Editorials - Oct. 4, 2024

Last week’s devastating Hurricane Helene’s unprecedented 500-mile path of destruction is a stark reminder of the consequences of climate change that scientists have been warning us about for decades. 

 

Expected to be among the costliest hurricanes in U.S. history, Helene was fueled by abnormally warm water in the Gulf of Mexico. More than two million people are without power, while over 100 have died. The storm wreaked havoc in the mountains of North Carolina, where high winds and flooding have left entire counties without access to electricity, water and roads, possibly for weeks to come. The National Guard is airlifting supplies to thousands of stranded citizens who probably never imagined that this kind of destruction could reach the Carolinas.

 

At the other end of the spectrum, the Amazon river basin has been experiencing an extreme drought event since the middle of 2023, with no relief in sight. Satellite photos show the dramatic drop in water levels in rivers and lakes. Brazil’s environmental monitoring agency Cemaden describes it as the “most intense and widespread” drought ever recorded there. A combination of factors are to blame: less rainfall between June and November due to changing climate patterns, hotter temperatures causing more evaporation from plants and soils, and the deforestation of the rainforests - all caused by humans. Now we need some solutions. 

 

Global leaders must be elected on their willingness to find those solutions if we want a sustainable planet for future generations. – DS

On Sept. 30, thousands of Canadian students meandered to school in their orange shirts. Federal employees, such as postal workers, enjoyed the day off. When compared to the annual progress report on this day, steps like those feel trivial to an extent. How is the federal government doing in terms of truth and reconciliation? Are changes being made? Is life getting better for our Indigenous neighbours? Are decision-makers doing all they can to reckon with the past and set a path forward?

 

These are the questions that the media, out-of-power government officials, advocacy groups and Indigenous communities themselves are asking every Sept. 30. It was in 2015 that the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada released an executive summary of its findings, complete with 94 calls to action. Reports state that over 80 per cent of the calls remain incomplete and that none were completed last year.

 

On Monday, The Survivors’ Secretariat publicly asked the federal government for more money to find unmarked graves associated with the residential school system. If truth, reconciliation and dignity is a goal for this country, money requested by the group is a bare minimum. And yet, advocates still have to hold press conferences to ask for it. 

 

The 2015 report on truth and reconciliation was an important step forward but the work being done by those who refuse to let it sit on a shelf, collecting dust is just as important as the years go on. The work of the commission will not be done until the calls to action have been implemented and, clearly, we have a long way to go. – SL 

St. Paul’s Anglican Church, the oldest building in Halifax, is celebrating its 275th anniversary this year. It stands not only as a symbol of architectural endurance, but also as a reminder of the complex narratives that shape our collective Canadian identity. 

In reflecting on its long history, the church confronts difficult truths. Established during a time of colonial ambition, it was built under the watchful gaze of British forces seeking to claim a region inhabited by the Mi’kmaq. Its legacy is linked with figures like Edward Cornwallis, whose controversial proclamations led to violence against the Mi’kmaq.

 

Reconciliation involves more than recognizing historical injustices; it requires a commitment to addressing them. St. Paul’s Church has worked to engage with Indigenous voices and support community initiatives. By fostering dialogue and providing tangible assistance to local Indigenous organizations, the church demonstrates that preserving heritage goes beyond maintaining physical structures. It means confronting uncomfortable truths and striving for understanding and connection.

Existing for so long necessitates adaptation and improvement; otherwise, even the most storied institutions risk fading into obscurity. As contemporary challenges like the housing crisis loom, St. Paul’s has embraced its role within the community, providing respite to those in need and transforming its space into a sanctuary for the vulnerable. This approach ensures its legacy remains relevant in today’s world and serves as a model for other institutions, highlighting the importance of balancing respect for our past with active engagement in the present.

 

Canada is a land rich in stories, both celebrated and painful. While many historic sites risk becoming stagnant monuments, St. Paul’s Church illustrates how preserving heritage can invigorate community ties and foster meaningful dialogue. Acknowledging our shared history, including its mistakes, is essential for growth and understanding. – SBS