In response to growing concerns over recent political tensions and economic uncertainty, a small group of Manitobans has taken a proactive step toward peace and understanding.
A gathering was held March 9 at Bell Aura Bed and Breakfast in Carman to discuss ways in which individuals and small groups could create safe spaces for mental health support, dialogue and community connection.
What began as a casual discussion quickly evolved into forming a committee promoting harmony and unity across borders.
Barbara Alarie, owner of Bell Aura Bed and Breakfast, led the conversation, which resonated deeply with attendees.
“The committee is just basically to offer support to one another in troubled times. It ends up being that we feel helpless. People say, ‘Oh my goodness, what’s going to happen? What can I do? I can’t do anything.’ So, this is one thing we can do.”
The newly formed committee wasted no time generating ideas for an event to unite people. The discussion focused on hosting a gathering – possibly as soon as May 2025 – at the International Peace Gardens. The event could be a rally, tailgate party, or barbecue, where individuals from Canada and the United States would be invited to celebrate peace, harmony, and community.
The vision includes speakers from diverse cultural backgrounds, providing an opportunity for people to connect, share experiences, and support one another.
The proposed name for the event, People for International Harmony, reflects the committee’s overarching goal of bridging divides and fostering meaningful dialogue. The group also expressed a strong desire to involve Indigenous leaders and Elders in shaping the initiative.
The committee is eager to spread its message beyond Manitoba, hoping to inspire similar grassroots movements across the country.
“We’re hoping that this will inspire other people,” Alarie said. “We are sending out our message across Canada and hoping that other provinces and other groups will get together and do similar things. It’s a way to find common ground. We’re neighbours, for heaven’s sake.”
With many Canadians having connections in the United States, the group is mindful of ensuring that their efforts promote unity rather than division. “A lot of us have family and friends there, and we need to find ways to connect. We don’t want to paint everyone with the same brush. It’s very easy to generalize because that’s human nature. But I think there is a way to find common ground.”
The committee’s approach is rooted in action rather than rhetoric. Alarie shared her belief that open conversations can alleviate anxiety and break down barriers. “I think we’ll all feel better just having attempted, having done something. I think it’s when people murmur and whisper amongst themselves and no one’s really talking face-to-face, that starts the rumour mill and that gets people afraid.”
In addition to the planned spring event, the committee is also looking ahead to Canada Day, proposing a symbolic act of unity. “For Canada Day, we’ve got a plan that we’d like to implement. We would like to see a human chain all along the border of Canada – just hooking arm in arm and standing together as good neighbours. It could be a love fest!”
The group is actively spreading the word through social media and personal networks to ensure their vision reaches as many people as possible. “Our committee is sending out emails to all of our friends and contacts, giving them the same information, and sending them the minutes of our meeting. We hope to go beyond this.”
The committee has also invited Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew to be part of the initiative.
While the movement is still in its early stages, the enthusiasm and dedication of its members suggest that this is only the beginning of something significant. “I’m seeing this as people taking action – not just giving it lip service, but actually saying, ‘Okay, let’s talk,’” Alarie said.
A follow-up meeting is scheduled for Monday, March 24, at 2 p.m. at Bell Aura Bed and Breakfast at 77 2nd Avenue SW, Carman. Individuals and organizations interested in participating are encouraged to attend.
To RSVP, please get in touch with Barbara Alarie at 204-745-6787. The committee looks forward to welcoming more voices to the conversation and working together to create a future built on peace, understanding, and unity.
