NEWS PHOTO MO CRANKER MLA Michaela Glasgo speaks to a constituent last year at Medicine Hat Public Library's theatre.
gslade@medicinehatnews.com@MHNGillianSlade
A local MLA says there was nothing ambiguous about whether it was OK for elected officials to travel internationally.
Michaela Glasgo, MLA for Brooks-Medicine Hat, says she was very surprised when the media revealed that some of her colleagues were enjoying international vacations over Christmas.
“We were given pretty clear direction and had a conversation about leading by example from leadership,” said Glasgo. “Elected officials are held to a higher standard than the general public – no question.”
There is no law prohibiting anyone from flying internationally but there is an expectation that elected officials will set an example, especially when many businesses have been told to close to limit the spread of COVID-19, said Glasgo.
“We’ve told people there is a fine if you go visit your grandma. It is kind of common sense at that point that you should not be travelling abroad,” said Glasgo.
The News was not able to connect with Drew Barnes, MLA for Cypress-Medicine Hat, on Monday for an interview. In a written statement Barnes said he has not travelled internationally in the last 12 months.
On Monday those who had travelled internationally and were exposed by media reports, either resigned or were removed from positions of leadership as MLAs. Premier Jason Kenney’s chief of staff, Jamie Huckabay, resigned.
Mayor Ted Clugston says the actions of these government people hit a nerve across the political spectrum and sums up their actions in a word.
“Hypocrisy.”
“Participate in the process to impose severe restrictions on Albertans they are serving and then think nothing of flying away for a better deal for themselves. Years ago if you were exposed as a hypocrite it was a very shameful experience that used to be difficult to overcome,” said Clugston.
He also had thoughts of a tropical vacation but knew instinctively that it was not appropriate for him as an elected official and leader in the city. He says upper management at the city also knew it was not appropriate for them to travel.
Local businessman Chris Hellman is outraged that government officials who helped decide on the lockdown measures that Albertans would have to endure over Christmas thought it acceptable to then remove themselves from the situation.
The advisory about international travel was a recommendation rather than a ban.
“When you’re one of the rule makers … you’d better not be the one travelling,” said Hellman. “I think they violated trust. We expected a higher standard of them because they’re the rule makers.”
He suggests those who can’t see the difference should probably not be MLAs.
In a snowstorm there may be a recommendation to stay off the roads and some motorists may drive anyway. Hellman says it is a different story though if the person making the recommendation then takes to the road.
Clugston says the penalty handed out on Monday isn’t enough. They’re still MLAs even if no longer a cabinet minister or no longer on various committees. He warns that the ultimate price may be in the next election.
