Snowmen Speak Louder: Operation Frosty Stare's Chilly Message from Calgary to the Legislature
The Gist
Have you ever felt that nagging itch to actually do something when a piece of policy feels, well, a little too much? That’s precisely the spark behind “Operation: Frosty Stare,” a grassroots movement brewed right here in Calgary, aiming for a silent, snow-filled protest at the Edmonton Legislature this Christmas.
The brainchild of a local Calgarian, this initiative, first highlighted on Reddit in November 2023, springs from a deep-seated desire to ensure those directly impacted by government actions don't feel isolated. Specifically, it's a response to the Alberta government's deployment of the notwithstanding clause.
For the uninitiated, the notwithstanding clause, nestled in Section 33 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, is a powerful provision. It grants Parliament or a provincial legislature the ability to temporarily override certain Charter rights for up to five years. In our recent memory, the most talked-about instance prior to this movement’s inception was the Alberta Sovereignty within a United Canada Act (Bill 1), passed in December 2022, which saw the clause invoked.
Impact on Calgarians
So, what does a legal clause and a bill like the Sovereignty Act actually mean for you, the average Calgarian navigating the Deerfoot or grabbing a coffee in Ward 11? Critics, including the Alberta NDP, didn't pull any punches when Bill 1 passed. Leader Rachel Notley unequivocally called it "unconstitutional, dangerous and will create chaos and uncertainty for our economy" in December 2022. This isn't just political rhetoric; the potential for economic uncertainty and damage to Alberta’s reputation hits close to home.
A Leger poll from late 2022 revealed that a significant 53% of Albertans worried the Sovereignty Act would deter investment in our province, potentially impacting job prospects and economic stability right here in the shadow of The Bow. Even 47% of UCP voters shared this concern. When investment falters, it trickles down to everything from local business confidence to property values, making that daily grind feel just a little bit tougher.
The Reality Check
Understanding the challenge of sustained protest in Edmonton's notoriously chilly winter, our local proponent of “Operation: Frosty Stare” decided on a different approach. They can't stand daily in the cold, so the plan is a family road trip over the Christmas break to the Legislature Building in Edmonton to build snowmen. These 'Frosty Stares' are intended as silent sentinels, standing in for all Calgarians who feel unheard.
It’s not the first time Alberta has dipped into the notwithstanding clause; historical applications include matters of compensation for forced sterilization in 1998 and even discussions around same-sex marriage in 2000. This gives a certain weight to the current use and the public response.
Coincidentally, this timeframe falls during the Legislature’s "Christmas closure," a period often marked by festive events like "Celebrate the Season," featuring musical performances. A silent army of snowmen offers a stark, yet poignant, contrast to the usual holiday cheer.
The Flip Side
While the intent of “Operation: Frosty Stare” is clear – to provide a visual representation of dissent and solidarity – it’s worth noting the notwithstanding clause itself is a legitimate, albeit controversial, tool within our constitutional framework, designed to allow temporary legislative override under specific circumstances. The government uses it to push through policies it deems critical, and it’s a power that exists within the Charter.
The beauty of this grassroots effort lies in its simplicity and accessibility. Not everyone can rally daily, especially not hundreds of kilometres away in the depths of an Edmonton winter. But a family building a snowman with intention? That’s a message that resonates, ensuring that those who feel 'directly impacted' truly don't feel alone, whether they're in Calgary, Canmore, or Cold Lake.
The Bottom Line
Ultimately, “Operation: Frosty Stare” isn't about grandstanding; it’s about a uniquely Calgarian blend of ingenuity and determination. It’s about leveraging the simple act of building snowmen to embody a season-long vigil, reminding our provincial leaders that even silent, frosty stares can carry significant weight. It’s a quiet declaration that civic engagement, even in its most unconventional forms, remains a cornerstone of our vibrant democracy.
