Trudeau urges compassion in his Christmas message

In the midst of the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister of Canada urged compassion in his annual Christmas message.

Rodrigo Diaz M.

The people of Canada who celebrate Christmas prepare for a holiday like no other in recent times, as COVID-19 continues to expand its control over the country, forcing families and traditions to adapt.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged the difficult year people in Canada have spent in a Christmas message shared virtually today, saying that now is the time to continue to offer compassion to those who are struggling in difficult times.

“This time of year is supposed to be full of joy, light and family traditions. But this Christmas is different. Families don’t get together for big dinners, and friends don’t stop for cookies and punch, ”he said.

“This is not the holiday season we wanted, I know. But here’s the thing: although this year’s Christmas traditions will be different, we can and should give thanks for everything that unites us. “

Trudeau said these holidays are a time to acknowledge “all the good that we have in our lives.”

“It is a time to celebrate Christ’s message of compassion and show people that we love them. That message has never been more important. We can all agree that 2020 has been a difficult year, ”he continued, adding that everyone has made sacrifices to try to keep the virus at bay.

“This year, everyone has done their part because that’s what we are, that’s what Christmas and Canada are all about.”

So far, more than half a million people in Canada have been infected with COVID-19. Nearly 15,000 have died from the virus, and experts warn that those numbers could see a “grotesque” spike if people choose to ignore public health regulations and meet with those living outside their homes during the holidays.

Dr. Theresa Tam, Chief of Public Health, warned earlier in the week that the country was still on track for a resurgence of the virus in the next two months and stressed that people in Canada should follow public health guidelines.

Canada’s Public Health Agency predicts that, at the current rate, the country could see between 12,000 and 14,000 new cases a day by January, adding to the already explosive growth in cases of the virus.

Trudeau said he hopes people will use technology to stay in touch with loved ones during the holidays, and that the end of the pandemic is in sight.

“This crisis will end,” he said. “And as a country, we will come out of it stronger and more united.”

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