EBOLA and our borders, the time is NOW.

Ebola hype?

Flavor of the month for fear-mongering, or a legitimately devastating disease? I'd make the case that the truth lies somewhere in the middle. Prior to the recent news we might have regarded ebola and other diseases of similar deadliness as something for African countries to worry about. The truth is that the virus is mobile and has already crossed via airlines to North America. This is not the time to have a relaxed stance on our borders, travel, and immigration. In fact, this is a time to take extra precautions and to review as well as tighten our defenses. I've seen interesting documentaries as well as worked in grocery stores and other places and learned the general weaknesses of our society. For those accustomed to an urban lifestyle our entire system can be eroded in just a few weeks. The majority of the citizens of our country rely on an uninterrupted flow of goods that could be inhibited by a serious viral outbreak.


Is it really that big of a deal?

We must consider the fact that our healthcare system on its face can handle ebola. We have the medicine and technology to help people affected by the disease. However, one thing that any Canadian can attest to is the fact that our healthcare system is incredibly strained. It is not uncommon for someone with a nonlethal but painful injury like a broken bone to be stuck in waiting for hours. Do any of us really think that if we faced a pandemic outbreak here at home, that we would all get the extensive care that we need? It isn't going to be a problem if only a handful of people get it, but it will be a disaster if we don't immediately quarantine those who do. Containment needs to be a high priority, but more than that, we can take preventative measures.

It's not just ebola, it's just ebola this time. We really don't know which disease is going to crop up next or where it's going to come from. To the south of us in the USA, our neighbors have a largely unguarded border with Mexico and by extension South America. I'm not looking to demonize people for living in different regions, but the fact of the matter is that living in certain parts of the world exposes you to different viruses and diseases. As a nation we need to develop strong land borders and continue to enhance the protective capabilities in regards to sea and airspace. The world's longest unprotected border might sound nice on a postcard or a footnote, but it's not going to be worth anything if a failure of domestic policy in the USA drives Americans towards the safety of Canada. In the event of an even deadlier disease ( and this outbreak is still only developing ) we're going to have to be able to harden ourselves to closing the doors and shutting out the voices of those beyond.

We are hope.

Canada has always been a force for hope, but in order to protect others we need to protect ourselves. Simple things like laboratories researching medicine need to be working smoothly for the greater good of the world. By closing our doors and focusing on the tasks at hand we will be able to strengthen ourselves. Once we have fully grasped our power as a nation and embraced our potential we will be able to deliver immense, constructive changes to the rest of the world.