Over the past month, I've become more politically engaged than ever before. But what surprised me most wasn't the politics. It was how we treat those who disagree. What began as frustration with government performance became a broader reflection on political division, our willingness to challenge ideas, and why so many reasonable people choose not to speak up. Three things became increasingly clear. 1. Prosperity is not a zero-sum game. Someone else's success doesn't inherently come at your expense. Fourteen years ago, my wife and I moved to Victoria with nothing. I eventually took on student debt and started a business with $1,000. That business has since created hundreds of jobs, generated millions in tax revenue, and contributed to our community. I didn't build something by taking from others. I created something new, and with it, opportunities for others. We should want more of that. More entrepreneurs, more investment, higher incomes, and greater opportunity for everyone. We should focus on raising the floor, not capping the ceiling. 2. Good intentions are not substitutes for good outcomes. I believe in protecting individual rights, supporting vulnerable people, and ensuring everyone has an opportunity to succeed. But supporting the intention behind a policy doesn't mean we shouldn't question its effectiveness. If healthcare spending increases while access deteriorates, we should ask why. If government debt grows while public services fail to improve, we should demand accountability. Criticizing a policy isn't the same as opposing the people it's intended to help. Empathy should inform our priorities. Evidence should guide our policies. Outcomes should measure our success. 3. Silence has a cost. Political disagreement has become so polarized that challenging an idea is too often treated as an attack on someone's identity or character. People are labelled, dismissed, and attacked for questioning prevailing narratives. For business owners, professionals, and community leaders, the consequences of speaking publicly can be real. I understand why many choose to stay silent. But when reasonable people withdraw from difficult conversations, we leave those conversations to the loudest and most ideologically committed voices. Nuance disappears. Debate becomes tribal. Disagreement becomes hostility. The long term cost of silence is far greater than the short term discomfort of speaking up. Ultimately, I believe most British Columbians want the same things. Accessible healthcare. Quality education. Affordable communities. Economic opportunity. A government accountable to the people it serves. These shouldn't be partisan ambitions. We don't need everyone to agree. We need more people willing to think critically, challenge ideas, consider opposing perspectives, and engage constructively. You might be wrong. You might learn something. You might even change your mind. That's not a weakness. That's the entire point of meaningful debate. I've written a longer reflection on what prompted me to speak up during this election, what I learned, and why I believe more of us should be willing to do the same. You Should Speak Up.