Skip to content

LETTER: Freedom doesn't mean ignoring country's laws, health policies

Being Canadian doesn't give one the right to choose which rules to follow, reader says
canadian-flag-shutterstock
Canadian flag/Shutterstock

MidlandToday welcomes letters to the editor at [email protected]. Please include your daytime phone number and address (for verification of authorship, not publication). This letter is in response to a letter published Wednesday entitled Truck convoy supporter says writer needs to understand dangers of 'tyranny.'

Dear Editor,

I hope that a “real” Canada does not include the “freedom” to ignore obeying rules of the road, particularly for operators of heavy equipment such as large rigs.

How about something as simple as wearing a seatbelt to keep safe while driving or flying? What about not following the Criminal Code regarding shoplifting, harassment, extortion, assault, being a public nuisance or worse?

Does everyone living in Canada have the right to engage in any of the aforementioned activities or just a select few who are not happy with the measures that have been put into place to “maintain a safe workplace” and to guard public health.

Do we have the “right” to pick which rules we want to follow?

The role of government is to provide the infrastructure for a civil society to function. That includes adapting supports for changing circumstances, and a global pandemic is an extreme challenge for any government to navigate.

There has been much mention of those who made sacrifices during war times.

I count myself very fortunate to have never had to live through a war in my country. My family has benefited from the sacrifices that our forebears made for future generations.

All that I have been asked to do is to follow the laws of Canada, be a good person, and to do my civic duty to line up for the COVID-19 vaccination.

Had I chosen not to become vaccinated, as I did have that choice, I knew that I would have to wait a very long time before gaining the freedom to socialize with family and friends, continue with my volunteer work and contribute to my community in a meaningful manner.

Cate Spidle

Tiny