We can use this pandemic to become a kinder society

Re We all have a date COVID-19 changed our world. The Star looks ahead to what comes next, Gentle, May 15

What comes next? We are suddenly faced with an open-ended question that we all have the opportunity to answer. As the conversation shifts from survival to recovery, we have a chance to reimagine how we operate as a society, to learn from our mistakes and right past injustices.

We can all participate in this discussion by asking ourselves what kind of world we want to live in. I see this unique time in our collective history as an opportunity to reimagine how we care for one another.

The past several months have underscored how intricately connected we are. We have a new-found appreciation for the contributions of those around us, and have seen how integral the health and well-being of our neighbour is to our own quality of life.

It has become clear that lifting up the most vulnerable is critical for a healthy and sustainable society. I would like the pandemic to be the wake-up call we need to treat all members of our community with the dignity they deserve and to invest in the supports and programs that allow everyone to thrive.

Whatever your vision is for a path forward, it is up to us to make this happen.

Such critical decisions about our future should not be left solely to our political and business leaders. Write to your local newspaper, reach out to your city councillor, MPP and MP, join a political riding association, volunteer your time on a board or committee, call a local radio show and lead by example in your own community by helping others.

Let’s lend our voices to the rebuilding discussion and help shape the country we all deserve.

Rebecca Wagner, Kitchener