by Kathleen Boucher
Headlines portray the world in turmoil. Why? Bad news sells. Many people have stopped listening to broadcasts because stories of innocent people starving or at war sink them into a depression. At the same time, others are addicted to scrolling for fear that they may miss critical updates. In either case, the populace feels unable to effect change. They seem to think that they have no power.
This attitude is entirely incorrect.
Look at history. The following individuals recognized the need to solve problems and took action.
- Tommy Douglas, a Canadian politician, is known as the father of universal Canadian healthcare.¹ Have you ever wondered how our present healthcare system got started?
- David Suzuki, born in Vancouver, is one of Canada’s most celebrated scientists and environmentalists.² Earth is our home. We need to listen to him regarding climate change.
- Elsie MacGill (1905-1980), born in Vancouver, designed the Hawker Hurricane, a plane specifically adapted to fly in cold weather. She also created the Maple Leaf trainer, which may still be the only plane completely designed by a woman.³ What is something that you can do to help make your home, community, province or country better, even if you are the first?
- Emily Carr (1871–1945), born in Victoria, was a Canadian painter and writer known for her vivid depictions of Indigenous cultures and the landscapes of British Columbia, making her a significant figure in Canadian art history.⁴ There is splendour all around us. Supporting local artists ensures the customs and beauty of Canada are documented and celebrated.
- Nellie McClung (1873-1951), born in Manitoba, was a prominent Canadian writer, politician, and social activist who fought for women’s rights and the vote.⁵ Have you ever considered a time when women were not allowed to vote? Imagine the strength and determination it took to be a trailblazer.
- Rick Hanson, born in Port Alberni, sustained a spinal cord injury in 1973, leaving him paralyzed below the waist. He eventually started the Rick Hanson Foundation to remove barriers for people with disabilities and support spinal cord injury research.⁶ He advocates for wheelchair accessibility. What can you do to learn more about his work?
- In the late 1970, University of Waterloo professors Alan Plumtree and Alfred Rudin were approached by the International Development Research Centre to help develop clean water for villages in developing countries.⁷ These two men succeeded in developing the Waterloo Pump.
You don’t have to make a huge policy change to be effective. In the movie, Independence Day Resurgence (2016), a science fiction movie, Bill Pullman says to his daughter as they fly towards the aliens that he is not trying to save the world. He is simply trying to save one person, her.
His statement stuck with me as crucial when overwhelmed as to where to start if the weight of the world feels heavy. What is your favourite charity? Does it bother you when people go hungry? Could you volunteer your time at a food bank or lobby for food relief in your community? Find something that you are passionate about and figure out a way to help. It does not need to cost money. Creative ideas are worth their weight in gold.
You have a unique skill set. You can effect change and heal whatever you deem necessary. Imagine if parents taught their children to be observant and look for ways to identify problems and come up with a solution. Let’s take a simple example. Have you ever watched a person who uses a cane have it fall over easily? Then someone designed the three-pronged cane. Game changer for mobility! Or what about the individual who developed the clap-on, clap-off light? Solutions to problems seem obvious once they are invented and implemented.
Never underestimate the power of your voice. Never lose hope for a better future.
Canadians are wonderful people who always rise to the occasion and stand together in times of need. Together, we can accomplish anything as a country because we are united.
Canadians are excellent problem solvers.
