MLA Report: Our democracy and the myth of leader-centric power

By Drew Barnes on September 17, 2021.

As the legislature’s fall session nears, I think it’s a good time to reflect on the state of our province and our political system.

For me, this session marks the halfway point of my third term representing our region. It has been an honour and a privilege for me to do so as part of three distinct legislative assemblies, first as a Wildrose, then a United Conservative, and now as an independent MLA.

From the beginning, my first duty has always been to the families and communities of Cypress-Medicine Hat. Every step of the way, I have been clear that I will use both my free vote and my free voice to represent your interests.

This has not always made me best friends with the various caucus whips, power brokers and self-appointed gatekeepers of our system. However, in retrospect, it has afforded me the opportunity to move the needle on some of the most important issues of our day.

In the past two years alone, I have been proud to speak out against carbon taxes, against vaccine passports, against unnecessary pandemic restrictions, against government waste, all while demanding real action in Alberta’s fight for a fair deal.

My position on these issues directly reflects the positions of my constituents, not to mention our shared values. Too often, I believe, we are asked to set aside our principles on the issues that make politicians uncomfortable.

Here’s one example: When Rachel Notley imposed her carbon tax, I opposed it. When Justin Trudeau imposed his carbon tax, I opposed it as well. Carbon taxes kill jobs, increase the price of everything, and unfairly punish rural and Western Canadians. So, why would I compromise on this same issue if Erin O’Toole (or his buddy Jason Kenney) suddenly decides to go vote shopping elsewhere? The short answer is, I won’t. My job is to represent Cypress-Medicine Hat, not Calgary-Lougheed or Durham, Ontario.

Our democratic system was designed to reflect the idea that the ultimate political power in any jurisdiction rests with the people, not with the labour unions or corporations, not with the lobbyists or special interest groups, and not with the party leaders.

Translated from the original Greek, the very term democracy means people (demos) rule (kratos). Over the years, various interests have used every tool at their disposal to tame, manage and exert control over our political process. In this regard, the political parties themselves have arguably been the worst offenders. This is all too evident when you see a party leader like Justin Trudeau or Erin O’Toole blacklist candidates or reward their cronies.

Ultimately however, attempting to overrule the public’s will is a fool’s game for any politician. It’s why, particularly in Alberta, leaders rise and fall so rapidly.

I believe it is time for politicians of all stripes to set aside the myth of leader-centric power and remember the truth of our democratic system.