A letter to the Editor. Canadians in Trouble.

A letter to the Editor.

Canadians in Trouble.

Just when I thought that things couldn’t be much worst, here it is. A sickness hit the world and now is killing a large number of our vulnerable citizens, the oldest in care homes, plus others. We are locked down and people are losing their ability to make a living. Oil which made Alberta rich hit bottom and our medical people, we trust and love, are being forced to quit. (This may be changing.)

A crazed individual killed 22 people in the province of Nova Scotia. I don’t care what his motive may have been, there is no justification for what he did. Our Nova Scotia brothers and sisters have not done anything that could deserve what they are suffering. It is so obvious that the victims were innocent people. A pregnant mother, a teenage girl, a nurse, a policewoman, and so many others. I can’t look at the news without wiping tears from my eyes.

Canada is a peaceful nation and most of us love the country and its people and they feel the same about us. We are polite, welcoming people who help each other in times of need.

Now it is too late to help those who lost their lives. Perhaps I can ask our mayor to send a letter on behalf of all of us to the mayor of Portaqiue offering condolences from an Alberta town. We could publish it in our newspaper and send them a copy. Many Nova Scotians are ex-coal miners like many people here.

The incident sparks renewed calls for gun controls as if we could get rid of all guns. If I had my wish I would have liked to face the murderer with a gun in my hand. A gun in trained hands of a good person can be a blessing sometimes. We could have had fewer deaths if people could defend themselves when he came to their homes. However, that is up to the lawmakers.

We can’t let all Nova Scotians know how we feel but we can show appreciation for another group that was hurt. The RCMP lost a sister in arms, who went out to fight against a threat to the citizens she is sworn to protect. (She left behind a loving husband and two young children.) The police are all ready at a moment's notice to do the same and they are here living amongst us.

I don’t know how the people of the Crowsnest pass can show appreciation to those brave police persons in their hour of mourning but I am sure that we can find a way. Possibly through social media or perhaps in some other way.

Brothers and sisters from Nova Scotia, beloved police our defenders, and all the grieving families, we are with you. We cry and pray with you.

Avner