Watching the BC election was painful.
As results flowed in, I witnessed a battering that was at once well-deserved but simultaneously broke my heart. While I am no longer a member of the BC New Democrat Party, I am still committed to the values that the party once represented for me.
I believe in using policy to help those who are least fortunate in our communities. I believe that it is the responsibility of government to help level the playing field so that everyone has a chance to thrive. I also believe that it is the role of any government to provide direction and accountability to protect our environment, ensure our food, land, and water are safe and healthy for us and for generations to come, and that we strengthen our economy so everyone can benefit.
Governing is not an easy task, and going from His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition to Government is a dramatic shift in role and responsibility. Having gone through this transition in 2017, I thought I would offer some unsolicited advice to our premier-elect, Lorne Doerkson.
Dear Premier-elect (Lorne),
Congratulations on your successful campaign. You were able to bring a somewhat rag tag group together in record time and launch a winning campaign that captured 64 seats. That was a pretty impressive feat given the nature of the snap election.
I hope you don’t mind me offering you some unsolicited advice, I know a thing or two about being in government, and while I am not a conservative, I know a bit about what you and your cabinet will be facing in the coming months and years and what British Columbians expect (and need) from their government. While this is not a comprehensive list, I do hope it will help guide you, your cabinet, and your caucus as you navigate the rough waters ahead:
Relish these first few heady weeks of being in government. You have a significant agenda ahead of you. Encourage everyone to take a minute and appreciate the moment. Premier John Horgan talked about this moment with us in 2017 and pointed to the empty, figurative backpack we all now had on our backs and that with time in government the backpack will start accumulating rocks, making it heavier and heavier over time. Enjoy the empty backpack, it can fill up more quickly than you expect.
While new MLAs are getting familiar with the logistics, getting their new electronics, hiring office staff and trying not to get lost in the Legislative buildings, be sure to use returning MLAs to help orient the newbies. I am sure you remember what it was like in new surroundings, with a new role and new responsibilities when you were first elected. It was hard enough to arrive in this new place while in opposition as both you and I did, but it is something else when you arrive in government.
Establish expectations of your caucus early and remind folks what is at stake. You have already reminded them that they are working on behalf of ALL British Columbians - all genders, ages, ethnicities, religions, regions, and cultures. You will need to keep reminding them of this, it’s easy to get pulled into echo chambers.
Make sure you talk and listen to people you normally don’t talk to in this new role. If you sincerely believe that you and your colleagues are now poised to serve ALL British Columbians, then you need to make sure that those with whom you have little existing relationship get access to you and your ministers. Listen to what they have to say and incorporate their concerns into your thinking and problem solving.
Encourage your MLAs to find a group or two of diverse people who can keep reminding them of what is important to British Columbians. I would regularly ask my husband to fill me in on the chatter of the hockey crew he played with weekly through the winter months.
During the spring and summer months, I would take the occasional Saturday morning to knock on a few doors to get a flavour of what was top of mind for those I represented in Coquitlam-Maillardville. It was a useful way to see how we were doing as a government, and how I was doing as their representative in Victoria.
As Premier, be sure to surround yourself with a diverse group of people with whom you can debate ideas and solutions. “Yes” people are not going to help you get to the best solutions. These sycophants are typically interested in their own political futures — not necessarily focusing on the needs of British Columbians.
Be humble. Christy Clark needed a written reminder back in 2017 when she was in the chamber. I don’t think you are likely to need a reminder, but once in government, it’s easy to see how humility can be lost. I don’t believe anyone is expecting you to have all the answers, but they do need someone at the helm who understands people and is willing to acknowledge when he makes a mistake. John Horgan showed us how to do it when he backed away from the Royal BC Museum rebuild.
Be kind to the public service, especially those who keep the place running and get the policy work done. Encourage your cabinet ministers to visit their ministry offices as you task these people with the hard work of putting policies together that meet the needs of British Columbians.
Be respectful of the Press Gallery and the media. These folks work hard to bring the activities of the Legislature to the public. They interpret decisions and activities of a place that is unfamiliar to most British Columbians and make the inner workings of government a bit more user friendly. Make yourself available and open to answering questions, even the ones you don’t want to answer. The people of British Columbia deserve to hear your answers to their questions
Make sure you take care of your health and well being. The work of government is relentless. There are always meetings, phone calls, emails and Question Period prep. Try to get out of the Legislature at least once a day for a walk to clear your head, get some fresh air and a bit of exercise. Have your staff put it in your calendar, otherwise your staff will fill your days with all the things you have to do
And finally, remember why you put your name forward for election: to serve.
Need more advice?
You know where to find me.
Wishing you the best of luck … and make good decisions.
Sincerely,
Selina
Selina Robinson MA was a family therapist for over 25 years before entering politics in 2008, first as a city councillor, then as an MLA. She held several cabinet portfolios in the BC government, including municipal affairs & housing, post-secondary education, and finance. Amid rising antisemitism following the October 7 terrorist attacks, Robinson, a Jew, found herself targeted by anti-Israel activists and was fired from cabinet by Premier Eby. She wrote about her experience as a progressive Jew in government in her memoir, Truth Be Told.
