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I would like to bring up an important issue about symbolism on our highways and public land. I write this letter not for myself but for others. To the people who reside in this physical space, under the organized body of municipalities, provinces, and country.
I write to you to bring awareness over the crown symbolism that no longer holds relevance to what Canada has come to stand for.
Over the past decade, we have seen a tremendous recognition of human rights and wrongdoings to the Indigenous peoples of this country.
It is my opinion to better honour and recognize the roots of this country, I think it would be fair to change the highway and licence plates in Ontario to something other than a symbol of royalty. In a way, our highway system and licence plates are symbols of the love and funding it took for Canada to be a thriving country. Yet, at the same time, it masquerades the people who understood this land before any eager explorer set foot on her ever-so-rich yielding grounds.
Canadians have prospered off of this land for generations. I think it would only be fair if we changed the crown symbol of our highways to something of all the bands collective members' choosing. A symbol of peace, compromise and love. Because that's what had to happen for those highways to be built. Not some rich monarchy living on a cold rainy island writing cheques, while collecting resources.
Perhaps this could be the first step to honouring those who might feel that their voices aren't heard, and that their sacrifices are not appreciated. Many Canadians have made and continue to make sacrifices to make this country so great, why not recognize and respect our origin story, with every car and highway that occupies its lands?
We aren't a monarchy and our democracy should not be referred to as one. Thank you for your time. This may be a sensitive issue, to some, however this is written in my humble, yet personal opinion.
Logan Solitar
North Bay
