Don McMorris is not the first politician to be charged with drunk driving and he will not be the last. His case may hold the dubious distinction of being the most ironic, however.
As minister responsible for SGI, the provincial insurer, and the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA) and a former minister of health, he was, arguably, the last member of the government one would expect to receive an impaired charge.
The fact that, in his cabinet capacity, he personally launched a provincial awareness campaign against drunk driving just three months ago makes it especially difficult to fathom what he was thinking when he got behind the wheel Friday morning.
It is embarrassing and therein lies a clue to the unacceptable behaviour. As is so frequently the case, people are not thinking rationally when they make this horrendous decision. That is one of the things alcohol does to your brain at high levels of consumption.
There are still some disturbing elements to this case. Why was he drunk at 11:30 a.m.? Why was he driving a government vehicle home from the lake? What was his blood alcohol content at the time?
The police are not releasing details, but there are some telltale signs of an addiction problem here. We do not begrudge the MLA for Indian Head-Milestone his alcoholism if he does indeed have a problem. Addiction disorders do not discriminate and are mostly forgivable given time and corrective action.
As far as that goes, the first step on the road to political redemption is a proper apology.
And that is where we currently stand.
There are a number of elements that go into a proper apology. According to a team of researchers at Ohio State University, there are six parts to an effective apology:
1. Expression of regret
2. Explanation of what went wrong
3. Acknowledgement of responsibility
4. Declaration of repentance
5. Offer of repair
6. Request for forgiveness
Looking at McMorris’s statement, he pretty much nailed it.
“Yesterday, I was charged with impaired driving (explanation of what went wrong). 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 (expression of regret).
“But saying sorry is not enough. I have spoken with Premier Wall and tendered my resignation from cabinet, which he has accepted. I will also be leaving the government caucus while I deal with the legal aspects of this matter and seek counselling (offer of repair).
“You have heard me say many times that drinking and driving is dangerous and unacceptable and we must do everything we can to stop it. That’s why our government has strengthened laws and penalties and has taken steps to raise awareness of the dangers of drinking and driving. I never should have gotten behind the wheel after drinking. I know better. I am very sorry and take responsibility for my actions (declaration of repentance and acknowledgment).”
There are a couple of other aspects that make this a good apology. It needs to be immediate, it needs to be unequivocal and it needs to be sincere. Check, check and check.
Of course, even if you get the apology right, it is meaningless without the follow through.
McMorris let down a lot of people, not the least of whom are the people of this province. Saskatchewan has a very serious problem with drinking and driving. We lead the provinces in drunk driving injuries and death, and not just by a little bit.
Now, one of our most prominent leaders, the deputy premier up until this incident, has become emblematic of that problem. New tougher penalties, which McMorris helped bring into law, and continuous education campaigns by the Crown corporation he was responsible for, were not enough to stop even him from making a terrible decision that kills an average of more than 50 people every year in Saskatchewan and maims hundreds.
In his particular case, rehabilitation and redemption is going to take a lot more than just paying his fine, serving his licence suspension and not doing it again. Step nine of the Alcoholics Anonymous 12-Step recovery program is making amends. McMorris has approximately 1.1 million people to whom he must make amends.
