IN APPRECIATION

In this time of uncertainty, I want to thank our Canadian politicians at all levels of government for their leadership and cooperation in working for the best interest of Canadians and not using this crisis to promote a political agenda. Thank you for listening to the health experts as to how to respond to this challenging issue. I have been very critical of some politicians in the past but in this case, you are all applauded for working cooperatively and supporting each other for what is in the best interest of the Canadian people. You have not bragged about what you have done, you simply did it because it is your job.
You are keeping us informed without giving us contradictory information. You are being clear about what is expected of us and doing what you can to provide remedies for those situations causing us the most fear, how to get home from abroad, a fiscal plan to help people over this difficult time.
Special thanks to our health care providers and those services that support them during this scary time. Having been in the hospital this past week I witnessed the special effort and inconvenience that the protective gear and protocols require over and above the already demanding jobs that they perform.
Many thanks to all of those providing essential services in our communities, often at risk to themselves.
All we are being asked to do is shelter in place. While there have been a few exceptions, for the most part I am proud as to how Canadians are responding and as one who is in isolation because of travel out of country, I have benefited from numerous volunteers who are keeping us in groceries and providing assistance.
We are not being given false hope and promises. We know it will get worse before it gets better and we know there are uncertainties. Yet, I have a confidence that we have leadership that will help us to manage this crisis while mitigating our risks to the best of their ability.
Now is the time to support our leaders and those who are taking care of us. Once is not enough. We can show our appreciation every day just by being kind to one another.
Pamela Hines is a retired CEO of a community health organization and author of The Trumping of America: A Wake Up Call to the Free World.
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