There seems to be a bit of a difference of opinion around the BC Liberal cabinet table in the wake of the reaction to the death of Robert Dziekanski. The differences could make for a serious shifting of the internal Liberal sands around the Cabinet table, a shift which could see some shifting of responsibilities to come soon.
Last week Solicitor General and Minister for Public Safety John Les, came out adamant that a public inquiry was not required in the tragic tasering of the Polish immigrant at Vancouver airport. While Les was closing the door on a full blown public investigation, it seems that a few of his fellow cabinet ministers and the Premier himself were reaching out to a public clearly upset about what they had seen. No doubt mindful of the brush fire of public reaction that had erupted after the video began to make the Internet rounds. The more astute of the Liberal politicians began to stir, anxious to not let events get too far ahead of them.
The Premier apologized on behalf of the province and said he hoped to soon speak with Mr. Dziekanski's mother, going on to express the opinion that a full account of the events needed to be made.
Wally Oppal the Attorney General of the Province was perhaps the most outraged at the way the events had been handled. Proclaiming not once, but twice, that the province had been waiting for some information from the RCMP out of Ottawa, The Border Services Agency or the YVR administration and none had come, a silence that has not gone un-noticed by the Attorney General.
Former Justice Oppal for his part is quite familiar with the ways of the province’s police force, having conducted an extensive report on the behavior of the Mounties back in the 1990’s. Known as the Commission of Inquiry into Policing in British Columbia (June 1992), he wasn’t overly impressed with the chain of command and lack of accountability then and most certainly must be having a sense of déjà vu today.
Vaughn Palmer of the Vancouver Sun has nicely tracked the latest developments out of Victoria, a fast and furious bit of damage control, as the runaway train of public opinion gathers steam.
Les’ mishandling of this file could very well put his hold on his portfolio in danger. Clearly behind the curve as far as public opinion goes, he now has scrambled back to the centre of the debate blaming a badly framed question (in his opinion) by reporters, for all the misinformation. It’s a rather thin defence and one which is about as helpful to his case as the initial lack of interest or concern. Combine that miscue with the increasing wariness over policing in the province and he might be feeling a little nervous about his longevity in the post.
Last week Solicitor General and Minister for Public Safety John Les, came out adamant that a public inquiry was not required in the tragic tasering of the Polish immigrant at Vancouver airport. While Les was closing the door on a full blown public investigation, it seems that a few of his fellow cabinet ministers and the Premier himself were reaching out to a public clearly upset about what they had seen. No doubt mindful of the brush fire of public reaction that had erupted after the video began to make the Internet rounds. The more astute of the Liberal politicians began to stir, anxious to not let events get too far ahead of them.
The Premier apologized on behalf of the province and said he hoped to soon speak with Mr. Dziekanski's mother, going on to express the opinion that a full account of the events needed to be made.
Wally Oppal the Attorney General of the Province was perhaps the most outraged at the way the events had been handled. Proclaiming not once, but twice, that the province had been waiting for some information from the RCMP out of Ottawa, The Border Services Agency or the YVR administration and none had come, a silence that has not gone un-noticed by the Attorney General.
Former Justice Oppal for his part is quite familiar with the ways of the province’s police force, having conducted an extensive report on the behavior of the Mounties back in the 1990’s. Known as the Commission of Inquiry into Policing in British Columbia (June 1992), he wasn’t overly impressed with the chain of command and lack of accountability then and most certainly must be having a sense of déjà vu today.
Vaughn Palmer of the Vancouver Sun has nicely tracked the latest developments out of Victoria, a fast and furious bit of damage control, as the runaway train of public opinion gathers steam.
Les’ mishandling of this file could very well put his hold on his portfolio in danger. Clearly behind the curve as far as public opinion goes, he now has scrambled back to the centre of the debate blaming a badly framed question (in his opinion) by reporters, for all the misinformation. It’s a rather thin defence and one which is about as helpful to his case as the initial lack of interest or concern. Combine that miscue with the increasing wariness over policing in the province and he might be feeling a little nervous about his longevity in the post.
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If there’s a cabinet shuffle in the offing soon, his is one name to keep an eye on for the transfer sheet, out of step with his own Premier, and one of the most respected legal officials in the province is not the best way to stay on the first team.
He may not be alone however, on the outer fringes of power. Over in the Harper corral down Ottawa way, Stockwell Day did not particularly showcase his political savvy on this file either. Known for his peek a boo public appearances of late in order to show we are safe , he’s been more of a participant in the witness protection program of late as the public outrage grew over the tasering incident. Surfacing only on occasion and seemingly causing more trouble than he’s solving.
His confusing comments over the last few days, there won't be an inquiry, there will be an inquiry, were somehow meshed as bookends to a spiel about the tragic death and the carnage of drunk driving on the roads.
He may not be alone however, on the outer fringes of power. Over in the Harper corral down Ottawa way, Stockwell Day did not particularly showcase his political savvy on this file either. Known for his peek a boo public appearances of late in order to show we are safe , he’s been more of a participant in the witness protection program of late as the public outrage grew over the tasering incident. Surfacing only on occasion and seemingly causing more trouble than he’s solving.
His confusing comments over the last few days, there won't be an inquiry, there will be an inquiry, were somehow meshed as bookends to a spiel about the tragic death and the carnage of drunk driving on the roads.
All of which have only confirmed for many, that perhaps ole Stock is a tad over his head in his current portfolio. And providing some spirit to the thought that maybe Stephen Harper may wish to re-assign him before any further damage comes to the Public Security office.
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Both of our top law officials here; provincial and federal, have appeared to be totally out of touch with a fast gestating situation, providing neither leadership nor confidence.
In politics finding yourself on the wrong side of the public on an issue can sometimes build your credibility as someone who is willing to stand for his or her convictions, but when you’re so far down the wrong side that you become a political liability, it isn't too long before they come to measure the drapes for the next occupant of the office.
Right now they’re probably looking over material in both Victoria and Ottawa, where two offices are probably going to get a make over and hopefully sooner, rather than later.
In politics finding yourself on the wrong side of the public on an issue can sometimes build your credibility as someone who is willing to stand for his or her convictions, but when you’re so far down the wrong side that you become a political liability, it isn't too long before they come to measure the drapes for the next occupant of the office.
Right now they’re probably looking over material in both Victoria and Ottawa, where two offices are probably going to get a make over and hopefully sooner, rather than later.
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