Christmas Message From The Leader Of The Official Opposition - Ryan Meili

Like a lot of kids in smalltown Saskatchewan, I grew up playing hockey. Not particularly well, but I had a great time, piling into my parents van with my teammates. Lacing up to hit the ice and celebrating with a rink burger, win or lose.

One night, on the way home from practice in Coderre, the weather turned from falling snow to a howling blizzard. We were about a mile from the farm when we just couldn’t see the road anymore. My oldest brother got out and walked in front of the van to try and guide us. That worked for a little while, but before long we wound up in the ditch, my mom and us three boys. It was a pretty scary moment.

But before we knew it, along came a truck from the neighbour’s farm.

When we didn’t call after passing their place, they came looking for us.

Now, the neighbours didn’t want to be out that night. Nobody would, but they sure weren’t going to let us sit in the ditch and freeze.

This is the kind of thing Saskatchewan people don’t blink an eye at - we’ve all been there, either giving the help or receiving it, it’s part of who we are.

Particularly at Christmas.

In the heart of what can feel like a pretty long, dark winter, Saskatchewan people step up in so many ways, whether it’s shovelling a neighbour’s walk, boosting a stranger’s battery or serving a meal to those less fortunate. Saskatchewan people care and we show it.

When we think of these acts of kindness, we also think of all the people hard at work during this holiday season, the firefighters and health care workers, folks working in retail or at their own small business, the crown workers and equipment operators keeping our roads clear and our power on, making sure the rest of us are warm and safe. Again and again, Saskatchewan people care for one another and we are grateful for all they do.

These days, it’s tempting to focus on differences, on what divides us. At Christmas, we remember that every person matters, that everyone is worthy of our kindness and our help.

So however you celebrate, in the spirit of peace and love, hope and kindness, from my family to yours: Merry Christmas Saskatchewan and have a Happy and Healthy New Year.