It’s the season of love — or is it? While Feb. 14 is Valentine’s Day, I know that many are likely not exactly feeling in the spirit of the holiday. After the inauguration of American President Donald J. Trump, the world has felt different.
Since being inaugurated on Jan. 20 of this year, President Trump has “hit the ground running” on his policies – freezing federal grants, enacting tariffs and looking to take over Greenland. While it is important to keep track of what is happening in the United States, it is also important to keep up with politics closer to home to determine how we can protect those most vulnerable in our community. Soon, we will be voting on both a provincial and federal level.
The leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, Pierre Poilievre, is a well-known career politician. Elected to his riding in Carleton in 2004, he has dedicated his life to being a “life-long conservative” who is a “fighter for people taking ownership of and responsibility for their own futures.”
Despite this mandate, in December 2024 alone Poilievre voted against numerous motions brought in parliament that would directly help Canadians. One such bill was bill C-380, an act to amend the Canadian Environmenntal Protection Act, 1999. This act respects pollution prevention and “the protection of the environment and human health in order to contribute to sustainable development” – which promotes the wellbeing of Canadians. Poilievre also voted nay on a motion presented by the New Democratic Party (NDP) that would see the government permanently reduce GST from certain goods and expand the Working Canadians Rebate to include those whose income is under a certain threshold.
This is not to mention the fact that according to a report collected by the Abortion Rights Coalition of Canada (ARCC), Poilievre has consistently voted anti-choice. So, what can we do? How do we practice love in these times where everything feels like it has shifted on an axis and politicians vote against motions that would improve our lives? Are you, like me, tired of living through major historical events?
While we may think that the government can protect us, instability can (and does) exist for many who fall between the cracks of government programs and organizations. Mutual aid then becomes a valuable asset.
It may seem simple, but we can start by making sure we support our neighbours. In times like these, mutual aid is incredibly important. Across the Region, there are also numerous mutual aid initiatives that can use support, such as the Sex Workers’ Action Network of Waterloo Region (SWAN) and Community Fridge KW.
Apart from supporting these initiatives, we can also work to support and uplift those around us.
When was the last time you told your friends that you love them? Your brother? Mother? Take the time to call them, or visit if you are able. These small acts can make a wide impact and caring for one another right now is of the upmost importance.
Another small act that can be done each day is educating yourself on the importance of voting, and determining which representative best aligns with your core beliefs.
With the upcoming Ontario election on Feb. 27, be sure you make a plan to vote.
Take care of each other, Golden Hawks. Remember to vote, care for each other and take a break from the news when you can — your mental health will thank you.
Graphic by Rytham Sahini
