Rants & Raves
We discuss absent minister, people power and more
RANT: For hiding from the people. Nova Scotia’s Education Minister Zach Churchill was in Sydney this week as part of a series of meetings and media interviews related to his department’s plan to implement the recommendations outlined in the Glaze report. While the minister was keen to meet with stakeholders who were lined up in advance through his department, we were disappointed to learn that he was apparently far too busy to make arrangements to the attend the public forum on education Thursday evening at the Holiday Inn. The event — hosted by the Nova Scotia Teachers’ Union and well attended by parents, local politicians and staff from local schools — was an opportunity for Minister Churchill to have a grassroots conversation with community members and answer any questions they might have. Surely with the few days notice that he had, he could have modified his schedule in order to attend.
We would understand if the minister was already booked for a meeting somewhere on the mainland, or even in Port Hawkesbury. However, avoiding a meeting like this when he was quite conveniently already in town is unacceptable and leaves the impression that he is only comfortable discussing the Glaze Report in a prearranged setting where he maintains control.
RANT: For ignoring the press. After a year’s absence it was a treat to see the Coal Bowl high school basketball tournament return to the sporting calendar this month. By most accounts it was another wonderful event, too, which came complete with great crowds and tremendous on-court action. We just have one complaint. It’s one thing to interview members of the home team after a win or in advance of the tournament. That’s easy for all concerned and the Post as always gave this tournament lots of coverage. But it would be nice if a player or two from the home team was made available in a timely manner to talk to the press after a loss. That didn’t happen after the New-Waterfordbased BEC Bears semifinal loss and, due to deadlines, we were only able to interview a member of the winning team from Fort McMurray. Sure it’s tough to lose but that’s part of competitive sports and can be no doubt used as a good life experience for the players involved. Supporters of the home team (and there are lots) might like to hear what players had to say after a loss as well. Maybe next year a more formal media policy can be put in place.
RAVE: For people power. It may not rate up there with health care and education concerns but you have to hand it to those who are opposed to the creation of an RV park and campground on 40 acres of land in Big Pond Centre. In op-eds and letters to the Post, community meetings, council meetings and more the anti-park lobby have articulated their opposition consistently and effectively ¬– citing concerns about noise, crime, safety, water tables, the impact on the Bras d’Or Lake and more. They’ve certainly made it a tough call for a council which, no doubt, would like to support business initiatives whenever and wherever possible. Tuesday’s hearing on the issue in the city hall council chamber should prove very interesting.