A commentary by a former deputy minister in 10 ministries under five premiers, who also ran his own small business for 20 years.
It is even more essential in a crisis to have an active opposing Opposition and an investigative, questioning media.
To date, during the COVID-19 crisis, both have been missing in action, or perhaps missing in inaction.
Billions of dollars are being spent to mitigate the economic impacts of COVID-19. Limited questioning is occurring in a recalled Parliament in Ottawa, and the B.C. legislature is not sitting in Victoria.
The daily virus health impacts and projection briefings are covered and reported each day after the media receive the information. Treated like tablets brought down from the mountaintop. Accepted as gospel and broadcast as the only truth.
In our community, I hear many questions and frustration. There is no avenue to find answers,
In the middle of April we had more than 14,000 postponed elective surgeries, while more than 4,000 acute care beds sat empty.
Global National reported April 28 that 35 deaths had occurred in Ontario, with people dying who could not get elective surgery.
What is the case in B.C.?
Many wait for chemotherapy. Or heart procedures. To the people impacted, these are not elective procedures, but essential. Never mind the anxiety the wait piles on, they deserve common-sense answers. Death is more real to them than a modeled threat of a virus.
People who have been impacted, plus their family and friends, wonder: Why empty beds? Why no procedures? Why are some staff members stretched and others underutilized? It is counterintuitive.
Where is the data on the impact of the lockdown on domestic violence, suicides, mental and marriage breakdown? And the real impact on students caused by school closures?
With more than 500,000 small businesses, 98 per cent of all business in B.C. is carried out by firms with fewer than 50 employees. What are the government’s predictions for small business failure? Studies indicate it could be as high as 40 per cent. How many owners of these businesses have mortgaged their homes to start up their businesses, and will lose both?
Questions at the daily briefing are limited by design. Mistakes in public policy are not questioned; for example, the statement that the Haida have the right to block access to Haida Gwaii.
An atmosphere has been created that if you question, you are disloyal, and not on the all-together-now team. We receive no data that might contradict or bring forward questions that do not fit the current political rhetoric.
Hundreds of policy questions remain unanswered or not addressed.
Governments have focused on the war against the virus and in B.C. achieved credible outcomes. But cabinet has wrapped themselves in, and hidden behind, the calming voice of our medical health officer. Using her as a shield and a sword.
This week we are scheduled to hear from the premier on the way forward.
This announcement is so important it should be done in the Legislative Assembly of B.C.
It is the legislature where a debate should occur, and where questions should be asked and answered.
The legislature is appropriate, traditional, and essential.
No nonsense about being unable to social distance, or travel restrictions. Work out a common-sense solution. Any argument is a red herring.
We will continue to need to hear the messages of hope and reality from our first-rate public servant pouring her heart out in helping the government deal with the pandemic.
However, we must demand answers and accountability from the people we elect to represent us.
The legislature has those representatives, and they are the ones we will hold accountable for the health, social and economic outcomes of the pandemic.
The timing is appropriate as we are winning the health war.
But our recovery must be based on the inherent principles that built this country. Democracy does not end when a crisis presents its face.
All in this together does not mean blind acceptance. Facing a common enemy, fighting this new kind of war, demands, more than ever, an active democratic system.
- - -
To comment on this article, send a letter to the editor.
Send us your letters
• Email: [email protected]
• Mail: Letters to the editor, Times Colonist, 2621 Douglas St., Victoria, B.C. V8T 4M2.
Letters should be no longer than 250 words and may be edited for length, legality or clarity. Avoid emailing your letter as an attachment. Please include contact information; we require your first and last name and the municipality where you live for the letter to be considered for publication.
