The Truth and Reconciliation Commission made this a no-win situation

National Post, 21 February 2020

No-win because the very institutions that are required to resolve disputes are themselves being considered corrupt and illegitimate.

“We’re in a no-win situation,” said Tom Stamatakis, president of the Canadian Police Association.

“If we enforce the law … we’re criticized often for being too aggressive. On the other hand, if we don’t enforce the law… then we’re criticized for not enforcing the law.”

Let’s hope that Mr. Stamatakis is never called upon to referee a minor hockey game. If he calls a penalty, one team will criticize him; if not, the other. It’s a no-win situation.

But leave aside the novelty that the head of the national police association appears indifferent as to whether to enforce court injunctions or not — at least when it comes to blockades with some Aboriginal protesters and their sympathizers. Other injunctions the police are quick, even zealous, to enforce, as pro-life demonstrators can readily testify.

What is more remarkable is that Canada as a whole finds itself in a no-win situation. No-win because the very institutions that are required to build partnerships and resolve disputes — treaties, statutes, the courts, even the Constitution — are themselves being considered illegitimate.

Continue reading at the National Post:
https://nationalpost.com/opinion/raymond-de-souza-truth-and-reconciliation-commission-made-this-a-no-win-situation