KLEIN: Crossroads: The Woke movement divided us, we must restore equality, unity

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As I look around at the state of our nation, I can’t help but feel we have lost our way. The ideals of equality and fairness, which are supposed to be the cornerstones of our society, have been overshadowed by division and selective advocacy. The pendulum has swung too far in one direction, and it’s time to restore balance — for the good of everyone.

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The so-called woke movement, once heralded as a progressive force for change, has morphed into a divisive and polarizing ideology. Instead of uniting people, it has driven a wedge between us, creating an environment where dissenting voices are silenced, and activism is prioritized over real governance. Politicians like Justin Trudeau have embraced this movement wholeheartedly, further exacerbating the division in our nation. Even here in Manitoba, we see the ripple effects with Premier Wab Kinew and his NDP government throwing money at special interest groups at the expense of the majority of Manitobans.

This is not leadership. It is pandering. Ministers like Nahanni Fontaine and Uzoma Asagwara have a history of attending defund-the-police rallies and advocating for policies that do not reflect the views or priorities of most Manitobans. Fontaine’s focus appears to be on supporting her preferred groups, often ignoring the broader population. Meanwhile, social media has become their soapbox, a place to hurl insults and hide behind the legislative protections afforded to politicians. This is not the way to govern. It’s divisive, it’s counterproductive, and it’s out of touch with what Manitobans and Canadians truly need.

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The woke movement has created a world where people are afraid to speak their minds. Companies are walking back their diversity, equity, and inclusion policies because they recognize the damage these initiatives have caused. People should be hired based on their skills and abilities, not because they fit into a particular category dictated by a movement that demands conformity. We live in a democracy, and no one has the right to dictate who others must hire or what beliefs they must hold.

We are all Canadians. No one group should be elevated above another. No race, religion, or creed should have preferential treatment. We cannot move forward as a nation by constantly looking backward. This approach only fosters resentment and division.

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The decline in Canadian pride is not just about economics, although the struggle to make ends meet certainly plays a role. It’s also about the narrative that has been allowed to dominate — a narrative that paints the majority of Canadians as villains while giving special treatment to select groups. This is not how we build a cohesive and strong nation. We should be focusing on what unites us, not what divides us.

The woke movement’s impact on children is perhaps the most troubling aspect. The rush to embrace certain ideologies has led to dangerous consequences. Take the case of Kaya Clementine Breen, a 20-year-old UCLA student who is suing multiple California health-care providers for medical negligence. She alleges that she was prematurely diagnosed with gender dysphoria and subjected to irreversible treatments starting at the age of 12. By the time she was 14, she had undergone a double mastectomy. Now, she is dealing with the long-term consequences of these decisions and questioning why her mental health issues weren’t addressed first.

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This case is not an isolated incident. It’s part of a growing number of legal challenges from detransitioners who feel they were rushed into life-altering treatments without adequate exploration of their underlying issues. Countries like the United Kingdom have already banned puberty blockers for minors, recognizing the need for caution and thoughtful consideration. It’s time for Canada to take a hard look at these practices and ensure that the well-being of all children is prioritized over political agendas.

The woke movement’s push for perceived rights has often come at the expense of others. Consider the recent attack on a United States senator advocating for women’s-only washrooms. The idea that someone could be physically assaulted for holding a different opinion is both shocking and telling. This is not progress. This is bullying, plain and simple.

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Women around the world are fighting for basic rights, like the ability to speak freely or attend school. In Afghanistan, women are being silenced and oppressed in ways that should outrage us all. Yet, the woke movement here focuses on issues like which washroom someone can use. It’s a gross misallocation of energy and attention.

People have had enough. The world is waking up to the flaws of the woke ideology. Even companies and governments that once embraced it are starting to pull back. The movement’s inability to see past its own agenda has alienated the majority, and the cracks are beginning to show. Donald Trump is now more popular in Canada than Justin Trudeau. Think about that. The Prime Minister of our own country is less popular than a former U.S. president known for his polarizing rhetoric. This should be a wake-up call for our leaders.

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Premier Wab Kinew and the Manitoba NDP need to catch up with the times. The woke movement is over. People want fair and equal treatment, not preferential treatment for special interest groups. Manitobans deserve a government that works for everyone, not just a select few. It’s time to move past the divisive politics of the woke era and focus on what really matters: creating opportunities for all Manitobans, addressing the root causes of crime, improving health care and ensuring that every voice is heard.

Equality means treating everyone the same. It means hiring people based on merit, not on quotas. It means focusing on issues that unite us rather than those that divide us. It means standing up for the rights of all Canadians, not just those who align with a particular ideology. And it means recognizing that the majority has a voice too.

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The woke movement’s failure lies in its inability to see the bigger picture. By pushing its beliefs on others, it has alienated the very people it claimed to advocate for. It’s time to put an end to this divisive chapter in our history and return to the principles that make Canada great: fairness, equality, and respect for all. That is the Canada I believe in, and that is the Canada we should all be working towards.

— Kevin Klein is a former Tory cabinet minister, a former city councillor and President & CEO of Klein Group Ltd.

Have thoughts on what’s going on in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada or across the world? Send us a letter to the editor at wpgsun.letters@kleinmedia.ca

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