Murray Mandryk: Nothing honourable in Wilson’s actions

By Murray Mandryk

One could forgive — or perhaps at least understand — a politician making a decision of conscience.

If sincere, it’s might even be something we should honour in a world where far too many decisions are based on what’s popular and will get you re-elected.

But the problem with recent events surrounding Saskatchewan Rivers MLA Nadine Wilson —now sitting as independent MLA after being removed from the Saskatchewan Party caucus for “misrepresenting her vaccine status” — is nothing seems particularly honourable or even all that honest.

Let us begin with the misrepresentation — not exactly helpful in a profession where most people feel there’s always a little too much “misrepresentation” going on.

Exactly how the current Saskatchewan Rivers MLA “misrepresented” herself on her COVID-19 shots remains unclear, but it is clear she was sitting in the assembly last spring masked and wearing a “I stuck it to COVID” sticker, suggesting she had both of her shots.

This is a big issue. If she opposed vaccinations, she should have simply said so.

Getting both shots is something that government can’t force you to do, but it’s something government has encouraged all of us to do for some very good reasons.

Since the beginning of September, Saskatchewan has see 14,964 more cases and 123 more deaths in what’s been slightly more than a month-long period.

Even though roughly 70 per cent of those eligible are vaccinated, these are the worst COVID-19 numbers since Saskatchewan’s first case in March 2020.

The vast majority of those catching COVID-19 are unvaccinated, including children under 12 years old ineligible for vaccines.

Really the courageous, independent and right stance for a government MLA to take right now would more likely seem to be protesting or resigning from caucus because this Sask. Party government hasn’t done enough to curb the aforementioned rising COVID-19 numbers. Or at least, that’s what the vast majority of people in most Saskatchewan ridings now seem to be saying.

A recent Leger opinion poll taken from Sept. 24 to 26 suggests 74 per cent are dissatisfaction with Premier Scott Moe’s handling of COVID-19 compared with 24 per cent who said they were satisfied.

This would suggest seem Wilson and all her former Sask. Party caucus mates would be getting most of the heat from voters wanting government to do more in the COVID-19 fight — not necessarily the admittedly vocal anti-mask, anti-vaccine minority.

It is now actually a requirement for everyone who works at the legislature (including reporters) to show proof of vaccination or proof that you have been tested in the past 72 hours.

If this was a personal issue or problem for Wilson, it is clearly something she should have long ago mentioned to the caucus, the Premier and — most critically — the people that elected.

But we heard nothing from Wilson until after the caucus announcement when she issued the following e-mail:

“I can no longer support the direction of the Saskatchewan Party government or follow the government with true conviction regarding the current health situation. The desire for a just and fair democratic province has helped shaped my decision to leave and sit as an independent member.”

Just and fair democratic province? So shouldn’t she then honourably resign her seat and let voters decide?

Her decision to leave and sit as an independent? It was actually government caucus that first issued a news release saying she had “misrepresented her status” and was no longer a caucus member.

Her questionable explanations don’t stop there.

For example, she told a radio host she wore the sticker because MLAs are always being asked to wear stickers and ribbons to which seemingly doesn’t pay much attention.

That would seem to suggest she is being either unprincipled or something less than forthright … words that now sadly sum up the circumstance of her departure from the Sask. Party caucus.