Like the Grinch, my heart also grows three sizes at Christmas … a condition I probably should have a doctor look at after the holiday season.
This is the one and only column I do each year where, in the spirit of Christmas, I make a point of trying to say only positive things about Saskatchewan politics I have covered in the last year.
So let us begin.
To Premier Scott Moe, a big thanks for not only taking on what may be the toughest job in province but also for fighting against the carbon tax and fighting to build pipelines.
No matter what your politics might be or how you might feel about the need to address greenhouse gas emissions, let us respect that Moe’s opposition to the carbon tax is based on his sincere belief that it will be economic harmful with no benefit.
In this regard, let’s hope Environment Minister Dustin Duncan finds something under this tree for at least attempting to provide an alternative in his Prairie Resilience plan billed as a made-in-Saskatchewan response.
And before we wander too far away, a special thanks to Alanna Koch, Ken Cheveldayoff, Gord Wyant, Tina Beaudry-Mellor and Rob Clarke for putting forward their names, time, money and especially their ideas in their bid to become Sask. Party leader.
We will all be better off for the sharing of these ideas — some of which have had a positive impact on Saskatchewan Party government policy in the past year.
Cheveldayoff, Wyant and Beadry-Mellor have gone on to serve us well in cabinet this past year and helped deliver restored education funding and programs to help women.
Lest we miss this one last opportunity, how about one last thanks to former premier Brad Wall who bowed out in February. The province is a different place because of him.
Across the aisle of the Saskatchewan legislature, the NDP leadership race saw Ryan Meili defeat Trent Wotherspoon.
A thanks to both of them for putting up their names and to Meili for also taking on one of the most formidable but important jobs in Saskatchewan politics.
We are all better off when we have strong Opposition.
Back to the government side, a Merry Christmas to long-time stalwarts like Finance Minister Donna Harpauer (whose March budget stopped the bleeding while putting the government a balance budget course) and to Justice Minister Don Morgan (whose additional portfolios like the Global Transportation Hub put him in the line of fire almost daily).
Also, Morgan’s new trespassing law and interaction with First Nations people — especially in the take of Gerald Stanley verdict — were certainly noteworthy.
Sometimes we forget that the toughest job in politics is simply enduring the never-ending barrage of criticism.
Let us hope that current Highways Minister Lori Carr and pass minister and current Agriculture Minister Dave Marit find something under their trees for all they have endured defending the $1.9-billion Regina by-pass.
Government Relations Minister Warren Kaeding deserves something for his stellar handling difficult municipal files including the problems in the RM of McKillop.
Health Minister Jim Reiter — who might very well be premier today under other circumstances — deserves something for his tough year.
Also meritorious is SGI Minister Joe Hargrave, who has dealt with the aftermath of STC’s closure and needed changes to trucking licensing and highways safety.
Thanks to Lyle Stewart and Herb Cox who bowed out of cabinet for health reasons.
And a special thanks to all that had to deal with the tragedy of the Humboldt Broncos crash.
Thanks to all in a tough year.
Murray Mandryk has been covering provincial politics for over 22 years.
