06/03/2026
Musing From the Minister
The Rev. Erin Klassen
Why do I care about the referendum?
I am the great, great granddaughter of immigrants. My ancestors were pushed out of their homes by geopolitical pressures, or they relocated to Canada in search of religious freedom. I am proud of the lives that they built here, the ways that they prevailed in difficult times, making a future for themselves and their families (including me). To move across the world, often leaving everything behind, and adapting to a new climate and culture is as difficult as ever. Those who migrate should be celebrated for their courage and fortitude. They bring great gifts with them. Immigrants have always and will always, by necessity, contribute to the building up of our province and country. They enhance our economy and fill out our workforce, they broaden our tax base and our society.
Everyone who contributes to our social and economic structures should benefit from them. Scapegoating will not save us. In fact, I believe that it is a spiritual issue, as in doing so, we fail to acknowledge the image of the Divine that is in all of us. Blaming others doesn’t make up for a lack of political will to do what is best for everyone. It is an attempted distraction from the ways in which current policies do not meet our needs. Our children and grandchildren deserve education that is well funded and teachers that are well supported. Our parents and loved ones deserve healthcare that is timely with adequate staffing levels.
Albertans have a reputation for being fierce and feisty, I think it is well earned. Let us also stay focused on the issues at hand and demand better for us all.
Image: Unsplash (Scherven van Beschaving [Shards of Civilisation] by Fabrice Hünd)
