Democracy requires more than just holding elections. Under this criteria alone, Iran and North Korea would be considered democracies.
There are many other critical components including:
– fair elections
– an effective opposition
– free and critical press
– checks and balances
– etc.
Burnaby is already facing a democracy deficit, and Mayor Derek Corrigan’s diatribe, “This time she has gone too far” (Burnaby NOW, Feb. 9), is yet another example of Corrigan’s authoritarian predispositions and disdain for being held to account. Corrigan and city council are so adverse to opposing views and accountability that they have referred to elections as “silly season” (Burnaby NOW, Jan. 14, 2014).
In the absence of any elected opposition, the Lord Mayor rightfully lauds various committees and city employees who dedicate their efforts toward community enhancements. It’s also important to note that the city employees have a circular relationship with the mayor. Their trade unions “donate” huge sums of cash toward Corrigan’s election campaigns, then go on to negotiate their collective agreements with the city. This in itself is not unusual, but when CUPE Local 23, gave $91,125 to Corrigan’s election campaign, and enjoys a rosy relationship, juxtaposed with Burnaby firefighters who only gave $4,000, and received hardball contract negotiation, one has to wonder if agreeing with the mayor equates to job security.
The same could be said for the various community committees. Corrigan was right to praise their efforts, but it should be noted that these groups are not exactly grassroots community organizations. One must apply to join a sanctioned community group and will only be accepted once Corrigan himself gives his mayoral assent. Corrigan is an ex-officio member (member based on position), of all the committees. Knowing the mayor’s propensity to keep everything in the family, albeit his partisan family, this does not provide an aura of impartiality.
Burnaby is entering a perilous era. In years past, the politically monolithic city hall dissented against all proposals made by other levels of government and criticized them incessantly. Exposés by media should be prized, not condemned
Though costly and counterproductive, this policy did lead to an increased level of scrutiny. In stark contrast, it seems that now Corrigan and his posse agree with any and all proposals made by the provincial government, bar none.
One cannot join Corrigan’s BCA party without certifying that they are a member of the B.C. NDP.
This exacerbates our deficit in democracy.
It did not go unnoticed that Corrigan’s attack on the free press included terms like, “she has gone too far,”“her zeal” and “she suggests.” Though factually correct, this is curious language to be coming from an ideological egalitarian theorist. When the gloves come off, it seems that the distinct phraseology of Corrigan’s party comes off too.
Hailing from Northern B.C., and of First Nations ancestry, I can attest that electing a chief, affording them far-reaching powers, in the absences of accountability, is not an ideal form of governance. This rule applies across the board, regardless of being a First Nations band or Corrigan’s political tribe.
Corrigan correctly cites the general public’s negative sentiments toward “some journalists,” but this is not because they are shining a light on our political leaders, it’s because many of them have reduced themselves to being partisan hacks. As there are no elected opposition members in Burnaby, and that all of our municipal politicians are in lock-step with the current provincial government, exposés made by local media should be prized, not condemned.
Mr. Corrigan’s unhinged attack on the editor of the Burnaby NOW, Burnaby’s last remaining community newspaper, is another nail in democracy’s coffin.
Gordon Shank is the CEO of GS Consulting.
