This is Local Government Awareness Week, a time designated by the province to recognize the work done by city councillors, CRD directors and school trustees on our behalf.
Serving the public can be a thankless job, usually gets more criticism than appreciation and some things go unnoticed. For instance, for the last while, Walt Cobb has been carrying a double load, serving as chief administrator as well as mayor. Unlike Premier Christy Clark, Walter doesn’t get paid for the extra job which is normally done by a full time, well paid bureaucrat. Walt just gets the extra hours and stress. I’m sure acting CAO is a job he’ll gladly give up.
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Lots of news about people displaced by the Fort McMurray fire (rightfully so) and concerns about the impact on the oil industry, but what about Alberta’s forest industry, which is said to be on the upswing? There were 587 species of wildlife in the still-burning boreal forests, but I guess they don’t count, no economic value. The forest will regenerate eventually but the total loss from the fires will be horrendous.
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Why is the mainstream media so snarky about Sophie Gregoire Trudeau’s request for more staff? The Governor General’s wife is actually considered Canada’s First Lady, but it’s usually the Prime Minister’s wife who gets the job of championing worthy causes. Mila Mulroney had such a busy schedule she had her own office and three assistants. From all accounts, Sophie will match (or better) Mila’s record of public service.
Laureen Harper had a lower profile and one assistant, but neither she nor Mila had wee children. Remember the fuss when the Trudeaus designated two of their household staff members as nannies? The Harpers had the same number of staff, different jobs.
Beats me why people spend so much time ranting about the Trudeaus when there are so many real issues confronting Canadians, like foreign wars, election reform, senate reform, the TPP — it’s a long list. Adding a staff person to help with Sophie’s volunteer work, like the timing of Justin’s visit to Alberta’s fire scene, is hardly a national crisis.
Diana French is a freelance columnist for the Tribune. She is a former Tribune editor, retired teacher, historian, and book author.
