The media reports continue to roar in regarding not only politicians, but also leaders in our communities across Canada, who continue to travel not only across Canada, but also abroad.
I have always admired those, who serve in public office, as I believe many of them truly want to better the communities where we live, work and play. Leaders, such as Selkirk Mayor Larry Johannson. The long time mayor takes pride in being active as he regularly takes advantage of many local parks in Selkirk where he goes for walks with his wife and family. It’s also a great way for him to get some added fitness. There are many wonderful amenities right here in Manitoba, therefore, there is no reason for anyone to travel outside our province, especially for recreational purposes and pleasure trips.
We are taught at a young age to look up to our community leaders for guidance. Our politicians and community leaders are suppose to lead by example. That is why it is extremely disappointing for me to hear so many reports of politicians and community leaders going against health guidelines and health orders by travelling between provinces and also between countries.
The only way the COVID-19 virus will continue to enter not only our province, but also our country is by people travelling. It sounds like common sense, but perhaps the adage is true that common sense is not always too common.
I have also been shocked and surprised to see people posting their travel photos on social media platforms, especially when Manitoba has been in Level Red since Nov. 12. The message from our provincial health officials dating to last March has been to stay home and not travel.
Like so many, I would love to be able to travel to visit family, who live in other parts of Canada, but I decided last March that want to do my part to be part of the solution and contribute to the defeat of the pandemic, not prolong it.
I am very proud to say that since the restrictions came into effect back in March 2020, I have only travelled throughout my home city and when I left the boundaries of Winnipeg, I didn’t go very far as I only travelled to Selkirk and the RMs of St. Andrews, Winnipeg Beach, Gimli, St. Clements, East St. Paul, West St. Paul and Springfield. That’s it, for an entire year and I can same thing so far for 2021. When health officials stay close to home I took it literally – stay close to home.
Should I be surprised or shouldn’t I be surprised so many in Canada are putting their individuals needs ahead of what is best for our communities. The ability to delay gratification is truly a sign of maturity. There is absolutely no reason for anyone to travel, unless is absolutely essential, but I am hard pressed to find many reasons which would qualify, especially those who are travelling for pleasure.
My nana Jones died last April. My family was unable to have a funeral for my 98-year-old nana. Her burial was only attended by myself, my dad and one of my aunts as we all live in the same city. No other family members or friends travelled to attend, not because they didn’t want to, but because they did the right thing and followed provincial guidelines, which stated do not travel between provinces.
I hope citizens across our wonderful country will now step up to the plate and decided to do what is right and not travel. When you travel, you put all of us at risk. Not only the risk of getting COVID-19, but also the risk of spreading the virus to others and as we all know to well, people are dying from the virus. With so many people being infected with the virus and also dying, it’s awful to see how anyone would go against health orders and health guidelines.
Defeating the pandemic is more about what you can do to protect not only your family and friends. I beg anyone who is considering a trip outside your home community and your home province to do the right thing. Don’t travel and look out for your neighbours and fellow citizens.
Brook Jones is the editor of the Selkirk Settler Times
