The Hon. Jay Hill is a former Conservative MP and cabinet minister in the Harper ministryAre you like me? Do you resist reading the morning news because there only seems to be “bad news”? I remember a time not so long ago when Leah and I felt it our civic duty to be informed. While enjoying our morning coffee, we would spread our newspapers out on our kitchen counter and pore over the headlines, picking out what we believed to be the must-read stories of the day. We would proceed to discuss the good, the bad and the ugly. Yet now, there seems to be none of the former and the bad is becoming uglier..Rather than identifying the problems and offering potential solutions, the Carney government is picking up where Trudeau left off. Turning a deaf ear and a blind eye and feeding division with their abuse of our fundamental democratic rights — like the right to free speech and the right to dissent.But only for those who dare to disagree with Liberal policies. Meanwhile common-sense Canadians shake their heads in disbelief at the “free speech and democratic dissent” allowed to pro-Palestinian groups creating havoc in our streets.There is a complete lack of common sense on the part of our governments, courts and police. For example, we’ve seen police harass and arrest some who attempt to stand up to pro-Palestinian protestors, but then allow Hamas supporters to intimidate, threaten, and attack anyone expressing support for our Jewish citizens, communities and Israel. Instead of upholding the law and arresting those committing the criminal acts, the authorities take the easier route of barring law-abiding citizens entry, or “removing them for their own safety.” Immigrants who should never have been allowed into our country are permitted to run rampant, spewing their hatred. Meanwhile peaceful protestors like Chris Barber and Tamara Lich face unreasonable, and indefensible charges for sowing 'mischief.'.There are so many ways in which the federal Liberal government has either intentionally or incompetently been responsible for seismic changes in our society. Change that has fueled disillusionment, division and distress among Canadians. Here are a few examples that jump to mind, but feel free to add your own in the comments below.A federal minority government that still somehow commits to send billions of our vanishing tax dollars to foreign countries and causes while Canadians endure ever longer queues at food banks.A government that continues to have taxpayers fund the media so they can spread government propaganda. This, even as citizens increasingly turn away from MSM with their “spin” and outright lies and instead seek information from independent sources like the Western Standard.A government committed to continuing unsustainable immigration, particularly aging foreign seniors. Now I have absolutely nothing against seniors. I am after all 72 myself. But at a time of unaffordable and inadequate housing, when a healthcare system is failing the needs of current citizens? Ludicrous.A government that would sooner offer our veterans suffering from PTSD or with physical disabilities MAID (medical assistance in dying, i.e. government assisted suicide) rather than provide the support they request and rightly deserve. Likewise, civilians plagued with mental illnesses are offered MAID to “get them off the books.”Canada’s decade-old Liberal government has gone so far by ramming their nonsensical climate change, anti-fossil fuel policies down our throats that practical, sensible citizens are finally rebelling..Canada’s oil and gas industry, and all its supporting industries across Canada are the bane of Trudeau and Carney’s existence, although Carney will tell Canadians one story and the EU another. Neither has ever explained how Canada can survive without the jobs and tax revenue generated by these industries.And Canada’s woke elites, whether in government or not, impact the way society functions. An RCMP sergeant declares that “traditional values are an indicator of extremism.” Biological males are permitted in girls’ change rooms and allowed to compete in female sports. Some teachers brainwash their students into believing the world is about to end because Grandpa left a light on!Rather than commit to increased military spending, Trudeau declared Canada’s contribution would be to further gender equality. Hence the tampon machines in men’s washrooms on military bases. Are you shaking your head yet?.It seems everyday we are faced with more government stupidity that only serves to raise our blood pressure and generate anger. There is something happening in Canada, and it’s not pretty. I’m beyond frustrated and have moved on to enraged, and I’m not alone. This is not the Canada we once loved.And it doesn’t get any better at the international level. Whether it’s the never-ending tragedy of the Ukraine-Russian war or the relentless catastrophic death toll in the middle east, the world currently appears to be on the brink of nuclear destruction. Despite the ineffectiveness of NATO in the former or the total impotence of the UN in the latter, there appears to be no end in sight for either conflict. The constant threats and promises emanating from the U.S. President via X (Twitter) only add an almost macabre humour to the situation. That is, if both wars were not so deadly and depressing..Worldwide, and as mentioned, here at home, we have the incomprehensible explosion of antisemitism. Despite readily available historical evidence of the Holocaust, museums and memorials providing constant reminders of the past evil, intelligent people demonstrate in support of those whose declared resolve is to exterminate all Jews, wherever they are found. The world’s commitment in 1945 to 'never again' rings unbelievably hollow in 2025. Has it really been just 80 years? I’m betting if you asked half the anti-Jewish protesters about the history of Jews and the Holocaust, they would be shocked to know the truth, and hopefully more than a little embarrassed at their ignorance.It strikes me that the common denominator in all this is hate.Long before I had a privileged job that took me to the four corners of the Earth and in direct interaction with people of different races, cultures, religions, nationalities, lifestyles, etc. I could not understand prejudice and hatred based on differences. Unless someone is truly evil in the mold of Hitler, Tojo and others of their ilk throughout human history… why hate?Why wish others harm simply because they’re different?Yet it seems to me these days our entire world is consumed by fear and hate. Daily, I hear people exclaim “I hate — insert politician’s name, policy or latest crazy example of societal progressiveness here!”In the interest of self-preservation so many have tuned out. It’s become so destructive to our mental health that we choose to close our eyes, ears and hearts to the daily display of the worst of humanity. We seem so powerless, so helpless and so incapable of slowing this slide into the abyss that we choose non-involvement and inaction. So, what can be done?Some Albertans, and Westerners elsewhere, are actively working for Western independence since the majority of those east of Manitoba appear to like the direction the Liberals are taking Canada. This is an option I wholeheartedly endorse.However, in the meantime I believe it is way past time that every Canadian that opposes what is happening to our nation speak up. It is your Canada. Add your voice. Tell government at every level you expect better. Become an activist on social media. Attend rallies and meetings and have your say. Don’t continue to disengage, re-engage… loudly. Before it’s too late.The Hon. Jay Hill is a former Conservative MP and cabinet minister in the Harper ministry. He represented the Prince George-Peace River riding between 1993 and 2010.
