GENERATIONAL OPPORTUNITY FOR SOCIAL PROGRESS IN B.C.
We must continue to work together post-pandemic,
One of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's best-known Sherlock Holmes stories involves the famous sleuth solving a mystery by noting the significance of the dog that didn't bark in the night. A dog that doesn't bark, we learn, is sometimes as worthy of attention as one that does.
As with dogs, so it is with humans. Among the most meaningful messages sent by Premier John Horgan following the last provincial election was his lack of triumphalism at winning a majority mandate. Rather he went out of his way to set a conciliatory tone, pledging that he and his government would welcome good ideas advanced by all political parties and interests.
Following the election, there also has been a notable lack of antagonism from the B.C. business community of the kind directed toward previous NDP administrations. On the contrary, a recent public letter from the heads of seven major business organizations spoke of their desire to build upon the “team spirit” that British Columbians have exhibited in response to the pandemic to fashion an economic recovery that addresses issues such as inequality, homelessness, mental health and climate change.
While disrupting people's lives in distressing and damaging ways, COVID-19, it seems, has unexpectedly reshaped B.C.'s political landscape for the better.
It is no secret that polarization and divisiveness have been major obstacles to progress for all interests in this province. Conflicts with labour, environmental and Indigenous groups have inhibited many businesses from gaining the social licence and securing the investments they need to grow and thrive. Conversely, business resistance to the legitimate goals pursued by these groups has deepened political divisions and impeded efforts for their attainment.
Imagine how much more we could achieve if the energies that historically have been directed to fomenting discord were redirected to pursuing collaborative strategies and finding common solutions. Now it appears that conditions are ripe for this possibility to become reality.
Never has the need for collaboration been greater. In addition to devastating many businesses, destroying countless jobs and depleting government resources, COVID-19 has weakened our social fabric and exposed deep inequalities within our province. Responding to these challenges, while addressing other urgent priorities — such as countering climate change, advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and revitalizing rural communities — is a herculean undertaking that will demand the combined resolve and collective energies of all British Columbians.
For this to happen, however, leadership from the province is required. Drawing upon the thinking of a new wave of progressive thinkers such as economist Mariana Mazzucato, the government needs to embrace a vision and strategy that combines a strong commitment to robust and sustainable economic growth with an equally strong commitment to allocating a significant share of the resulting gains to address social needs, achieve climate targets and fulfil obligations to Indigenous peoples.
For too many years British Columbia has been caught in a vicious circle characterized by a zero-sum mentality that assumes the only way for some to win is for others to lose. This, in turn, has deepened divisions and impeded collaborative efforts to grow the economic pie for the benefit of all.
Not only has this approach been counterproductive, but many of the conflicts to which it has given rise are based upon false choices.
Studies show that social inequality is an impediment to economic growth. Programs such as child care are not only good social policy, but also good for the economy. Similarly, there are huge economic gains to be realized by supporting self-sufficiency for Indigenous peoples, enhancing critical infrastructure, strengthening rural communities and promoting a green recovery.
With government leadership, this province has the opportunity to harness the educational and research strengths of our post-secondary institutions, draw upon the entrepreneurial and innovative capacities of our business sector, engage the creativity and talents of our workers, and benefit from the knowledge and commitments of Indigenous peoples, social advocates and environmental groups to develop a robust economy that serves the interests of all.
Fortunately, we have the experience and means to achieve this. B.C. has been a trailblazer in demonstrating the power and potential of collaborative decision-making processes in difficult areas of public policy such as land use planning and electoral reform. Through deliberative engagement, such processes enable diverse players to better understand and accommodate each other's needs in pursuit of common solutions that advance their own interests while fulfilling government's overall objectives.
While such processes require careful design, agencies such as Simon Fraser University's Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue have the knowledge and experience to help develop and deliver models that are likely to succeed.
Finding opportunity in adversity is the essence of great politics. As difficult as these recent months have been, the pandemic has set the stage for an era in which co-operation supplants the division that for too long has held this province back. But it won't happen on its own. The dogs of political polarization might not be barking at present, but they will start again if we let this occasion pass us by.
What is needed now is for the province to seize the moment by initiating a deliberative process that draws upon the current goodwill of business and other interests to develop a shared agenda for economic prosperity and social progress.
The dogs of political polarization might not be barking at present, but they will start again if we let this occasion pass us by.
Andrew Petter is a professor in the School of Public Policy and past president of Simon Fraser University, and is a former NDP cabinet minister in British Columbia.