Editor’s Letter
Although it wasn’t even part of my lexicon when we first began to work on this issue back in February, “Stay safe, be well” has since become my go-to farewell in emails, on phone calls and during video chats. Like the rest of our country (and the world at large), we here at Our Canada had our lives turned upside down when COVID-19 reared its ugly head in early March and struck with a vengeance, causing life as we once knew it to come to a full halt.
Since then, we have all been learning to adapt to the new reality facing us, and as of this writing (April 22, Earth Day), the isolation protocols and shuttering of schools, places of worship, entertainment venues, and “non-essential” industries and businesses, are having a positive impact on slowing the spread of the virus and lessening the death toll. Although such measures are having a devastating eect on people’s morale, livelihood and the economy at large, there is some light at the end of the very long tunnel we are currently slogging our way through in the hopes of better days ahead.
With that in mind, I invite you to relax and enjoy this issue for an hour or two. As you can see from our cover, there’s a lot to hold your interest inside! For starters, there’s a great selection of stories from previous contributors who, on a moment’s notice, agreed to share their COVID-19 experiences with their fellow Canadians (page 16), as well as a tremendous spread showcasing the winners of our 2019-2020 photo contest—a big “thank you” goes out to all participants and to our partner, Westjet (page 44). Plus, fear not, you’ll find many more of the types of stories you’ve come to know and expect from Our Canada. And if you need something to occupy the kids or grandkids for awhile, just ask them to “Spot the Loonie!” Stay safe, be well.