In many ways, the loophole is an honoured tradition in our society. We probably all know someone who uses them and we may have used a few ourselves. We look for them when we are doing income taxes. In some ways, we’re encouraged to. I won’t say I haven’t done it myself.
It’s no surprise that I’ve talked to a few people this week looking for loopholes in the regulations the province put in for travel in the woods this week. It’s almost as if it were a game we’re trying to win. But the intent of these regulations is really something we should all be considering.
For example, it’s no secret I enjoy fishing. But the province has said “no fishing”. Could I find a loophole? Quite likely. While travel in the woods is banned, you are allowed to use your own property. You’re just not allowed to share it with others. So I could probably go to my own property and go fishing. It’s a bit of a grey area, but I’d be using my own property and not sharing, so is it really banned?
I’m not going to debate it. I’m just not going to do it. That simple.
I know some of those people who are out fighting the fires in our province. They are working their butts off to help keep us safe. In return they get next to nothing. The least we can do is support them.
It’s highly unlikely I would start a fire by casting a line into a lake from my own property. But let’s just say I stepped on a rock, slipped and broke my leg. Someone would probably have to come help me. Someone like a first responder who would be of greater value helping to fight the fires.
It’s those little unrelated things that can pop up and cause problems. Things we might never even think about. Sure we can play the game and find loopholes, but let’s give out first responders even greater support by following the spirit of what these rules intend. It’s only a few days. Hopefully we get lots of rain and things change shortly and we can get back to doing what we want to do.
In the meantime, let’s not look for loopholes.