As you read this, we are in a period known as the Nine Days — a time when Jews traditionally perform mourning rituals, leading up to the ninth day of the month of Av, which falls on July 23 this year.

This day is traditionally considered to be the anniversary of many tragedies in Jewish history, starting with the destruction of the First Temple in Jerusalem by the Babylonians in 587 BCE (Before the Common Era). It is also said to be the date of the destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE, and also of the Expulsion from Spain in 1492 CE. It is traditional to sit on the ground, read the Book of Lamentations, sing sad songs, and to fast for 25 hours as a sign of grief and penitence.

During the Nine Days leading to the ninth of Av, it is traditional to abstain from meat and wine and to avoid wearing new clothes (some people will not even do laundry). Some Jewish summer camps will not allow their campers to go swimming. No weddings are held, as it is considered a very inauspicious time.

Why am I telling you all this? Because I believe we live in a society in which open grief and mourning are not always welcomed. Jewish tradition mandates at least a week of intense mourning after the death of a relative, and yet some people are only given a day or two off work for the death of a parent or spouse, and are expected to resume their lives afterwards as if nothing has happened. Tears are considered weakness, especially for men. Emotions should just be bottled up, we shouldn’t bother anyone. Even on Remembrance Day, so solemn and full of grief, stoicism reigns supreme.

Since the last election in 2025, Prime Minister Carney has ushered through Parliament more legislation dealing with getting tougher on crime than any other Prime Minister in generations, all in one year.

From bail reform that will make it harder to get bail for serious repeat offenders to lawful access that will deal with issues like extortion and child exploitation to re-instating numerous mandatory minimum jail sentences and spousal coercion to hate motivated crimes and protecting public spaces like faith and community facilities. If you are interested in any or all the legislation that I have referenced please let me know.

The federal government cannot do it alone, provinces and cities also have to take actions. Safe neighbourhoods and cities do not happen by accident. Co-operation, transparency, and accountability are a shared responsibility when it comes to making our communities safe.

For most people think first of our police officers when they think of public safety. Police are the first responders and they are on the front lines, responding to emergencies, investigating crimes, and where possible preventing crimes. Winnipeg Police Service is all about “Building safe and healthy neighbourhoods through excellence in law enforcement, protection, and crime prevention.” Note that it is the City of Winnipeg that is responsible for hiring and providing the supports needed to have an effective police force.

I consider it my good fortune to spend so much time around young people, from those still in grade school to those navigating their post-secondary journey. I have conversations with future doctors, lawyers, authors, teachers, scientists, architects, and musicians. I also meet young people whose happiest places are in their school library, music room, art room, or wherever their friends are.

Our youngest citizens have wonderfully diverse world views, shaped by their age and life experience, their own definition of what is fair and right, and opinions galore on anything and everything. Thanks to them I stay updated on movies, music, and the latest trends on TikTok. I hear what annoys and frustrates them, as well as what makes them happy and puts a smile on their face. They know exactly what they want for themselves, their friends, their family and their community. Above all, there is no shortage of willingness among them to come together and voice their concerns in an effort to effect the change they believe is needed.

We see this activism often in River Park South, where events support CancerCare, pet shelters, and collect money, food and clothing for those in need. From these grassroots neighbourhood efforts to post-secondary students advocating for systemic reform in any number of areas, their engagement is deliberate, passionate, and well-informed. Whether they are championing safer, more inclusive spaces in their schools or participating in large social movements, they refuse to accept the status quo as “just the way things are.” They demonstrate daily that age does not determine a person’s ability to lead.

Progress doesn’t happen by waiting patiently for permission; it happens when people refuse to stay silent. This generation is teaching the world that true leadership isn’t about age or holding a title, but about standing up for what is right. An incredible capacity for kindness, generosity, and empathy beautifully balances what can sometimes be described as fierce advocacy. And I recognize the parents, guardians and mentors who have supported, encouraged and nurtured this passion; you are changemakers too.