Canadians haven't lost their freedom

So many Canadians have complained about their lack of freedom. I started to hear about their bondage during COVID-19 restrictions. Folks were angry and, maybe, rightfully so, but those were unprecedented times. From masks to social distancing, it was a tough time, and no one likes to be told what to do or be mandated to do things they'd choose not to do. That's just human nature, I guess.

- SHELLENE DRAKES-TULL

Who could forget the trucker convoy protesting vaccine mandates and COVID measures?

Some folks supported the protest, thinking their rights had been trampled on. Others were happy when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau enacted the Emergencies Act and shut it all down. (According to the federal court ruling, the government went too far and infringed on the protesters Charter rights.)

COVID relented and restrictions were relaxed. Life went somewhat back to normal, but folks continued to fret about our lack of freedom, posting that Canada has devolved from a democracy to a communist dictatorship.

Our democracy ranking has dropped, according to the Democracy Index, because our politics are becoming more like that of our southern neighbours. The same ideology a lot of so-called "freedom fighters" celebrate is what's challenging democracy in Canada.

Individual freedom means different things to different people. To me, freedom is being able to travel to 172 countries without a visa, according to Passport Index or criticizing Canadian politicians and government officials without fear of repercussions.