The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
If the federal Liberals care only about winning the Northern Saskatchewan riding in the upcoming by-election, and nothing else, then they were wise to appoint Joan Beatty as their candidate. With the popular former NDP MLA on the ballot, the Grits are almost certain to regain the Desneth-Missinippi-Churchill River seat they lost when MP Gary Merasty resigned in September. But if the the party was hoping to re-band itself as a truly democratic institution, or even one with a shred of scruples remaining after unscrupulousness cost it the last election, then it was mission unaccomplished. When Mr. Merasty, a former Flin Flonner, vacated his seat (heÕs now vice-president of corporate social responsibility with uranium giant Cameco Corp.), it wasnÕt long before two well-known candidates announced their hopes to replace him. David Orchard, the activist Saskatchewan farmer who twice ran as leader for the national Progressive Conservatives, desperately wanted the Liberal nomination. He probably would have gotten it, too, though First Nations leader John Dorion was also in the hunt. Messrs. Orchard and Dorion, along with their dedicated supporters, were operating under the perilous assumption that party members, not distant bureaucrats, would decide who carries their banner. Silly them. Native leader Jim Durocher, a lifelong Liberal, was among the many northerners utterly disenchanted by the turn of events. ÒYou should never, ever do anything to touch the democratic process thatÕs in place, because a lot of people use that, and thatÕs their only way of expressing themselves,Ó Mr. Durocher told CBC News. The Liberals, of course, are trying to spin the controversy to their advantage, arguing that itÕs part of their master plan to bring more women into the governing fold. And if Barney was the sure-fire candidate instead, you can bet theyÕd be singing the virtues of purple dinosaurs. ItÕs all about winning. To be fair, Ms. BeattyÕs appointment is not exactly unheard of. Such moves, however high-handed, have and will continue to be made. ItÕs not until such maneuvering hits home, as it has in this case, that one realizes what a stinging, we-know-whatÕs-best-for-you slap in the face it is. By many counts, Ms. Beatty would make a quality MP. She is a smart, classy woman whose upbringing in Deschambault Lake gives her a keen perspective on the challenges facing the largely aboriginal riding. Ms. Beatty was also approached to run for the federal New Democrats, but she can hardly be blamed for crossing the floor. If she truly feels that she can better represent her constituents in Ottawa instead of Regina, she may as well go with the party most likely to win the riding. But Ms. Beatty should not have been put on a pedestal. She should have had to go through the democratic process like everyone else. She may or may not have won the Liberal nomination, but at least then we could say the people had spoken. Unfortunately, this ongoing fracas will be quickly forgotten following the March 17 by-election. Ms. Beatty is sure to win and may even earn herself a criticÕs portfolio. If things really pick up for the Grits, she may ultimately land a cabinet post. And the disgusting self-servitude of Canadian politics will live on. Local Angle runs Fridays.
