At first glance, this description might apply to a great many of Canada’s Native communities but, in fact, the article in question was profiling an outport in Newfoundland. The quarter century moratorium on cod fishing has been the beginning of the end for hundreds of remote bays, inlets, and islands in Newfoundland and Labrador. In response, many moved away – in search of new economic opportunities – and the small populations remaining are simply not sustainable.
A familiar theme was reflected in a news story of recent days. It focused on the challenge facing tiny communities with small populations and inadequate services. Once sustained by a traditional way of life centred on fishing, these communities now find themselves with no school, no medical facilities, little in the way of shopping, and a steadily dwindling population.
At first glance, this description might apply to a great many of Canada’s Native communities but, in fact, the article in question was profiling an outport in Newfoundland. The quarter century moratorium on cod fishing has been the beginning of the end for hundreds of remote bays, inlets, and islands in Newfoundland and Labrador. In response, many moved away – in search of new economic opportunities – and the small populations remaining are simply not sustainable.
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My fading memory suggests that this was the title of a video that I showed my Canadian Government students back in the early 1970s. There was a time, long gone, when politics was considered a noble calling, when those considering career options looked upon it with favour. Sadly, it is now almost universally regarded very negatively. Surveys indicate that the public retains very little trust in its political institutions and politicians and their motives are attacked relentlessly. I was reminded of this sad state of affairs with the recent death, within a couple days of each other, of two federal politicians – their ages separated by almost half a century. When discussing the AMCTO code of conduct as part of my presentation at the Association’s annual conference back in June, I emphasized the vitally important role of staff in “speaking truth to power.” This expression refers to the duty of staff to provide council with information, analysis, and recommendations based on their expertise and not on what council might want to hear. Recent media coverage of how some transit decisions have been made in Toronto, arising in connection with the retirement of the city’s chief planner (Jennifer Keesmaat), offers an insight into how challenging this task can be and into the unfortunate consequences when this process is not followed. |
AuthorC. Richard Tindal, Ph.D is a retired Professor of Government. He taught for 30 years at St. Lawrence College, Kingston and was an occasional Visiting Professor at Queen's University. He has also written and consulted extensively about government. Archives
October 2023
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