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Minister Nahanni Fontaine incessantly makes use of social media to specific her disdain for Canada and criticize our neighbours to the south, writes Klein. Picture by KEVIN KING /Winnipeg Solar
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Isn’t it wealthy? Abruptly, our flesh pressers are draped within the Maple Leaf, parading their newfound patriotism. However the place was this fervour when it actually mattered?
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Unique columns by Ryan Stelter, Paul Friesen, Ted Wyman, Scott Billeck, Lorrie Goldstein, Warren Kinsella and others. Plus newsletters: Gimme Stelter in your beat on town, The Exit Row for all of your Jets information and On the Rocks for curling.Limitless on-line entry to Winnipeg Solar and 15 information websites with one account.Winnipeg Solar ePaper, an digital reproduction of the print version to view on any system, share and touch upon.Each day puzzles, together with the New York Occasions Crossword.Help native journalism.
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Unique columns by Ryan Stelter, Paul Friesen, Ted Wyman, Scott Billeck, Lorrie Goldstein, Warren Kinsella and others. Plus newsletters: Gimme Stelter in your beat on town, The Exit Row for all of your Jets information and On the Rocks for curling.Limitless on-line entry to Winnipeg Solar and 15 information websites with one account.Winnipeg Solar ePaper, an digital reproduction of the print version to view on any system, share and touch upon.Each day puzzles, together with the New York Occasions Crossword.Help native journalism.
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For years, these similar leaders have been chipping away at our nationwide id, making many Canadians really feel responsible for merely being right here. Now, with exterior pressures mounting, they scramble to look because the champions of Canadian pleasure. It’s not simply disingenuous; it’s downright hypocritical.
Take into account the newly launched initiative by Premier Wab Kinew, “Support Manitoba. Buy Local.” — a marketing campaign supposed to encourage residents to assist native companies and strengthen the provincial financial system. It highlights the significance of buying Manitoba-made and Canadian-made merchandise to create jobs and maintain native industries.
But, in a obtrusive contradiction, the federal government is spending taxpayer cash on digital advertisements that primarily profit U.S.-owned platforms, in addition to on billboards and radio, a lot of that are owned by corporations outdoors Manitoba. If the aim is genuinely to maintain {dollars} native, why isn’t the federal government main an instance?
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Wab Kinew, together with the vast majority of his NDP caucus, is throughout TikTok, X (Twitter), Instagram, and each different social media platform, projecting a picture of proud Canadians. But, his authorities pours 1000’s into these worldwide platforms, bypassing native Manitoba media. How does that assist our neighborhood? It’s ironic that whereas he considers halting the sale of U.S. alcohol, our tax {dollars} proceed to movement into the coffers of non-Canadian tech giants. Should you’re severe about supporting Canada, begin by investing in Canadian platforms and media retailers.
Different provinces have acknowledged the significance of supporting native media. Ontario, for instance, has directed its largest authorities businesses to allocate a minimal of 25% of their annual promoting spending to Ontario publishers.
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Alberta has applied comparable measures, guaranteeing that authorities promoting {dollars} bolster native media. These actions not solely assist native companies but additionally strengthen our cultural cloth. Why hasn’t Manitoba adopted such initiatives? It’s a obtrusive oversight that speaks volumes about our management’s priorities.
Then there’s Minister Nahanni Fontaine, who incessantly makes use of social media to specific her disdain for Canada and criticize our neighbours to the south. Such behaviour is just not solely unprofessional but additionally counterproductive. As a substitute of fostering unity and constructive dialogue, it sows division. And what does Kinew do about it? Nothing. He permits this juvenile attention-seeking to proceed unchecked. Management is about setting requirements and holding your group accountable. On this regard, Kinew has failed.
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Wanting west, the Mayor of Edmonton convened a particular assembly with town council to debate the potential influence of U.S. tariffs and to discover methods to prioritize native initiatives.
This proactive strategy is commendable and obligatory in instances of financial uncertainty. In distinction, Winnipeg Mayor Gillingham has remained silent and brought no such initiative. Our metropolis continues to outsource work to corporations outdoors of Manitoba, neglecting native expertise and sources. This lack of motion is disappointing and short-sighted.
Our legislators have been fast to appease different nations and particular curiosity teams, permitting them to dictate which flags are flown at metropolis corridor. This pandering creates pointless division and dilutes our nationwide id. Regina set a precedent by selecting to show solely town, provincial, and Canadian flags — a transfer that emphasizes unity and pleasure in our heritage. It’s a easy choice that displays a dedication to Canadian values. Why can’t Winnipeg comply with go well with?
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Integrity amongst politicians is paramount. The latest surge in performative patriotism reveals an inclination to comply with the gang reasonably than lead with conviction. True management requires consistency and a steadfast dedication to 1’s rules. As we strategy the subsequent election, let’s keep in mind who stood agency of their dedication to Canada and who wavered. Canadian patriotism ought to have been a precedence from day one, not an afterthought in response to exterior pressures.
A latest Angus Reid ballot performed in December confirmed Canadian pleasure at a mere 34%. Nonetheless, within the wake of latest tariff threats, that quantity has risen to 44%. Whereas this enchancment is encouraging, it’s disheartening that it took exterior threats to rekindle our nationwide pleasure. Maybe we must always thank President Trump for giving us the wake-up name we would have liked to get our nation so as. However the onus is now on us to demand the long-overdue adjustments from our flesh pressers.
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It’s time for our leaders to maneuver past empty gestures and to implement insurance policies that genuinely assist and have fun Canada. This implies investing in native media, supporting Canadian companies, and fostering a tradition of unity and pleasure. We should maintain our flesh pressers accountable and make sure that their actions align with their patriotic proclamations. Canada deserves leaders who’re dedicated to the nation’s well-being, not simply their very own picture.
Let’s not be swayed by sudden shows of patriotism from politicians who’ve lengthy uncared for our nationwide id. Actions communicate louder than phrases. We, the residents, should demand integrity, consistency, and real management. Canada is price it.
— Comply with Kevin Klein comply with on Fb, X and go to his web site kevinklein.ca
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