It has often been said that everything is political, but politics in its purest form does not exist right now - at least not in B.C.
There is only one issue in the vast majority of people’s lives right now: living with and dealing with the CORVID19 pandemic.
Governments are not being viewed through a traditional political lens. They are now seen as protectors of society and as institutions that will and must help people in so many ways.
A government’s “position” on all kinds of issues – forestry policy, education, energy projects etc. – really does not matter at this time. All that matters right now is dealing with a crushing global pandemic that is the worst crisis since the Second World War.
All of which makes it hard to be an Opposition party.
The role of the Opposition is to “hold the government’s feet to the fire” but given that, most people want the government to succeed – by whatever and however it takes – to protect people and restore the economy it is going to be very difficult to do that.
For now, the BC NDP government and the Trudeau federal government have de facto carte blanche authority to do whatever they think is necessary.
Any second-guessing of actions will look small and weak, if not actually damaging. There was an example of that on display this past weekend.
Some physicians at Royal Columbian Hospital made public a letter they sent Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, urging her to take stronger containment measures to deal with COVID19 and questioning her strategy.
That did not go over well with some other doctors.
Indeed, the president of the Doctors of BC was quick to respond with a strongly worded letter of her own, calling on doctors to rally around the provincial health officer.
“As physicians it is crucial that we are united in providing the public with clear guidance,” wrote Dr. Kathleen Ross (who also works at RCH). “We need to amplify Dr. Henry’s message. During these times of crisis, adhering to the public health direction as the single source of truth is imperative. The truth is that self-isolation and maintaining social distance will save lives.”
Governments will change and adapt their strategies over time for dealing with this crisis, as the situation warrants. My sense is the public has their backs, and will continue to have them unless a worst-case scenario takes hold, or if any government is seen as not come through on assistance.
It is not as if we are moving to an authoritarian state or anything like that. However, we are clearly in the midst of a growing emergency and society will accept stronger government powers (and such things, as legislatures not sitting again for potentially months).
Extraordinary times call for extraordinary actions. And remember: keep your physical distance from everyone.
Keith Baldrey is chief political reporter for Global BC.
