October 3, 2024 - Today, I celebrate one year as a recovering politician. It’s been exactly one year since Manitobans cast their votes in the provincial election on October 3, 2023. A year since politicians made their usual promises, hope was rekindled, and people believed things might finally improve. But as I reflect on my time in politics, including City Hall and my brief nine-month stint in the Manitoba Legislature, I can’t help but feel like I should hold a celebration for having endured the nasty, unforgiving world of politics. A world where personal attacks, false allegations, toxic rivalries, and hollow gestures overshadow any real effort to serve the public.
This isn’t meant to be a bitter reflection; in fact, I’m grateful to the people of Charleswood-Tuxedo-Westwood for electing me as their City Councillor and to the residents of Kirkfield Park, who chose me in a by-election to represent them. It was an honour to serve. I worked hard to bring change, challenge the status quo, and hold those in power accountable. Serving my community has always been a privilege. But, as much as I tried to make a difference, it’s become painfully clear that politics isn’t designed for real progress—it’s a system built on ego, entitlement, and entrenchment.
Why is politics failing to live up to its purpose? Maybe it’s because for many, it’s not a public service, but a career. Egos get fed, and there’s no real accountability—after all, you’re only reviewed once every four years. Politicians enjoy free lunches, accept donations to secure their re-election, and travel on the taxpayer’s dime. They don’t even work full-time. For most city councillors and MLAs, it’s the highest-paying job they’ll ever have, and that leads to one result: politics becomes inherently dysfunctional.
Take the Legislature, for example. It didn’t take long to realize that the place operates more like a dysfunctional schoolyard than a governing body meant to serve the people. It was like grade school all over again—cliques within cliques, alliances based on power, and popularity contests. Even within our own party, it was more about protecting turf than getting anything done. You had to “go along to get along,” and any deviation from the party line made you a target. Genuine problem-solvers were left in the dust. We clapped when we were told to clap, cheered on the political attacks, and focused on the personal failings of opponents while the pressing issues—crime, health care, and poverty—were largely ignored.
I entered politics because I wanted to make a difference. With my modest upbringing and personal experiences, I believed I could contribute to meaningful change. I grew up in apartments where rent was barely affordable, wore hand-me-downs, and even spent time in a Salvation Army shelter. After my mother was murdered, I was left to rebuild my life from nothing. I thought that experience would help me serve others, especially those on the margins of society. I wanted to prevent others from falling through the cracks.
But the political system has little to do with helping people. Instead, it’s focused on personal interests, serving select groups who can help win elections or boost a politician’s social media following. It’s always about the next election—staying in power at any cost. When I refused to “go along to get along,” when I stood up for what I believed was right, I was quickly branded as negative. Apparently, standing up for common sense is a threat in the world of politics.
One scandal that continues to haunt me is “Sio Silica Gate.” I remain shocked that nothing has come of the improprieties surrounding this issue. Those involved are still active in the Legislature. Where is the accountability? Has Premier Wab Kinew and his NDP government followed through on their promises to investigate this breach of trust? Or are they hoping that public attention has moved on, perhaps even negotiating behind the scenes with Sio Silica to quietly proceed with drilling?
The NDP swept into office with promises of change, but what exactly has changed? Is the healthcare system better? Are there fewer repeat offenders being released after committing crimes? Does every Manitoban now have a family doctor? Have the 90 new paramedics we were promised arrived on the job? The answer is no.
Not much has improved. The bail system remains broken, crime continues to escalate, and healthcare is still in crisis. Families are waiting for doctors, and paramedics are still stretched thin. One year on, and it’s hard not to feel disillusioned, but it should not surprize you, it’s expected.
But this isn’t just about provincial politics. City Hall has its own share of dysfunction. As a former city councillor, I saw firsthand the roadblocks thrown up when you weren’t part of the mayor’s “cheer squad.” Public servants—who are supposed to be accountable to the citizens—would withhold information if you weren’t toeing the line. It became almost impossible to serve residents effectively or to find the truth.
So, has anything changed at City Hall since Mayor Gillingham took office nearly two years ago? Has violent crime decreased? Has homelessness been eradicated? Has the widening of Kenaston Boulevard even started? The answer is no. Yet, we’re paying more—7% more in property taxes over the last two years, with another jump, which will take us to 10.5% next year. Services, frontage fees, and parking costs have all gone up. But have we seen any improvements for those extra dollars? It seems the only ones benefiting are the councillors themselves, who’ve enjoyed two raises with a third coming shortly and an almost doubled expense allowance in just two years.
This isn’t about pointing fingers. It’s about facing reality. What has changed for the average Manitoban in the past year? For those who hoped for a fresh start, this year has been a stark reminder of how entrenched these problems are.
Like much of the world, Manitoba is facing economic uncertainty, rising crime, and a crumbling healthcare system. Yet, our political leaders seem more focused on preserving their power and pensions than addressing the real issues affecting our communities.
It would be better to elect officials who prioritize our needs and accountability in the public service, control government spending and overreach, and put the interests of all citizens first—not just those of select groups or political insiders. We need leadership that takes the job seriously, making government more transparent and focused on real solutions.
As they say, don’t hate the player; hate the game. So maybe we should change the game and introduce term limits to put an end to career politicians. There’s a famous saying: “doing the same thing and expecting a different result is insanity.” The same applies to politics—continuously electing the same people and expecting them to improve how they run our communities is a recipe for stagnation.
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