Dear Akash Bobba,

 Dear Akash Bobba,

You could be my child, Akash. And if you were, I would be so worried for you right now. Your poor mom—I can’t imagine what she must be going through. Maybe she supports you, maybe she’s proud, but I would be terrified. As a mother, I would be deeply worried about the choices you’re making and the weight of the world on your shoulders.

At just 22, you stand at a crossroads in history. The decisions you’re making right now will affect the future in ways you can’t possibly imagine. You have the power to influence a generation, but with that power comes an immense responsibility—a responsibility that, if misused, could have catastrophic consequences.

You might feel like you’re at the top of the world, surrounded by influential people, caught up in a whirlwind of excitement and ambition. But I urge you to take a step back and really think about where you are. Do you understand the gravity of your actions? The choices you make now could leave a mark on humanity’s future that is far beyond what you or anyone else could fix.

If you continue down this path, your name may be forever tied to the destruction of democratic principles and the erosion of justice, fairness, and equality. People like Elon Musk, Donald Trump, and others have built a system where power is concentrated in the hands of the few, and the consequences are being felt by millions. Do you really want your legacy to be part of that system?

As a mother, I would ask you to think about the long-term impact of your choices. Seven generations from now, what will they say about you? Will they see you as someone who helped avert disaster, or someone who helped speed it up? The choices you make now will affect not just your future but the futures of your children and their children—and the future of humanity itself.

And to the Indo-Canadian and newcomer community, I ask that you also consider writing to Akash, to speak your truth as Canadians who are deeply concerned about the impact these choices could have on the world. Many of us live here in Surrey, BC, where there’s a large Indian population, and we know how deeply connected we are to families both here and abroad. We are all watching what is happening in the US with growing fear. Many of you have family members living in the United States, and I know you share the same worries we have about the state of immigration and how ICE is treating our brothers and sisters.

As Canadians, we understand that the world is interconnected. What happens south of the border affects us all, and we fear for the safety of those in vulnerable positions. How do we protect our loved ones when the actions of powerful individuals seem to threaten everything we hold dear? How do we prevent the machinery of fear and division from spreading further?

We ask you, Akash, to think not only about your legacy but about the impact your choices will have on families, communities, and future generations. Please, take a moment to reflect on what really matters—the values of compassion, justice, and humanity.

Choose wisely, Akash. You have the power to change the course of history.

Sincerely,
Tina Winterlik 
Surrey, BC

Canada: Not for Sale, Not for Taking

 

Opening Paragraph:

Canada has always prided itself on its independence and unique identity, but recent decades have shown us that the fight for sovereignty is far from over. With the influence of U.S. oligarchs creeping into our media, economy, and politics, and the next federal election looming, it’s time to reaffirm who we are and what we stand for. Canada isn’t perfect, but our values—public healthcare, education, multiculturalism, and a commitment to peacekeeping—are worth protecting from external forces who see us as just another opportunity for profit or control.

Historical Context:

Our story has always been one of standing firm in the face of American dominance. The War of 1812 may seem like ancient history, but it was a defining moment when Canada refused to be absorbed into the U.S. empire. Fast-forward to the Free Trade debates of the 1980s and 90s, where many Canadians worried about becoming too entangled in American economic interests. Those fears have only grown with agreements like NAFTA and its successors, which often put corporate interests ahead of public good.

Current Threats:

Today, the encroachment is subtle but pervasive. Did you know that many of Canada’s major media outlets are owned or influenced by U.S.-based conglomerates? This compromises our ability to tell our own stories. Our energy sector is another example—pipelines and resource projects often cater to American investors while leaving Canadian communities to bear the environmental costs.

And let’s not forget real estate. Foreign investment, much of it American, has played a significant role in driving up housing prices, making it harder for Canadians to afford homes in their own cities. The increasing alignment of some Canadian politicians with U.S.-style far-right ideologies is also deeply concerning, as it signals a shift away from the values that define us as a nation.

Addressing Misinformation

In an age of endless information, distinguishing truth from fiction has never been more challenging—or more important. Negative and untruthful narratives about Canada’s identity and values are often amplified to sow doubt and division.

It’s vital to question the sources of these narratives:

Who benefits from portraying Canada as weak or divided?

Are these stories designed to sell a product, push a political agenda, or shift public opinion?

Are the sources credible, or do they have ties to foreign interests?

We all have a role to play in countering misinformation. Share reliable articles, engage in thoughtful conversations, and call out falsehoods when you see them. Remember, the strength of our democracy depends on an informed and engaged citizenry.

The 2025 Election:

This year’s federal election could be a turning point. With millions of dollars pouring into campaigns, both overtly and through shadowy “dark money” channels, we must remain vigilant. These funds are not just about winning votes; they’re about shaping policies that serve corporate interests rather than the Canadian people.

It’s essential to scrutinize candidates and parties. Who are their donors? What are their connections to foreign entities? And most importantly, whose interests are they prioritizing?

What We Can Do:

The good news is, we have power. Supporting Canadian businesses, independent media, and grassroots organizations can help keep our economy and narrative in our hands.

We should also advocate for stronger transparency laws around political donations and lobbying. Why should foreign entities have any say in how Canada is governed?

Lastly, voting matters. Let’s educate ourselves, challenge disinformation, and engage in meaningful conversations about what we want for our future.

Closing Paragraph:

Canada is not a commodity to be traded, nor a quiet neighbour to be absorbed. We are a resilient, resourceful, and vibrant country with a unique voice in the world. Let’s ensure that voice isn’t drowned out by the noise of oligarchs who see us as nothing more than an extension of their empire. Let’s stand together to protect our home and ensure Canada remains, above all, Canadian.