Pretty much everything nowadays is tainted by politics.
Taxes, transportation, entertainment, food - you name it and someone has an opinion that connects to a political position and a policy.
And someone else is quick to point out that their political position isn't represented.
So it should come as no surprise that Burnaby Hospital's newly-struck community consultation committee has ignited a discussion about politics.
Politicians and pundits have said that having the two Burnaby Liberal MLAs lead the committee paints the committee as a blunt political tool.
Meanwhile, the hospital's medical coordinator, Dr. David Jones asks people to stop being distracted by politicking and think about the future of the hospital.
But, as sincere as Dr. Jones is, and we have no reason to doubt him, unfortunately the perception of the committee as a tool for the Liberals is hard to ignore.
And, as an aside, who can blame the Liberals? They are, after all, in power. We suspect the NDP would (and probably have) done essentially the same thing when they were in power. Does government ever have opposition members co-chairing community meetings?
One can only imagine the endless arguments if the committee was 'balanced' politically.
The broader question is: Will this committee have any pull, even if it is led by Liberals?
The health region is being run more and more like a corporation with decisions being made, not on what citizens want or need, but on what is affordable and can result in long-term efficiencies and savings.
And what if the Liberals lose the next election?
Will the NDP or Conservatives throw out the committee's work because it was led by the Liberals?
Perhaps, it's better not to look at any of this through a political looking glass. Dr. Jones is right: concentrating on politics is distracting. It's also a bit depressing.
