Lumps of coals and candy canes
It is time to send a note off to the kindly old gentleman in the red and white suit telling him who, in my mind at least, deserves lumps of coal and who deserves candy canes.
The candidates for coal are too numerous to cover in even a year of columns so I limit the list to my top five.
First is Donald J. Trump whose behaviour as President of the United States of America has set back democracy not just in the United States, but worldwide. His concept of reality is whatever he wants to believe — factual evidence be damned — and his attention span is measured in nanoseconds. He needs to grow up, stop tweeting and take responsibility for more than optimizing his personal wealth.
Second, Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia, has returned his unfortunate country to a state of dictatorship reminiscent of the Stalin era. Moreover he seeks to destabilize democratic governments in the developed world all while amassing vast assets in places where governments like his can’t get them.
Third, a whole scuttle of coal for all the members of the most recent BC Liberal cabinet. They amassed a truly dismal record including (but not limited to) mismanagement of the child welfare ministry, financially gutting ICBC, regularly purveying the fiction that their budgets were balanced when they were not and deliberately torpedoing any rational public transit solution for the Lower Mainland. Their failure to rein in political fundraising was a disgrace. Hopefully they are now learning their lessons while cooling their heels on the opposition benches.
Fourth, Pierre Poilievre, Finance Critic for the federal Conservatives. He who spearheaded disastrous revisions to the electoral system under Mr. Harper now, in opposition, endeavours to gain a partisan advantage by perpetuating a slanderous attack on the current Minister of Finance. He has no concept of civility. He is a discredit to the House of Commons and his party and should be removed as the critic.
Fifth, the members of the legislature of Quebec who voted for prohibiting any person (they meant Muslim women but couldn’t say so) from receiving a public service with her face covered. This initiative was born of political opportunism and the effect was clearly discriminatory. Canada is better than this. The Quebec Superior Court has stayed this unfortunate provision on an interim basis. The candy canes are well deserved. First, our Minister of Foreign Affairs Chrystia Freeland. Her obvious abilities have served Canada well, particularly in dealings with the Trump administration. We are fortunate to have her working for us. Her clear vision, obvious mastery of her portfolio and willingness to stand firm in defending Canada’s interests make her an outstanding candidate for a candy cane.
Second, the duo of Justin Trudeau and Supreme Court nominee Sheilah Martin, to him for having the courage to pick her in spite of all sorts of pressures and to her for her impressive qualifications. Filling the vacancy left by retiring Justice Beverley McLachlin requires someone of truly exceptional qualities and Justice Martin fills the bill.
Third, Travis Greene, coach of the Vancouver Canucks, because under his direction the team has started to win games, something they have conspicuously failed to do in recent times.
Fourth, Jagmeet Singh who, in spite of a name unknown to many Canadians and his repertoire of brightly coloured turbans, got himself elected as the leader of a major national party. He is intelligent, articulate and likely to have a major impact upon the House of Commons once he obtains a seat.
Finally, Bramwell Tovey, the retiring music director of the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra. During his lengthy tenure with this fine orchestra he has hired great musical talent, increased the profile of classical music throughout the province and built an impressive catalog of recordings. Filling his shoes – on the podium and in the hearts of audiences will be difficult.
David Bond is an author and retired bank economist.