Congratulations to the United States on the results of last week’s election. We realize there could still be disputes, but we Canadians, as your neighbours, your friends, your colleagues, your team-mates, (your wannabe-even-closer-neighbours as winter closes in), wish all Americans health, harmony, peace and prosperity in the coming years.

In his speech Saturday night, President Elect Joe Biden said, “let’s give each other a chance. It’s time to put away the harsh rhetoric, lower the temperature, see each other again, listen to each other again. And to make progress we have to stop treating our opponents as enemies.”

Wise words, and not just for Americans.

In a world that is increasingly divided, angry and violent, it is time for us all to re-evaluate our thinking, to reach out a hand, and to consider views that differ from our own with respect and attention. We don’t have to agree – we won’t always agree, but let’s at least listen and begin a dialogue.