Thread by @TheBreakdownAB

Soooo…

This clip is making the rounds and has prompted the attached statement.

We’re not going to link to what appears to be the source, because the context and comments are appalling.

That being said…

/1

#abpoli #ableg #cdnpoli #abed twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

This is a deeply polarized and emotional issue for many, and while the nitpickers are out in full force, one thing that this teacher said is extremely important.

“It goes two ways. If you want to be respected for who you are, if you don’t want to suffer prejudice for your… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…

This is a cornerstone of not only the ideals of Canadian society, but also any civil society.

Acknowledging and respecting the mosaic that Canada aspires to be is a key component in making that mosaic function.

Canada has ideals that we aspire to.

/2

One of those ideals is that Canada should be a place where people are able to feel safe.

Engaging in public institutions requires acknowledgement and respect of Charter Rights.

/3

Pride is about many, many things.

It’s roots lie in protest, and that protest arose out of the reality that under the law, LGBTQ2S+ Canadians were treated as less.

There’s still work to be done to be sure, but Pride is also viewed by many as a celebration of progress.

/4

For many, one of the things that Pride is about is a recognition of the progress that Canada has made in protecting human rights.

The importance of those rights lives in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

/5

Not all Canadians need to celebrate Pride, but failure to acknowledge Pride or actively denying it in public spaces not only denies the aspirational ideals of Canada, it minimizes the Charter and the progress Canada has made.

(Again, much work remains)

/6

If history has taught us nothing else, one of the things it has made clear is that when the progress of human rights is stunted, all of society inevitably suffers.

This teacher was passionate and defending the values and progress of Canada and the Charter.

/7

If her delivery was clumsy at points, the theme remains.

Canada aspires to try and be better.

That is an ongoing struggle.

If we want to see Canada continue to be better, it requires all Canadians to embrace those values, not reject them.

Even when it’s uncomfortable.

/8

This is a snippet of a recording and lacks context, and that’s important to acknowledge.

But there’s certainly a compelling argument to be made that this teacher was embodying the closing line of the Oath of Citizenship…

“I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada and… twitter.com/i/web/status/1…