Parsa’s Perspective: April 2023

April is a very busy time of year for many communities across Ontario. It is a time when Christians celebrate Easter, the Jewish community celebrates Passover, and the Muslim community celebrates Ramadan. We also have Earth Day this month to help raise awareness for environmental concerns and hopefully make changes in our daily lives that will reduce our carbon footprint.

I would like to begin this month’s edition by wishing those who celebrate across Ontario a Happy Easter and Good Friday. For Christians across Ontario, this is a time for reflection and prayer as the community gathers with friends and family to celebrate this special time of year. Easter also concludes the annual 40-day lent period where Christians complete the season of fasting and penitence. 

This month we are also celebrating Passover. This is a very important time of year for the Jewish community as they connect with their rich cultural history and reflect on those who still face oppression today. Passover also represents the resilience, bravery, and determination of the Jewish community. 

Starting April 2nd, Muslims here in Aurora and around the world will be celebrating Ramadan which lasts until May 1st. This is a time when the Muslim community comes together to celebrate and fast. Fasting is a key component of Ramadan to experience empathy for those in the world who are hungry and less fortunate. I hope the entire Muslim community enjoys and celebrates this special time of year as you all engage in prayer with friends and family.

Another important event that I would like to highlight for the month of April is Earth Day. All of us need to work together and independently to limit the impact we have on the environment. We must hold ourselves accountable for the environmental decisions we make on a day-to-day basis and look for sustainable alternatives that reduce our carbon footprint. We need to do whatever is necessary to protect our waterways, the air we breathe and surrounding ecosystems to ensure they remain undisturbed.

Regardless if you celebrate Easter, Passover, or Ramadan, I hope you spend some quality time with friends and family. After two difficult years battling the pandemic, I hope each of you takes this opportunity to enjoy yourself as we transition back to pre-pandemic life. I also encourage all of you to continue checking in with those around you to make sure they are healthy or need help.

Finally, as your elected provincial representative, I will continue to do my best to advocate on your behalf at Queen’s Park. If I can be of any assistance, do not hesitate to reach out to my office and we will do our absolute best to assist you.