Sometimes, you just can’t say it as well as the politicians can say it in their own words.
There again, sometimes, one suspects/ the politicians likely very much regret what they’ve said.
Whatever the case, here are some best (and worst) quotes from our provincial politicians and senior public servants in 2016:
“I try to blend principles and politics. Sometimes principles win.” Jan. 4, former NDP leadership hopeful Ryan Meili who had just tweeted “Very sad to see (NDP leader) @cambroten change his position, ignore @sask_NDP policy on FN (First Nation) revenue sharing."
“If you really don’t like prison food, there’s one way to avoid it: Don’t go to prison.” Jan. 6, Premier Brad Wall facing criticism for privatized delivery of food served in remand centres.
“Ever wonder what the Sask. Party did with our resource wealth? They flew it away.” January NDP pre-election advertisement targeting government money spent to fly in Japanese senseis to teach “lean” techniques in health care.
“The government usually isn’t in the business of buying land.” Feb. 4, Provincial Auditor Judy Ferguson’s initially assessment on the Global Transportation Hub buying 204-acre land for $103,000 an acre.
“The choice is pretty clear this election. Action or talk. Forward or backward.” March 7, Wall on the day he called the election.
“Brad Wall’s mother should have taken an abortion pill.” Deleted Facebook post that forced Weyburn-Big Muddy candidate Mark Jeworski on March 11 to resign – one of four NDP candidates dropped for past social media posts.
“You ripped off nuns and that’s the gospel truth.” March 23, Broten during the provincial leaders’ debate, referring to the GTH land once owned by Our Lady of the Missions.
“No tax increases.” June 1, government highlight of 2016-17 budget that would eventually prove to have a billion-dollar deficit.
“This might seem alarmist or overly dramatic, but it’s not.” June 9th, Wall on the “existential threat” of the federal NDP’s Leap Manifesto that he said was feeding the anti-Keystone XL pipeline.
“The GTH’s unique board governance and the active involvement of the GTH Chair/Minister (Bill Boyd) and multiple government agencies added complexity to buying the East Parcels …The Office found the Government did not take sufficient and timely action to mitigate its, and ultimately the taxpayers’, exposure to paying for increases in land values.” June 30, Ferguson in her report on GTH land deal.
“The Auditor found no wrong-doing.” June 30, Wall, quoting a press release issued by Ferguson that day.
“I have no words to describe how sorry I am to my family, to my colleagues and to all the people of Saskatchewan for my actions. But saying sorry is not enough.” Aug. 6, former deputy premier Don McMorris after being caught driving with a blood alcohol content well over the .08 legal limit.
“I call on Saskatchewan people to rise above intolerance, to be our best and to be the kind of neighbours and fellow citizens we are reputed to be.” Aug.14, a Wall Facebook post in the wake of racially charged hate posts following shooting death of 22-year-old Colten Boushie of the Red Pheasant First Nation.
“To start moving the province back to balance, significant restraint measures are needed.” Nov. 22, Finance Minister Kevin Doherty in the mid-year update of his 2016-17 budget.
“The audit did not conclusively state there was no evidence of fraud, conflict of interest or wrong-doing with respect to these GTH transactions.” Nov. 28, Ferguson, before a legislative committee clarifying what her she trying to in say in her GTH report and press release.
“How is it going to change behaviour? This is not the best way to fight climate change.” Dec. 7, Wall signalling he would not sign on to the federal carbon pricing agreement.
Murray Mandryk has been covering provincial politics for over 22 years.
