The right to live freely and express your religion or identity is something we call should all be thankful for, writes Sadaf Aleem Siddiqui.© Provided by Leader Post
I belong to the Ahmadiyya Muslim community. I came from Pakistan to Canada and I found this country very welcoming and peaceful. In October, Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving. Canada has a lot of different celebrations and days that were new to me. Thanksiving is one of these celebrations and it is my personal favourite.
We Muslims give thanks to God five times every day through our prayers. As part of our prayers, we say Alhamdolillah, which means, “thank you God, for giving us everything in our lives.” Today, I want to thank you Canada for becoming my home, my shelter, my protection, and my peace of mind.
I can’t say thanks enough for all these things because it is life-saving for my family and me. In our country of origin, certain laws do not allow us as Ahmadi Muslims to live our life freely. We can not practise our religion by law.
The Canadian government gives me the opportunity to live in peace, in a respectful manner. I practise my religion and beliefs freely and legally. No one has the right to stop me. I wear whatever I want. No one forces me to wear the hijab or remove it, unlike some other countries . I’ve seen a lot of respect in people’s eyes for me.
I am thankful for Canadian laws and this government because they allow us to organize our community events. These events are living proof of the freedom of speech and freedom to practise my religion Canada has given me.
Once again: Thank you Canada! Thank you Canadian laws. Thank you, Canadian Government. Thank You Canadian People. Ameen. Long live Canada.
Sadaf Aleem Siddiqui, Regina
Ahmadiyya Muslim Women’s Association, Regina
Closure of Lutheran Home not growth ‘for everyone’
“Growth that works for everyone” is on the Saskatchewan Party government billboards. The closure of the Regina Lutheran Home is not growth. It is destruction and it is targeting some of our most vulnerable citizens.
I do not believe government has thoroughly examined the possibility of taking over the Regina Lutheran Home before deciding to allow closure of the facility without consultation.
Eden Care has confirmed they presented the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) with different options for taking over the facility, but were not contacted for six months. The SHA simply said they would not take over the facility.
The excuse is that the building is at the end of its life. However, the government can certainly make it last another few years until the new facility is built southeast of Regina. The Regina Lutheran Home closure will not only affect 62 residents and their families, but also the entire long-term care system because it will cause backups.
It will also cause a shortage of hospital beds, which will now be taken up by elderly people waiting far longer for a bed because 62 others are now in line ahead of them.
Val Schalme, Regina
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