Let’s recognize our front-line heroes

Given the general state of unpreparedness of all governments around the world, Canadians are seeing pretty responsive support from our federal, provincial and some municipal governments to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our medical professionals and health authorities are showing the wealth of competence Canada is fortunate to have. What is evident, of course, is that all of us were woefully unprepared for the crisis.

Words and wishes of support are comforting, but what the public really needs is thoughtful and measured actions, which remain the badge of real leadership during a crisis. I applaud and thank all those who are unselfishly focused on improving our governance, health, safety and security during this challenging period and who are putting their personal imperatives aside for the benefit of the population.

Being a cancer survivor and having had the honour to work in the 24/7 Customs and Border Services organization once upon a time in my professional life, I tend to empathize with first responders in the medical, safety and security worlds.

I hope that while we are planning for financial assistance to important business concerns and the strata of our society in need, some thought will be given to providing more direct support and a financial reward, recognition award or even a bonus to health and safety workers (now or later) to thank those who have put their lives on the line every day.

Thank you to all front-line workers, be they persons disinfecting public places; those who are leading the battle in hospital corridors; at ports of entry, airports, disease-control laboratories; or pharmacies and food suppliers. What is very evident: We cannot live without you.