02/16/2024
Yesterday we had the Mayor of our city, Valerie Plante, visit our Shop, and I would like to take a moment to address some of the ensuing controversy that followed. Although the meeting was well received by most, it saddens me to say that our shop as well as my character were attacked, mostly by a small group of individuals, simply for extending a gesture of hospitality to a member of our community. As a business owner, it is my obligation to remain impartial and to welcome all individuals, regardless of personal choices, lifestyles and political affiliations, and that includes politicians themselves. I recognize that politicians can be especially polarizing, but I also recognize that our success comes from our customers, and our customers collectively represent the political spectrum in its entirety.
When I welcome a member of public office into our store, it is out of this very respect for our diverse customer base as well as our community that I do so. Over the years, I have had the honour of welcoming politicians from all levels and all stripes into our shop, to connect with the people they represent. From local councilors Mary Deros and Despina Sourias, to Quebec MNA Jerry Sklavounos and Premier Philippe Couillard, to Senator Leo Housakos and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to name a few. While these members of public office represent differing ideologies, our shop is a product of our diverse community and does not hold partisan discernment. We operate in the heart of the Park Ex community and we strive to offer a setting of neutrality and safe engagement.
Having said that, I am deeply disappointed by the conduct of those individuals who through social media, have chosen to attack the store, myself, the mayor, and by extension, our community in such a mean-spirited way. My character was insulted, the Mayor was attacked with profanity, and our store even received a negative google review. It is disheartening to witness such shallow and divisive behaviour within our community. Rather than engage in respectful and mature dialogue, these individuals resorted to personal attacks and negativity. This conduct not only undermines the values of inclusivity and respect that we strive to uphold in our business, but also accomplishes nothing more than hatred, division, and sadness. There is a process for political selection and that is through our fair and transparent democratic elections. It is not through name-calling, insulting behaviour and bullying tactics that aim to punish those who exercise their freedoms.
As a long standing member of this community, and the owner of Park Ex Flower Shop, I have always and will always welcome all members of our community with open arms, despite the divisive tactics of bigots and bullies. My team and I will always foster an environment of love, not hate, with a focus on building and not destroying. There is nothing wrong with holding opposing views, but it is through an approach in decency and respectful discourse that we can move forward and resolve these differences. This is what I believe in and this is what I will continue to do.
I would like to thank all of those who offered us words of encouragement and support, and I would like to thank the Mayor, who was gracious and respectful throughout her visit , and I do wish her the best.
