Photo by Darren Goldstein/DSG Photo.
Good morning folks
As we head into spring, our thoughts shift to how to manage the lifting of most of the pandemic restrictions in the province of Ontario, along with most other provinces. There is a sense that not everyone is comfortable with the relaxation of rules of conduct such as masking and physical distancing. But we have to take the decision of the government in good faith, but mindful that the virus will remain with us, probably for years to come.
An even greater tragedy is playing out in Ukraine with the invasion of the country by Russia. Our Top Story features the story of an Ottawa-led Black Coalition raising funds and taking measures to evacuate African and other visible minority students from the war-ravaged regions. The war in Ukraine has revealed that anti-Black racism knows no bounds, with troubling reports of fleeing African students being turned away at the border by Ukrainian security personnel.
Among the news reports is a report by our reporter Olivia Barrett on the “Talking with dynamic women” webinar hosted by the Canadian Black Chamber of Commerce. Newcomer Billa Hissein delights readers with her engaging poem “Exhale”.
Continuing where we left off in the March edition, retired RCMP officer Cal Lawrence and community advocate Ketcia Peters weigh in on the debacle of the occupation of Ottawa by hooligans from the so-called Freedom Convoy, and the subsequent resignation of Ottawa Police Chief, Peter Sloly. Along with this evidence of systemic racism, we feature new data from Statistics Canada about the sharp rise in hate crimes in Canada, a reminder that the country’s lily-white image of racial tolerance is under siege.
All these and more in the April 2022 edition of your favourite newspaper.
Here is the result of the March 2022 poll: Do you believe that the various levels of government acted in a timely manner to put an end to the recent occupation of the city of Ottawa by demonstrators? Yes 0% No 100% Thank you to all who voted.
Remember to take part in the April 2022 poll: Do you believe that the measures taken by Canada and its NATO allies are enough to stop Russia from completely seizing control of Ukraine?
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Wishing you and your loved ones the very best of the spring season.
Godwin Ifedi Editor