Negativity, the worst option …. by / Qais Ali Alaryani

Whether you are a first-generation immigrant or were born in Canada, there is no doubt that you have something that distinguishes you, like every Canadian citizen. You have your convictions and priorities. There are things that matter to you, and others that you do not care about. In your country, Canada, you have the freedom of choice as an individual. You can isolate yourself from those around you, or participate in some way. Your choice has consequences for you and for those you love. You are part of a system, and you are not alone.

The Canadian system will fulfill your aspirations in it as much as you contribute to it. The system itself is mainly created from the contributions of individuals like me and you. Laws, for example, and other regulatory tools are proposed by individuals like us. These people are supposed to have knowledge of people's needs and aspirations, so they work to put them in an appropriate framework to meet them. But it is not that simple, as people have different priorities, in addition to conflicts of interest, there are also scarce resources. So how does the "system" decide?

Let’s take, for example, government dental insurance. Some wonder, why isn’t it comprehensive, like health insurance? And why did the recent law not cover all people and only cover the lower-income category of Canadians? This law came about because many people were unable to afford dental care, and the New Democratic Party picked up on that and agreed with the Liberal Party on a law that covers that category of Canadians. A law like this entails financial burdens on the government, and funding must be found for it. There are also other parties, such as insurance companies that oppose this law because it deprives them of insurance revenues, as well as dentists who will provide the service according to certain prices...

Many parties are involved with government dental insurance, and during the drafting of the law, there were consultations with different parties, each seeking to have the law in their favor. In the end, lawmakers decide what they see fit according to the information they receive, and according to their interests in pleasing their voters.

So the Canadian system relies on the ability of different parties to influence policymakers. You and I, as citizens, will have to abide by these laws in our lives. But we can also have a role in making these laws and regulations and influencing them.

So you must choose what matters to you, and work to influence decision-makers in the Canadian system by expressing your opinion. Whether that is by contacting your representative in Parliament directly, or the municipal official in the city where you live, or by choosing an organization or group that can convey your point of view.

If you see that the system does not serve you, ask yourself if you have done what is necessary to convey your point of view. Passivity is your enemy, and it is the worst choice.

Note: I wrote the above words against the backdrop of the ongoing public discussion about the proposed law c9, and the majority of people’s reluctance to participate and express their opinions. This may lead to the enactment of a law that limits freedoms and creates a state of discontent if I and you do not do something.