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The biggest dog always barks loudest
Chris Clegg
South Peace News
The M.D. of Big Lakes council has every reason to be extremely frustrated and angry at the Alberta government’s decision to rescind its promise for up to $1.7 million in transition grant funding if the Village of Kinuso dissolves.
But is their plan of action the right course of action?
A few months ago, the Village of Kinuso requested the government complete a dissolution study. They agreed. Enter the M.D. of Big Lakes, who is involved because if Kinuso dissolves, the M.D. assumes management.
The M.D. took the stand if the village dissolves, they would agree to assume control, not that they have much say. In this case, if the Alberta government decides Kinuso is done, the M.D. assumes control.
Part of the M.D.’s decision was based on the promise of up to $1.7 million in transitional funding. That’s not chicken feed while the M.D. assumes the pain in administering another chunk of land and residents.
Imagine how the M.D. felt when – after going through the entire study – they are told only five days before the May 26 vote the money is gone. Kaput!
“Every time we come to a council meeting the government drops on us,” said Joussard Councilor Guy L’Heureux. “It’s time we started rebutting them. Look at our beef industry, look at our hospital. They wonder why we get pissed off.”
Council is writing the government asking the grant be re-instated.
It’s interesting to note how little power local government has at times in deciding matters so important and so vital to our well-being. In this case, Minister of Municipal Affairs Ray Danyluk has the final say.
Actually, he has the only say. Despite the fact over 80 per cent of Kinuso residents voted in favour of dissolution, if Danyluk decides, he can ignore the vote.
This is democracy?
Then, in the middle of the game, the government decides the $1.7 million isn’t “there’ any more.
This is fair?
Reeve Alvin Billings was shocked at the decision saying council was assured the program and money was in place.
“We went into (the study) knowing that,” he said.
In other words, the M.D. went into the study with the most honourable of intentions. The government laid down the rules at the start of the game, the M.D. followed.
It is grossly unfair to change the rules at any time of the game, let alone five days before after months of work. It speaks of a government which is becoming out of touch with its voters and losing all sense of fair play.
Frankly, this is about fair play. Why have the gall to change the rules knowing how important the transitional money is to the M.D. as it prepares to possibly assume control of Kinuso’s affairs?
As blunt as M.D. CAO Jeff Renaud was at council’s meeting, he was correct.
“We’re not in a position to make a lot of ultimatums,” he said.
No, the M.D. is not. Threats to not assume responsibility for them as L’Heureux suggests is simply not an option. The government can and will shove this down the M.D.’s throat whether they like it or not.
So, what can the M.D. do? The stance is the same as the one I’ve taken with the hospital and its current committee being formed to “restudy” the project.
“Just keep your promise. Please, just keep your promise.”
And hope the sense of fair play and responsibility eventually kicks in.
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