6 - CROWSNEST PASS HERALD - Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Herald Editorial LISA SYGUTEK Guilt is a complex emotion that can arise from a variety of sources, including personal actions, societal norms, and cultural values. In the case of country, there are many reasons why individuals may feel guilt-ridden, ranging from historical injustices and systemic inequalities to personal failures and moral dilemmas. One of the primary sources of guilt in a country can stem from the legacy of colonialism and slavery, which has left deep scars on both the land and its people. Many individuals feel guilty for the actions of their ancestors, and for the ongoing effects of these injustices on marginalized communities. Similarly, the ongoing struggles of Indigenous peoples and other minority groups can also lead to feelings of guilt and responsibility among those who benefit from their oppression. While guilt can be a powerful motivator for positive change, it can also be a source of stress and anxiety. In some cases, guilt can become overwhelming and lead to feelings of shame, self-doubt, and depression. Therefore, it is important for individuals to find healthy ways to process and address their guilt, such as through education, activism, or therapy. I think the issue in Canada is that our current Prime Minister has perpetuated a sense of guilt for the last eight years to the point where we are so mired in a national guilt that we fail to see all the wonderful things this country has to offer its citizens. We are consistently reminded through the media and the continual apologies by our Prime Minister that we are country that should carry the yoke of remorse. To alleviate the guilt, we are coached to tear down our monuments, cancel our history, and constantly repent for the sins of our forefathers (can I even say that word anymore?) My call-to-action for everyone, and especially the Leader of His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition, is to get out of this victim mentality and start to celebrate all the wonderful aspects of Canada and being Canadian. In the past we were proud of our heritage. We were proud of being a military power. We completed incredible projects like the Welland Canal, two trans-national railways, the Trans-Canada Highway. We invented insulin, basketball and perfected hockey. We used to laud Canadians like Sir John A. Macdonald, Victoria Cross recipient Billy Bishop , Tommy Douglas, Chris Hadfield, and countless more. I truly believe the next war will be in the arctic, a region in which Canada can’t protect its sovereignty against intrusions from China and Russia. We can’t afford to buy homes, and many can’t afford to heat our home and buy food. We release violent murders like Paul Bernardo to a medium security jail because we are worried about his rights. Our Prime Minister has left us with such a sense of national guilt that we don’t even seem to question the degree to which this country is falling apart and has been systematically separated from east to west. Ultimately, whether guilt is healthy depends on how it is experienced and expressed. When guilt is used as a catalyst for positive change and growth, it can be a powerful force for good. However, when guilt becomes a burden that weighs us down and prevents us from moving forward, it can be detrimental to our mental and emotional well-being. So, I challenge you every day to find and think about something beautiful and good in this country and to share it on social media. For me It’s when I do a back country run or climb a mountain, I SEE this beautiful place I call home. Perhaps if we do this enough, we will break the cycle of national guilt and recreate the national pride we used to have in spades.
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New Alberta cabinet approved ALBERTA GOVERNMENT SERVICES Premier Danielle Smith has named her new cabinet, a team the government claims is dedicated to building on a solid foundation of stability, informed decision-making and good governance. The 25 members of cabinet, a decrease from the previous 27, includes a mix of experienced and new ministers to represent Alberta. Alberta’s cabinet will be made up of the following ministers: Premier and Minister of Intergovernmental Relations – Danielle Smith, Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services – Mike Ellis, Minister of Advanced Education – Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Affordability and Utilities and Vicechair of Treasury Board – Nathan Neudorf, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation – RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Arts, Culture and Status of Women – Tanya Fir, Minister of Children and Family Services – Searle Turton, Minister of Education – Demetrios Nicolaides, Minister of Energy and Minerals – Brian Jean, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas – Rebecca Schulz, Ministry of Forestry and Parks – Todd Loewen, Minister of Health – Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Im-
migration and Multiculturalism – Muhammad Yaseen, Minister of Indigenous Relations – Rick Wilson, Minister of Infrastructure – Pete Guthrie, Minister of Jobs, Economy and Trade – Matt Jones, Minister of Justice – Mickey Amery, Minister of Mental Health and Addiction – Dan Williams, Minister of Municipal Affairs – Ric McIver, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services – Jason Nixon, Minister of Service Alberta and Red Tape Reduction – Dale Nally, Minister of Technology and Innovation – Nate Glubish, Minister of Tourism and Sport – Joseph Schow, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors – Devin Dreeshen and President of Treasury Board and Minister of Finance – Nate Horner. Cabinet members will work collaboratively to accomplish the work that Albertans voted for, including continuing to grow and diversify the economy, keeping life affordable, reforming the health care system, tackling crime, providing help for those struggling and defending Alberta’s interests according to the new government’s press release. “I am so pleased to have this team working with me to deliver on the promises we made to Albertans during the election. These are not just our government’s priorities, they are Albertans’ priorities. The next four years start today, and I can’t wait to get back to work with each of my cabinet colleagues,” said Premier Smith Caucus leadership positions include Chief Whip – Shane Getson and House leader – Joseph Schow
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