Economy over Equality

On March 25, 2013, a cluster of reporters gathered at the Pearson International airport in Toronto. As the much awaited FedEx plane landed, the Hillcrest high-school brass-band began to play O Canada and the Prime Minister smiled in anticipation of his special guests’ arrival. The cargo door slowly opened and out stepped Er Shun and Da Mao to a welcoming fit for the Queen. After a long flight from China, the two black-and-white Panda bears have finally arrived at their temporary home.

                Meanwhile, 449 kilometers away, in the nation’s capital, a group of Aboriginal youth arrived in Ottawa after a two month, 1,600 kilometer march from a small community in Hudson Bay. Every step brings them closer to their final destination: Parliament Hill. But due to a prior, more important engagement, our Prime Minister was not present to greet the courageous youth.

                Greeting the Pandas, a clear PR stunt, was intended to help improve the shaky relationship between Canada and China. Let’s not forget our current government’s focus on selling its precious, invaluable oil to the highest bidder, and with the United States’ current indecision, China finds itself next in line. I wonder: would we have greeted, say, Alligators from Florida as ceremoniously?

Our current government constantly preaches the importance of building and maintaining a healthy relationship with the Aboriginal population of Canada. Actions speak louder than words, Mr. Harper. But we understand your thought process: the marching youth does not have the funds to buy or sustain your proposed Keystone XL pipeline. And we all know the government’s stance of economy over equality.

And so we thank you, Mr. Harper, for fighting the good fight. I mean seriously, wouldn’t Canadians rather see the PM greet the cute Pandas as they begin their 5 year occupation of Toronto’s zoo, rather than seeing him shake the hands of a group of people peacefully fighting for what they believe in?