Bruce Strachan
Right Side Up
In a little over five weeks, Gordon Campbell will resign as leader of the provincial Liberal Party and as premier of British Columbia. And from many quarters one can already hear the cheering.
However, summing up his 17-year career as a legislator, it's fair to say he's had a good run. Indeed, looking at B.C. political history, he's had a better run than most.
He's been controversial and he's been maligned, but it's fair to say history will treat him kindly.
He's never been a popular politician, but he's been successful. (Offering up complimentary words for Gordon Campbell comes as a mixed bag, it reminds me of the old line that says English cooking is not really as bad as it tastes.)
Like most politicians, Gordon Campbell could loom larger than life. But like everyone else, he revealed his fragile side. In an interesting take on the character of forgiveness, his popularity ratings were never higher than following his conviction for impaired driving while on a Hawaiian vacation. He showed the public he was fallible, imperfect and subject to breakdown. At that most embarrassing time in his political life he became one of us.
From a political perspective, Campbell showed a tendency to insecurity. This was never more evident than in his compelling need to be front and centre at all times. No matter the issue, or the ministry, if it was good news, Campbell had to be in the spotlight.
Leadership candidate and long-serving MLA Mike de Jong referred to this in a recent visit to Prince George. Speaking about cabinet strength and trust, de Jong said, "If elected premier, I'd be happy to defer and say 'Ask the minister' when a question came my way."
A clever and pointed reference by de Jong about Campbell's annoying manner of hogging the stage on every issue and at any occasion.
In spite of his obvious need to be all things to all people at all times, Gordon Campbell was a poor communicator. He had difficulty reaching out and seeking opinion, particularly if he thought the reaction to his ideas would be negative.
Instead, when Gordon Campbell was convinced he was right, that opinion prevailed. In the popular political vernacular, it was his way or the highway. In two of his significant decisions, the BC Rail lease and the introduction of a harmonized sales tax, history will show his policies were correct. Good management calls, but terrible policy development and presentation.
Without the BC Rail lease to CN, Prince George would not have the benefit of the Northern Development Initiative Trust Fund.
This fund began with $185 million from the lease proceeds and has provided $98 million in northern project funding. To date, NDIT funds along with interest income and leveraging factors have provided $952 million in northern development initiatives. An exceptional return from the lease proceeds of a heavily indebted rail line.
The same can be said for the introduction of the HST. No one likes a consumption tax, but it's the best way to drive the economy.
The much-hated GST drove Brian Mulroney's Progressive Conservatives from office 17 years ago. But no succeeding government has changed the policy and most economists will agree the GST, along with income-tax cuts, has given Canada its international position as a powerhouse in the global economy.
Perhaps a more communicative Gordon Campbell might have sought some advice on how to introduce a consumption tax change in B.C.
But, he didn't and his inability to take the HST debate and a convincing explanation for the tax to the electorate was his downfall.
He was strident and focused. He was also aloof and hard to get to know. He was considered by many as Canada's best premier, yet he continually trailed his own party in popularity. He constantly sought attention, yet the polls showed he was easy to dislike.
Soon, Gordon Campbell will be gone; and as an old - and unnamed - political friend of mine used to say, "He'll be just another moth hole in the fabric of government."
As he leaves, many will say he was our worst premier, others will say he was one of our best. History will decide the final outcome, but I'll begrudgingly throw my hat in with the latter.
B.C. does, and for years to come will, owe a debt of gratitude to Gordon Campbell.
