Joshua Thomson
Joshua is CANZUK International's Senior Associate for Eastern Canada based in Saint John, NB
Upon hearing the sad news of the Queen’s passing this past Thursday, September 8th, I found myself taking time to pause and reflect. For many of us, we have only ever known one British Monarch.
I have many fond memories growing up with my grandmother and great aunt in Canada, and hearing their stories from the Second World War and their admiration for the Royal Family. As I have grown and matured, I have also found myself having my own appreciation for the Queen. Her sense of duty and dedication have been an inspiration for me and will be traits that I will strive to carry with me throughout the rest of my life.
Watching the news coverage on the BBC and seeing the crowds gathering all over the CANZUK countries comes as no surprise. It is yet another inspiring way that our late Queen has given the people reason to gather in unison this year. The first occasion was the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June when crowds as far as the eye could see gathered in London to celebrate the Sovereign’s 70th year on the throne. Both of these historic events have reminded me just what we can do when people join together for the common good.
I couldn’t think of anything that would have had Her Majesty any happier, and when I think of unison, there is one word that sticks out in my mind. That word is CANZUK.
Thinking back over the past two years and seeing the many different ways that the COVID-19 pandemic divided our world, I can’t help but think of the magical way people came together for the Platinum Jubilee and now for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. I feel confident that there is a way that we can turn the page on how the pandemic has wreaked havoc on our lives and start fresh again.
At home here in Canada, we have been pressured with restrictions and mandates which have interrupted our daily lives and have caused much unwanted grief. Canadian airports have experienced severe travel delays and interruptions due to ongoing COVID-19 testing. An example of one of these interruptions is the ArriveCan travel app which is still deterring travellers from crossing the border into Canada. The fact is, COVID-19 is going to be a part of our lives going forward and I believe people are at the point where they want to get on with living their lives again. Therefore, we must learn to adapt to this new normal.
One of the key drawing points to CANZUK is the aspect of freedom of movement, and sadly, as long as there are daunting mandates and travel restrictions, making this a reality is going to become increasingly difficult. I joined this organization in 2015 because I believed in the vision of CANZUK, and though COVID-19 has caused its share of setbacks, that vision is still very much alive.
That is why we are calling upon the governments of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom to come forth and help make CANZUK a movement which we can all prosper and benefit from. It is only together that we can breathe new life into CANZUK. The time for discussions has passed and the time for action has come. Will you join us?
“When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.” – Queen Elizabeth II
Watching the news coverage on the BBC and seeing the crowds gathering all over the CANZUK countries comes as no surprise. It is yet another inspiring way that our late Queen has given the people reason to gather in unison this year. The first occasion was the Platinum Jubilee celebrations in June when crowds as far as the eye could see gathered in London to celebrate the Sovereign’s 70th year on the throne. Both of these historic events have reminded me just what we can do when people join together for the common good.
I couldn’t think of anything that would have had Her Majesty any happier, and when I think of unison, there is one word that sticks out in my mind. That word is CANZUK.
Thinking back over the past two years and seeing the many different ways that the COVID-19 pandemic divided our world, I can’t help but think of the magical way people came together for the Platinum Jubilee and now for the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. I feel confident that there is a way that we can turn the page on how the pandemic has wreaked havoc on our lives and start fresh again.
At home here in Canada, we have been pressured with restrictions and mandates which have interrupted our daily lives and have caused much unwanted grief. Canadian airports have experienced severe travel delays and interruptions due to ongoing COVID-19 testing. An example of one of these interruptions is the ArriveCan travel app which is still deterring travellers from crossing the border into Canada. The fact is, COVID-19 is going to be a part of our lives going forward and I believe people are at the point where they want to get on with living their lives again. Therefore, we must learn to adapt to this new normal.
One of the key drawing points to CANZUK is the aspect of freedom of movement, and sadly, as long as there are daunting mandates and travel restrictions, making this a reality is going to become increasingly difficult. I joined this organization in 2015 because I believed in the vision of CANZUK, and though COVID-19 has caused its share of setbacks, that vision is still very much alive.
That is why we are calling upon the governments of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom to come forth and help make CANZUK a movement which we can all prosper and benefit from. It is only together that we can breathe new life into CANZUK. The time for discussions has passed and the time for action has come. Will you join us?
“When life seems hard, the courageous do not lie down and accept defeat; instead, they are all the more determined to struggle for a better future.” – Queen Elizabeth II
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