Opinion: Reconciling injustices in a pluralistic Canada

Interesting commentary by Mark Winston of Simon Fraser’s Centre for Dialogue. Somewhat annoying that no mention of the federal government’s historical recognition program (and Chinese Head Tax program), which were aimed at allowing communities to share their stories and experiences, and have their experiences acknowledged:

What is clear is that the residual impacts of cultural, social, legal and economic injustice are perpetrated for many generations through the trauma of parents passed on to their children. To heal, communities are looking for genuine acknowledgment of what happened or continues to happen, as well as accountability from government, whose motives can appear cynical and suspect.

One theme emerged from all communities: government must uncouple reconciliation from electoral and political cycles, perhaps establishing an independent body to deal with resolving historical injustices.

The unique injustice perpetrated against Canada’s Aboriginal communities stands out as a particularly stark example of bias, due to the unique and extensive destruction of culture and community fabric among indigenous peoples….

How will we know reconciliation has been achieved? A quote from the South African Truth and Reconciliation process provided an answer: “When the past no longer invades the present but informs the future.”

Opinion: Reconciling injustices in a pluralistic Canada.