About a year ago, I held up a sign to Stop Harper. I first got this idea when the Conservatives rejected the climate change bill. I felt helpless because the Conservative government was showing no intent to confront climate change - threatening the very survival of humanity.

While working as a page in the Senate, I felt alone, afraid, and hopeless in the face of a Harper agenda set on attacking people and the environment that sustains us. I witnessed Harper withdrawing funding from social services we value, and handing that money over to rich oil and gas companies. I saw the rejection of the Kyoto Protocol and the expansion of the tar sands. 

What I did not see was an investment in a green and just future for all of us.

Today, Canadians shouldn’t feel shame; they should be angry, betrayed and saddened at the diminishment of Canada, at home and around the world, by this government. By their action during the climate change conference in Durban, South Africa.

Every Canadian. Any political affiliation. Any region. Any religion, Any race. Any ability.

Remember this is not the Canadian government, but the ‘Harper government,’ I am just as happy to be distant from this pack of bullies in suits.

I can’t be distant though. These people represent our country, you and me. They speak for us. They should pay some attention to the values that we share. Equality might be a good start. Or environmental responsibility.