I've been warned to watch my back. "You can't keep writing about politics," they say. "People are getting mad, and it won't end well for you." But why? For telling the truth? It’s almost laughable. I was tagged as a concern during my time in politics because I wouldn’t go along to get along. Now, as a columnist for the Winnipeg Sun, Portage Graphic Leader, and Kenora Miner News, I’m facing similar pressures. Some have even suggested that if I write about one party, I should criticize the others equally. Is this really what people want — selective reporting that avoids offending political leaders and their supporters? It’s disheartening to think that’s what is expected.
This past weekend, I wrote a piece about politicians taking money from special interest groups and questioning why some cultural and religious groups receive substantial funding while others are left out. It wasn’t a one-sided critique; I called out both the PC party and the NDP. Yet, I was told it made people mad. It’s as if the expectation is to tread lightly and be more cautious about who or what I talk about. But I’m not trying to make friends or be the guest of honour at their parties. My responsibility is to the readers of our newspapers, to inform them without bias, without spin, and without picking sides. And our job is to hold people in power accountable no matter their political stripes.
Winnipeg already has two major media outlets that clearly pick sides. That’s not our approach, and it never will be. The state of politics today is so juvenile, like a never-ending game of cat and mouse. I was genuinely proud when I was elected as an MLA. Losing my mother to domestic violence shaped my dream to push for stronger penalties against spousal abuse and support services for victims. But once inside the legislature, I quickly learned that it was all about fitting in, knowing your place, and biding your time. “Go along to get along,” they’d say, just like during my time at City Hall.
I remember vividly my first budget meeting as a city councillor. It was a major responsibility, my first time overseeing such a large budget. I asked for more details and requested information relentlessly — I don’t apologize for that. I wanted to be well informed. Then, one of my colleagues walked into my office and told me point blank: “If you just sit back for a couple of years and don’t make waves, you’ll get your turn, and your ward will get something from the budget.” That’s how it works, they told me. But that’s not why I was elected. I wasn’t elected to be a spectator, to play political games, or to go along quietly while waiting for some future reward.
To my former colleagues in politics, let me be clear: I’m not working against you; I’m working for the people who support our newspapers. I made a promise to deliver well-balanced news and honest opinions. If you’re upset by my column on funding for activists or our first political podcast with Royce Koop, let me remind you that I don’t work for your political aspirations. I work for the people who subscribe to our paper, both online and in print. They deserve truthful, unbiased reporting. They deserve more than what they’re getting from politicians who prioritize personal gain over public service.
This city is small, folks. Rumors and gossip spread like wildfire. "Gossip is the devil’s radio," as they say. But respect isn’t given just because you hold a title; it’s earned through your actions. Perhaps instead of getting upset about the reporting, it’s time to look in the mirror. We aren’t the ones who tried to slide a questionable "car rental expense" into a campaign budget. We didn’t post a letter supporting a student accused of anti-Semitism. And it certainly wasn’t us who had campaign staff orchestrating events for new party leadership. We’re just doing our job: reporting the news for the people who trust us to keep them informed.
I’m not here to curry favour with political elites. I’m here to deliver the news without playing favourites. It’s sad that some feel threatened by that. The truth isn’t always comfortable, and it’s certainly not convenient for those who have things to hide. But that’s the job I signed up for. I don’t owe anyone the courtesy of selective reporting, and I won’t start now.
So, if you’re mad, that’s okay. If you feel like circling the wagons against me, go right ahead. I’ve faced tougher fights before. I survived a toxic political environment, one filled with cliques and personal agendas that had nothing to do with serving the public. I’m done with that, but I’m not done speaking the truth. I’m not backing down because a few people don’t like what I have to say. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. When I see this kind of reaction, it tells me I’m on the right track.
We can and must do better. Politicians shouldn’t be more worried about who gets criticized than about the real issues facing our communities. We need honesty in our discourse, not manufactured outrage over straightforward reporting. We need transparency, not cover-ups and backroom deals.
If you have something to say, come out and say it. I’m not afraid of criticism. What I won’t tolerate is being told to keep quiet for the sake of someone's political comfort. I’m here for the readers, for the people who want the real story, not a filtered version designed to placate the powerful. That’s the commitment I made when I took on this role, and it’s one I intend to keep.
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