It has been a difficult, trying year for Canadians, and almost all of us (myself included) are more than ready to leave the travails of 2020 behind, and instead, look ahead to the future, cautiously optimistic for a better year.
Such weariness for the past year can hardly be unexpected.
2020 resulted in what was arguably the most disastrous public health and economic crisis to hit the country, and indeed, the world, in modern times.
From the moment 2020 began, Canadians should have been alarmed for what the future had in store.
Within the very first days of January, 176 people were killed, including 138 people with a connection to Canada, when Flight 752 of Ukraine International Airlines was shot down by Iranian military.
For those more inclined to superstitious beliefs, such a disaster was surely an omen for worse still to arrive. And arrive it did.
Before the end of January, the first COVID-19 case was confirmed on Canadian soil. Six weeks later, Canadian health officials recorded the first known pandemic-related death. In the ten months that followed, more than 15,800 Canadians lost their lives to the pandemic, with more deaths set to follow.
Along with this tragic loss of life, Canadians have also had to contend with significant interruptions to their daily lives, as provincial governments, seeking to curb the spread of the pandemic, implemented a range restrictive measures, including the closure of businesses, schools, daycares, and other establishments, as well as more arduous policies limiting travel and social gatherings, even among families.
Other heart-wrenching events involved the severe flooding of Fort McMurrary, Alberta, which forced thousands of already battered residents to evacuate their homes, as well as the tragic death of 22 citizens, lost in what is now the country's deadliest mass shooting.
There were of course, a few bright spots throughout 2020 which helped counteract the darkness and dismay which threatened the country.
Canada's first responders displayed impressive bravery and fortitude in the face of the pandemic, while at the same time, public health officials proved effective, reassuring communicators. One cannot forget either the federal government, which, despite some early mishaps, still ensured that necessary financial support was available to struggling Canadians.
Another beacon of hope that cannot go unmentioned was the mobilization of Canadians from coast to coast, including in my little hometown of Innisfail, Alberta, all in support of Black Lives Matter.
Just as welcoming was the election of Annamie Paul as the new Green Party leader. Undoubtedly, it was long overdue that a Black Canadian take the helm of a federal political party, and Paul could not be better suited for the job.
Still, as reassuring as these moments proved, Canadians can hardly be blamed for wishing to turn a page on 2020, and particularly, the pandemic.
Before doing so, however, Canadians must not forget about the many other societal issues which get worse under COVID-19 and will persist long after the pandemic leaves us.
Take the opioid crisis.
In B.C. alone, nearly 1,400 individuals died from opioid usage in just the first ten months of 2020. In contrast, 543 British Columbians died from COVID-19 as of December 8th.
The opioid crisis has been rampaging across the country, particularly in western Canada, for many years. It has also worsened this past year like never before, in part, because of COVID-19 and its impact on the country's institutions. As a new year begins, Canadians and their political leaders can no longer overlook that a second, devastating public health crisis continues unabated and that more substantial solutions are required.
Another issue exacerbated by the pandemic, and in desperate need of response, is the increasingly inequitable levels of income and wealth within Canadian society.
According to a recently released report by Canadians for Tax Fairness, the 100 richest people in Canada now have as much wealth as the 12 million poorest. Furthermore, the report found that between April and October 2020, Canada's 44 richest billionaires all increased their wealth by $53 billion.
This would be egregious at the best of times. But in the midst of a global pandemic, with millions of Canadians struggling with job losses and reduced income, and as 59-boil water advisories still remain in place in 41 different indigenous communities, it is even more appalling.
These are just a couple of the significant challenges which have been aggravated by the pandemic over the past year. Many others exist and could be added to the list, with all needing addressed.
It might be tempting to think that by saying good-riddance to 2020, we are saying goodbye to COVID-19. But unless we tackle these pandemic-related issues, the repercussions of COVID-19 will be with us long after we have any need of vaccines.
Photo Credit: CBC News
