Tamils Take Toronto's Gardiner

Posted by Laura Steiner May 12, 2009

Canada is a liberal democracy. And being citizens of a liberal democracy we have certain rights and freedoms. We have the freedom to speak our minds, and disagree with each other. We have the freedom to move around when and how we choose, and the freedom to assemble with anyone we feel like it.

We have a right to a fair trial before the law. Women are viewed the same as men in Canada, and discriminatory practices based on race, religion, gender, and sexual orientation aren't allowed. We have the right to protest- something I'm positive all reading this will take advantage of at some point in their lives.

Canada's Tamil community have been taking advantage of their right to protest, most recently blocking the Gardiner Expressway; a major route in and out of downtown Toronto. They stood blocking the highway for six hours, protesting the ongoing civil war in Sri Lanka. They have a valid reason to protest- the civil war in Sri Lanka is tragic; the loss of life, and persecution of a people is inexcusable for humanity.

But is blocking a city's major roadway the right way to protest? I don't think so. It risks everyone's safety. And it also doesn't garner any more sympathy for the cause. If anything, I think Canadians are less likely to support the Tamil community, and that's a shame because there is something worth supporting there. There is something worth fighting for.

In blocking the roadway the protesters impeded traffic, and broke the law. Following my logic, every last one of them should have been arrested. Toronto Police showed restraint and concern for public safety by not doing just that. I think breaking the law takes away credibility from the cause- it's one thing to show you're passionate and willing to fight for your cause but when you break the law it takes away from the impact of the protest.

Sanctions would hurt more than help the situation. Canada has very little political influence, being what can be best described as a middle power- so using it wouldn't be an option. Armed intervention isn't an option because Canada's army is stretched to the limit- fighting in Afghanistan plus the numerous other peacekeeping missions. Canada is calling for cease fires, and giving aid money because it's all we can do.

What more does the Tamil community want? Find an answer to that question, and then we'll talk. Until then keep the protests off the major highways because it isn't doing the cause any favours.

For more on this see: Tamils Occupy Gardiner Expressway.