B.C.'s Dr. Bonnie Henry was rightfully recognized by no less than the New York Times for her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in our province. The article pointed out her tireless, steadfast, low-key efforts to convince people to recognize what individuals can do to reduce the threat and then for the most part to do it. They lauded her soft approach of wanting to convince people to do the right thing rather than a heavy- handed approach of forcing people to comply. Our low numbers and the steady reduction in those numbers shows her approach has worked.
One thing the article did not point out was the fact that our B.C. government has stood back and let her make what are some very difficult calls. She has been the primary spokesperson for what should be done and her decision making has been based on solid numbers and science. The NY Times article let us know she has the qualifications and experience to do just that. Meanwhile Horgan and his government have not used her good efforts to their political benefit.
Our federal government meanwhile has done a pretty good job but I object to Trudeau's almost daily waving of the Liberal flag while pointing out what their government has been doing. Certainly we want to be informed but his morning press conference have become more an opportunity to convince folks he is doing a good job rather than keeping us informed.
Meanwhile south of our border the pandemic has become a political football highlighted by Trump's finger pointing and spouting total untruths in his efforts to get reelected. No science or solid numbers there. Just blatant opportunism.
We are very fortunate to live where we live at this dangerous time. Certainly there will be criticism. But all I know is I wouldn't have wanted to have had to make the decisions that have been made attempting to find some kind of a balance between totally destroying our economy and having massive numbers of people die and our health care system collapse.
A big thank you to all those who have got us to where we are including Dr. Bonnie Henry, the government she works for and the many, many people who have been keeping our province going through all of this.
John Warner
Prince George
