From “WExit” to “WE Charity”: How “We” Becoming a Different Buzzword in Canadian Political Landscape
The word “we” is obviously one of the most common words used in English. However, in the context of recent developments in Canadian politics, it seems to take some other interesting significance as well.
First we (funny disclaimer: this is the usual “we” word I am using in a sentence, no special meaning ) saw the emergence of “WEXIT” philosophy, particularly after the Canadian Federal Election 2019; which advocates secession of Western Canadian provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, Manitoba).The word WEXIT is originated from BREXIT ,the withdrawal of Britain from the European Union. Since then, we have seen some activities in that region promoting this cause like: public events, petitions and also birth of a political party name “WEXIT Canada”.
WEXIT demand has been formulated based on certain grievances and frustration that Western Canada (specifically Alberta & Saskatchewan) are being deprived of proper attention-consideration in federal politics which is more focused (according to the WEXIT activists) on populated vote-rich provinces of Eastern Canada (like Ontario & Quebec). Being a new-comer in Canada (arriving just over an year ago) and so far having lived in only Eastern region (Toronto, Ottawa , Montreal); I find myself too novice to make any comment on this view. Other day, while reading profiles of different Prime Ministers of Canada during last 5 decades, I noticed that almost all of them have their personal base (born, educated, worked or elected ) from Eastern Canada. To be specific, among 9 people serving as Canadian Prime Minister during 1970–2020; 7 come from Ontario or Quebec. This is probably not an unexpected or unusual trend ; considering not only higher population-economy-industry in Eastern Canada but also taking into account its more vibrant socio-cutural-political atmosphere. Anyways, time will ultimately tell what impact WEXIT is going to make.
The “WE” word has become more prevalent in recent days by dint of “WE Charity”; an youth organization that was first contracted by Canadian Federal Governement to administer more than $900 million for students under the Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG);later mutually withdrawn from the contract amid controversies regardings its ties with families of the Prime Minister and Finance Minister which eventually initiated an investigation by the Ethics Commissioner, and ultimately today the Prime Minister apologized for not recusing himself from this sensitive contract decision.
Regardless of such political-administrative or other issues, many young students now prefer to see this “Canada Student Service Grant” initiative moving ahead, which can facilitate them good scopes to contribute in these unprecedented times along with some earnings. Being a graduate student I have also applied in this program, despite knowing the fact that I am not eligible to receive financial grants due to its defined age limit (30 years or below); still seeking for any suitable chance to volunteer during this critical period. Probably that is what WE- the ordinary people actually wish, living our simple peaceful lives while contributing for the country in any possible manner.
