Wanted: Political leaders with courage to make tough decision on pipeline

By Medicine Hat News Opinon on April 27, 2018.

What we need is a leader with the courage to take a stand.

A recent poll in Alberta has revealed the majority of the population has little hope of ever seeing a pipeline built — they have lost all hope — at least with the current government. They have also lost hope of seeing any meaningful action on the part of the federal government to follow through too.

When it comes to building/expanding the pipeline there are obviously those in favour and those against. The strategy of trying to persuade each side to change its position is not working.

In situations like this it takes a strong leader/prime minister, with the courage to make a decision “for the greater good” and enforce it.

Look back in history and we have had prime ministers who have had the courage to do this. Pierre Trudeau comes to mind, Jean Chrétien, Brian Mulroney and Stephen Harper all made unpopular decisions and took the flak from those not in favour because they were convinced it was best for the country.

When it comes to the pipeline decision Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would have to explain the reasons why it is “for the greater good” and then be willing to take the heat from those opposed because of the courage of his convictions.

What we have observed recently, provincially and federally, is leaders talking — saying it will happen —but it does not.

Here is a simplistic example: It is a bit like observing a parent standing in the kitchen and discussing with their children what they would like for dinner. The children disagree vehemently on what they would prefer so the parent does a bit of “social work” trying to get the children to get on side and reach consensus. Each child refuses to budge and the parent simply keep reiterating that there will be supper — no question about that — but gets no further. At some point the parent must decide what supper will be and make that decision with authority.

There is the perception our leaders are reluctant to make a decisive move because their real interest is in the next election and trying to keep votes on both sides of the issue. A bit like sitting on the fence, trying to appease both sides.

It is like the parent standing in the kitchen trying to persuade young children to reach consensus. Meanwhile, the hungry children are getting cranky.

Simply saying there is a commitment to see the pipeline built is only talk — and talk is cheap. What we need is political leaders with courage to make and stand whether it gets them re-elected or not because it is “for the greater good.”

(Gillian Slade is a News reporter. To comment on this and other editorials, go to https://www.medicinehatnews.com/opinions, email her at gslade@medicinehatnews.com or call her at 403-528-8635.)

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