no matter if they call themselves a Conservative or a Liberal..Very few people are standing up for the little guy right now. In fact, it is the conservative movement which has become the voice for the middle class right now. So like many Canadians, I have now changed my perspective on who I want to see in government..Because I am supporting Danielle Smith, people supporting other campaigns have been trying to cancel me in the last couple of days. In fact, some have plastered my cell phone number all over social media in an effort to dox me. I feel this goes beyond what is reasonable to do..I am grateful that most conservatives don’t believe in cancel culture and that so many have welcomed me. I was born and raised in Alberta, I’ve always loved my province, and now I’m proud to call myself a conservative Albertan. In fact, it is what’s best for my family— so call it a family decision! I feel inspired every day to stand with Danielle because just like myself, she believes in standing up for the little guy.
