Terror struck home last week, as we watched a gunman attack the very symbol of Canada’s democracy in Parliament Hill last Wednesday. And while tragedy struck for Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, who was slain by the gunman who stormed the Hill, the attack served as a reminder for the need for Canada to remain ever vigilant and prepared for the possibility of future terrorist acts.
Perhaps in response to Wednesday’s attack, one or more people defaced Cold Lake’s mosque on Oct. 24, writing the words “Go home” and “Canada” along one wall. And while that was how the story started, that’s not how it ended. Instead, Cold Lake’s people came together with a resounding message of unity, denouncing the vandalism as disgusting and supporters putting up a sign saying, “You are home” and Cold Lake citizens pitching in to help clean up the mess. This prominent and public act of solidarity with local Muslims should shine a spotlight on what Canada is about, rather than the focus being on the ignorant few who hide under the cloak of anonymity to create dissent.
The cowards and villains who make threats and create fear – whether it’s the person making a bomb threat in St. Paul last week or the gunman who stormed Parliament Hill - are seeking to cause disruption and negativity. They are attempting to sow the seeds of panic, terror, division and hatred.
The easiest way to give these people what they want is to allow them to divide us, to turn against each other. As Canadians, we should stand united, and celebrate the things that make us great - including democracy, equality, rights and freedoms and multiculturalism - and that distinguish us from the people and countries that would stamp these out. Let’s follow Cold Lake’s shining example, and keep Canada strong, now and forever.
