Monday October 9, 2023 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends | FOOD SECURITY NEWS | POLITICAL NEWS
No rest in troubled times! What was hoped for by many as a peaceful relaxing Thanksgiving weekend has had a pall cast over it by a steady stream of intense news about escalated conflict in the Middle East.
That, on top of the financial strain that many folks are dealing with which makes their Thanksgiving weekend dinner or gathering a bit more challenging.
Leadership messages this year don’t mention COVID — that’s something new considering the past three years of pandemic, and that COVID is something all of just live with now, including the upcoming vaccination rollout in the respiratory season).
Messages do focus on the impacts of climate change and global economics, all of which trickles down into impacts on communities and households including food security.
Messages in social media:
Thanksgiving messages abound in social media today, including: [ Send your thanksgiving message for inclusion on this page, to: news@islandsocialtrends.com ]
===== Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Thanksgiving message stuck to the good stuff in Canadian territory:
“Today, as we mark Thanksgiving, Canadians across the country will gather with friends and family to celebrate the abundance of harvest season and send our gratitude to the people who helped us when we needed it most this past year.
“This year, Canadians had each other’s backs, like we always do in tough times. As we saw firsthand the increasingly disruptive impacts of climate change, from devastating floods, to hurricanes, to wildfires, we also saw what we can do when we come together as a country. Today, we thank the countless first responders who risked their lives to save others. We recognize the kindness and selflessness of Canadians who stepped up to take in evacuees and provide them with food and shelter. Today, we pay tribute to these heroes, whose efforts exemplify the best of what it means to be Canadian.”
NDP House Leader Peter Julian posted in social media: “#HappyThanksgiving! I have a lot 2 be thankful 4 but at the same time, I’m troubled by the profound inequality in my riding of #NewWestminster #Burnaby & across Canada. We must do better as a country 2 take care of the vulnerable population because no one should be left behind.”
===== BC Premier David Eby not surprisingly addressed the economic pressures that everyone is feeling in BC, with a nod to the $200 million investment in strengthening food supply that was announced in March of this year:
“Today, people in British Columbia and throughout Canada will gather with family, friends and neighbours to celebrate Thanksgiving. This is a time to give thanks for the fall harvest and the blessing of the past year, and a time to give back to our communities.
“We are fortunate to live in such a beautiful, peaceful province where people are willing to step up and help their neighbours. This year, that spirit of service has been exemplified by the wildfire personnel, volunteers and residents who have supported the wildfire response and recovery effort.
“B.C. is a great place to live, but global inflation and high interest rates have put a lot of pressure on people here and around the world. I want to thank all the community organizations that are hosting Thanksgiving dinners this weekend, and everyone who has volunteered in a community kitchen or donated to a food bank.
“Our government is committed to continuing to address the big challenges people are facing so everyone can build a good life in B.C. This includes several measures to ease the pressure of everyday costs, including a historic $200-million investment to strengthen food supply throughout the province.
“Today, my family and I will sit down for a meal together and go around the table to share what we’re grateful for. This year, I’m particularly grateful for my wife and kids, who have been an endless source of love and support in my first year as premier, and for the wildfire personnel who have worked tirelessly to protect our province during our worst wildfire season on record. Our hearts are with the families of the six B.C. firefighters who lost their lives this season and everyone who is missing a loved one around the dinner table this year.
“Thank you to everyone who is making B.C. a better place for others, and happy Thanksgiving to all who are celebrating.”
===== For a bit of fun:
- The BC Legislature posted, with a photo of a ‘turkey’ wandering the halls of the legislative building halls: “#BCLeg Security staff found a suspicious character wandering the halls today. #HappyThanksgiving to all! #gobblegobble”
- The BC Conservatives posted: “Thankful, blessed, and mashed potato obsessed. Happy Thanksgiving!”
- BC United Leader posted (with a photo of his family): “Happy Thanksgiving from the Falcons! I’m thankful for my family and all their love & support throughout the years. Wishing you all a safe and blissful weekend with your loved ones!”
===== RELATED:
- Island Social Trends – Food Security News (ongoing news section)
- Some lower Thanksgiving grocery prices keep the affordability conversation going (October 8, 2023)
- Goldstream Farmers Market wraps up 2023 season (October 7, 2023)
- Thrifty Foods recalling Sunrise turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving (October 6, 2023)