Boats in a Storm

Throughout this pandemic, I’ve heard our Premier (and many more) say many times: “we’re all in this together.” But even if we are all facing the same storm, it’s becoming increasingly clear that we’re all in very different boats.

I hope those of us who are staying afloat won’t forget those at risk of drowning. And I’m increasingly outraged by a provincial government that doesn’t care who gets capsized.

When it comes to politics, I tend to “stay in my lane.” Generally, I think each order of government should focus on its own portfolios. I’ll loudly stand up for municipal issues (one example). But I don’t tend to get too vocal about other levels of government unless what they are doing directly impacts City responsibilities. However, I just can’t do that this week.

The last couple of days have been incredibly hard for me to watch. I’ve been utterly gobsmacked. And I’m worried about the residents of Grande Prairie who are getting left behind by an out of touch provincial government.

Most of us have fundamentally upended our lives to prevent the spread of COVID. We’ve learned how to wear a mask. We’ve taken work, school, and social events virtual. We’ve given up trips and traditions. We’ve washed our hands more than ever and actually started to use our sick days. And we’ve done so much more to protect our vulnerable and valued residents who face the greatest risk from COVID-19.

These changes have had huge consequences.

My family has been hit hard by COVID restrictions. My wife lost her job and I lost a good portion of my income. We haven’t seen my mom in over a year. We haven’t brought in a babysitter since February, and I don’t know who misses that more: our kids or us parents. This year has been exhausting for us. At this point, I don’t even care about any Christmas traditions. I’d give a lot to just have one night where I leave my kids with a grandparent while Naomi and I crash at a local hotel.

But I also know how very, very fortunate my family has been. We’ve been healthy. We’ve had great friends rally around us at our lowest points. And we haven’t had to pick between paying for food or paying for utilities. That puts us ahead of many in Grande Prairie. This year has repeatedly reminded me about how blessed my family is.

I’ve heard so many heartbreaking stories about how this pandemic has impacted people in our community. Families who had to watch a loved one die through Skype and then couldn’t attend a funeral. Kids who are months old and haven’t been held by their grandparents. People who are losing their businesses alongside their homes and life savings. Folks with disabilities who have lost help and companionship they rely on. Weddings that have been postponed (then postponed again and again). People who have been desperately alone. Others who have had to live in closer contact with an abuser. And many more who are going week to week wondering how they’ll keep their family fed and warm.

This has all been done to prevent the spread of COVID-19. And yet, we’ve had 8 deaths from COVID-19 in our community. Some of our residents have had surgeries cancelled. And our province’s health system is under increasing strain.

We’re all in a very rough storm. But I feel fortunate for the boat that I’m in. 

I see it as my job (both as an elected leader and as a community member) to be aware of the other boats around me. To acknowledge my fortune. And to do my part to help others stay afloat. 

Which leaves me gobsmacked by our provincial government this week. Seeing it flout its own rules was a real punch in the teeth. I was shocked to see so many in our government undermine the efforts we’ve made as a community to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Maybe I shouldn’t have been shocked.

After all, this is a government that repeatedly makes decisions that hurt Albertans. And it always seems to be unaware or uncaring of the huge consequences these decisions are having. Just a few examples:

This is a government that has shown itself repeatedly to be out of touch with the struggles many Albertans face on a daily basis.

So I don’t know why I’m so gobsmacked this week. But I really am.

Maybe it’s just the symbolism of it all. Or maybe it’s the tiny straw that broke the camel’s back. But whatever it is: I don’t even know if I have it in me to be angry anymore. Instead, I’m just so very, very tired of and saddened by what I’m seeing happen under our Premier’s so-called leadership.

But I’ve never had much faith in government to solve society’s problems. So even as I’ve been discouraged by our elected representatives, I’ve been heartened by our community.

I’ve been impressed by how seriously most people have taken to prevent the spread of COVID.

And I’ve been blown away by how our community has rallied to care for each other. Most of us have made sacrifices to keep the pandemic under control. And to lessen the burden of these sacrifices on our neighours.

Just a few examples: this year’s Kettle campaign and many other local fundraisers have been amazingly successful. I’ve heard so many stories about meals, cards, and little gifts getting delivered just when someone needed it. I’ve watched nurses, grocery store staff, teachers, and so many other frontline workers put all their energy and adaptability into serving others. I know of many families that have significantly adjusted their budgets to support local charities and businesses. 

For those of us that are discouraged, angered, baffled, or saddened by our government today:

Let’s not let up by following the poor examples set for us. Let’s not let COVID numbers soar in our community just as vaccines are starting to roll out. And let’s continue to do our part to help those who are hurting the most.

We can’t forget that our community is all in a storm together. And many boats are struggling to stay afloat. Let’s keep our eyes out for them, and help them weather this storm.

Post Script

Some will note that I did not talk about MLA Allard above. This is intentional. And I went back and forth a lot of whether or not to include this postscript.

Because I don’t think one person (no matter their position) should be used to define our community. And I don’t think her trip was too out of line with other actions I’ve seen from this government.

I hope that the actions of our MLA don’t cause Grande Prairie residents to be less responsible. I hope this weeks stories don’t permanently damage our community’s reputation.

I also hope that what happened this week will cause Albertans to hold our government to much greater account for the actions it is taking that hurt Albertans.

That’s why I didn’t mention MLA Allard in the main body of this post. Because there are issues that go way beyond one person, even if she is elected to a position of leadership.

However, since so many are asking me:

I think MLA Allards decision to vacation in Hawaii was incredibly irresponsible. It was an insult to the majority of Grande Prairie residents who gave up their Christmas traditions. And it risks undermining all the hard work we’ve done to limit the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

This trip was completely and utterly unacceptable.

It was very appropriate for MLA Allard to resign her position in Cabinet.

And I totally understand the loud voices calling for her resignation as MLA. That is very understandable. No matter what they are advocating for, if residents feel strongly about something: I always encourage them to get politically involved by writing letters, volunteering with a political party, intentionally talking to their friends.

However, as continue to talk about the future of our MLA, there are two things I think are important to keep in mind:

  1. It’s totally acceptable and democratic to be angry at MLA Allard, be critical of her work, and call for change in representation. But I’d suggest that ugly name calling and other very personal attacks are not only distasteful, they also make any message less effective. Threats of violence are never acceptable. And her family should be off limits- I’m completely disgusted that MLA Allard’s daughter is not only receiving angry insults, but also horrible, horrible threats. That needs to stop.

  2. Mrs Allard is still our MLA for now. And I suspect she will be until at least 2023. Throughout her time in the Legislature, MLA Allard has had a very good working relationship with Council. And she’s been very responsive to me, even when I’ve very publicly expressed disagreement with her. As long as she is our community’s representative in the Legislature, I think it is important that Council continue to work with her to advocate for our residents.



Dylan BresseyComment