Well, congratulations to the Canadian Conservative Party national nominating committee. Poised at only a couple of points off the Liberals in the polls, these six individuals have decided that the right of citizens to fully participate in the democratic process is optional in Western Canada.
Four candidates were on the slate for the nomination to run for the Conservatives in the riding of Souris-Moose Mountain. One of them was former provincial premier Grant Devine.
This morning it was announced that he would not be allowed to stand for nomination. Tom Jarmin was interviewed by telephone on John Gormley Live:
“This is a final process, there is no appeal to this decision”.
Despite heavy prodding by Gormley, there were no further explanations offered. Ken Sutherland, president of the local party board, indicated that he has not recieved an explanation either, and that the association had no input into the national committee decision. The local board has a special meeting called for tomorrow evening, and may consider setting aside the nomination meeting to await the Conservatives selection of a new national leader.
That Devine oversaw a contraversial administration is an understatement. They governed the province through some of the most devasting years of the 1980’s – deficits created mostly by low grain, oil and potash prices, drought and astronomical interest rates placed the province at the brink of bankruptcy. After their defeat, a scandal unfoided that involved the conviction of several provincial MLA’s for improper spending – some were egregious abuses of public funds, but some were blatantly political witchhunts by the NDP.
Some of the MLA’s charged were acquitted on the same evidence that others were convicted on. Some of the charges stemmed from the problems caused by lists of approved expenses that were vague and obsolete. Purchases of computer software for a constituancy office could be considered a breach of the guidellines, for example.
But there is no question as to the continuing popularity and reputation of Grant Devine in his home riding of Souris-Moose Mountain. I grew up in the region and our family still farms there. In the extreme southeast of the province, the oil rich rural riding represents one of the most loyal small “c” conservative regions in the country.
No wrongdoing was ever alleged or charged against Devine himself. An eloquent and sincere advocate of provincial interests, he holds two Phd’s and is highly knowledgable about agriculture and the issues that concern the province. For this, he still recieves widespread respect and support.
All I can say to the Conservatives… bad move. In what may be a tightly fought election, you shot yourselves in the foot twice – by turning your back on what would have been a secure seat, and by throwing fuel on the growing fire of western alienation.
Update: This ain’t over just yet.
