“I’ve had an amazing response ... Several (people) said they weren’t sure if they would actually go out to a rally, but after seeing the photos of my solo protest they were inspired to join,” said MacDonald, 28, via an email interview with the Herald.
“I never imagined that my little protest would have such an impact. But I’m truly glad I was able to inspire others to rally.”
MacDonald made up protest posters and stood in and around Sur, Oman, with a Canadian flag to make a point. She’s sending the photos that were taken to Ottawa.
Even with MacDonald teaching English in a university overseas, she keeps a close eye on politics at home, said her mom Meg Shatilla.
“She’s been very good. She’s actually been keeping me supplied with articles ... She’s kept me more in the loop more than I’ve kept her in the loop,” Shatilla said.
When MacDonald heard that Harper prorogued Parliament, she was furious. Letting the Afghan detainee investigation slide will impact Canada’s integrity and using prorogation as a shield to protect a minority government is an abuse of power, she said.
“Harper thinks that ordinary Canadians don’t care about prorogation, but this is clearly not the case,” MacDonald said.
Harper thinks that ordinary Canadians don’t care about prorogation, but this is clearly not the case - Sarah MacDonald
Thousands of people protested across Canada on Saturday.
“I may be working in Oman, but I am still a Canadian who cares about what politicians at home are doing for Canada.”
MacDonald comes from a politically and culturally active family, said Shatilla, who added she was proud of her daughter’s protest.
“I thought it was great, I was absolutely delighted,” Shatilla said.
“I think that no matter where you are, you are still a Canadian. You still have a responsibility to bear witness when your government is doing something (it) should not be doing.”
MacDonald hopes that with the coverage her protest has received, others will get involved.
“Now that the protest is over and it received such a positive response, I would hope that other people will realize that an individual can have an impact. One voice can be heard.”
MacDonald votes by absentee ballot in the Desnethe-Missinippi-Churchill River riding. Phone calls to MP Rob Clarke were not returned.
There is NO valid reason a minority government should able to hold the majority hostage by shutting down Parliament. Oh, I am sorry they needed to recalibrate and prepare their budget - well they just threw away approximately 50 million in lost legislation that must be restarted from the beginning. I can't wait to see this new budget!