Most political parties want to bury their ghosts. Incredibly, Nova Scotia’s NDP are insisting on keeping one alive.
The party is in the sights of the opposition for appointing a member to the Premier’s Council on the Economy whose past dealings with the NDP were flagged. Premier Darrell Dexter included the head of the Mainland Nova Scotia Building and Construction Trades Council in the advisory group.
One of the party’s biggest bits of bad press leading up to last June’s election was news of a $45,000 in total donation from a series of nine union groups. But because it was delivered through the trades council, an umbrella organization, it was deemed questionable due to the province’s $5,000 limit on individual donations to parties.
The appointment has critics saying the NDP are too cosy with the labour movement. That’s not altogether fair, but considering the donation gaffe, it does present a conflict.
Let’s imagine the shoe on the other foot. If the Conservatives were in power and going through this exercise, chances are, simply by default, there would be a powerful businessman or two on such a council. They would be criticized too, very likely.
But at the same time, any party would be well advised to avoid anyone with whom they’ve had recent close dealings.
In defending his choice, Dexter said it’s unfortunate that the opposition would find fault with someone who is willing to help with a task for the province on a volunteer basis.
But this is not about people who are generous enough to do a public service for no pay. This is very much about optics.
Certainly the government – and Nova Scotians – want a good mix of views on this panel, and that would include people from labour.
But a different representative would be appropriate under the circumstances, someone with no connection to this issue. The public would be more comfortable that the advice rendered is objective.
