Easter is a time of gladness and hope for renewed life – a ray of sunshine amidst the gloom of the COVID-19 crisis, which has forced us to go without many of the things we normally take for granted. We have experienced isolation from loved ones and feared for their health.
At the same time, we have experienced the mutual support and community activation that so often seem to be in short supply. Neighbours are helping neighbours, and Canadians from coast to coast to coast have come together in a show of national solidarity not seen since the Second World War.
While Christians may not be able to celebrate Easter in church, the joy of Easter is stronger than any locked door. With the concept of resurrection comes the promise of new life. We are assured of the ultimate triumph of light over dark, good over evil, life over death.
At this time, it’s particularly appropriate to give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy in Ontario, particularly in the form of devoted public servants who are making deep sacrifices to keep us healthy, to bring us back to health, and to keep life going as normally as possible.
To all of them, and especially our own frontline members, we send a vibrant and heartfelt thank-you! And to all who will be observing Easter, we wish a very happy celebration of all that is most important in life.
In solidarity,
Warren (Smokey) Thomas, President of OPSEU
Eduardo (Eddy) Almeida, OPSEU First Vice-President/Treasurer