A cruel question, aimed at scoring political points

It is often said that politics is a contact sport; that it’s a mean-spirited business that rewards partisanship over compassion. Good judgment and common sense is too often sacrificed in order to score political points at the expense of an opponent. In such an environment, it is far too easy for ambitious politicians to go too far, to cross a line of decency.

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After your 4 weeks access is complete your rate will increase by $4.99 a X percent off the regular rate. It is often said that politics is a contact sport; that it’s a mean-spirited business that rewards partisanship over compassion.

Good judgment and common sense is too often sacrificed in order to score political points at the expense of an opponent. In such an environment, it is far too easy for ambitious politicians to go too far, to cross a line of decency. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? Opinion It is often said that politics is a contact sport; that it’s a mean-spirited business that rewards partisanship over compassion.

Good judgment and common sense is too often sacrificed in order to score political points at the expense of an opponent. In such an environment, it is far too easy for ambitious politicians to go too far, to cross a line of decency. An example of that form of conduct occurred on Tuesday in the Manitoba legislature, when Progressive Conservative MLA Greg Nesbitt asked why the office of Finance Minister Adrien Sala had spent $10,205 on therapy services provided by a counsellor, suggesting Sala received counselling at taxpayer expense.

“The NDP taxpayer-paid counselling service promised ‘a safe and private way to learn about yourself and how you relate to the world,’” said Nesbitt. “While being an MLA can be stressful,” he added, “why is this finance minister billing taxpayers for his personal journey of self-reflection, awareness and discovery? Why can’t this minister pay for his self?” Nesbitt was way off the mark with his question. It was revealed shortly after that the counselling services were paid for in order to help those who had participated in the search for human remains at the Prairie Green landfill site work through the trauma caused by their involvement that effort.

The contract was funded through Sala’s department, which was responsible for the Manitoba Indigenous Reconciliation Secretariat and funding the search effort. Following question period, Families Minister Nahanni Fontaine told reporters that “I suspect that most Manitobans would agree that the searchers should be able to access mental-health supports, given the gravity of the work that they’re doing.” She added that “It’s really quite deplorable that the PCs would get up in the house in the manner and the way in which they did and call into question our colleague — or any member in the chamber — and question whether or not they were seeking mental-health support.

” We agree with Fontaine. It was both inappropriate and offensive for Nesbitt to attempt to play “gotcha” politics via an unfounded allegation that Sala was receiving counselling at government expense. Even if the finance minister was receiving counselling — which he wasn’t — it was nobody’s business.

And even if the government had been paying for Sala’s counselling — which it wasn’t — the reality is that counselling is covered under the health plan that is available to all MLAs, including Nesbitt. This controversy could have been easily avoided. If Nesbitt had genuine concerns regarding the counselling expense incurred by Sala’s department, he could have simply contacted the minister’s office and asked for an explanation.

Instead, Nesbitt ambushed Sala during question period and, in so doing, only managed to trap himself. Instead of making reasonable inquiries that may have prevented Tuesday’s sad spectacle from occurring, Nesbitt attempted to embarrass Sala by obliquely suggesting the finance minister had or has a mental illness of some sort that required $10,000 worth of counselling. Even worse, Nesbitt implicitly accused Sala of unethical conduct by suggesting that the counselling services were provided to Sala at government expense.

Nesbitt was wrong on both counts, and he should immediately apologize to Sala. That should not be the end of the matter, however. Nesbitt’s questions, which were defended as legitimate by interim PC Leader Wayne Ewasko following question period, send a terrible message to all Manitobans.

His questions suggest that mental illness, and taking steps to address it, are things to be ashamed of — that they can be validly used as weapons to embarrass and diminish others. That’s not merely wrong; it’s cruel. It requires strength and self-awareness to acknowledge your mental health is suffering, and it takes immense courage to ask for help.

If you are struggling, speak to your doctor or a health professional. In the alternative, call Prairie Mountain Health at 1-855-222-6011. Advertisement Advertisement.