The service was hosted by former NDP MLA Moe Sihota, who does well in these situations. Moe introduced Squamish First Nations band member Deborah Baker, who provided the "indigenous welcome," followed by some humorous reminiscences by current premier John Horgan and some very touching ones by New Westminster NDP MLA Dawn Black, who spoke of Barrett's compassion; after that, what quickly transitioned into an infomercial by Barrett contemporary Bob Williams, who, though a brilliant politician and community leader, someone I admire for his intellect and will, started pumping his latest project: Vancouver's Centre for Social & Economic Innovation at the former police station at 312 Main Street.
Not sure what Dave Barrett would have thought of Bob's project. One thing he would have taken issue with was Bob's rather off-hand comments about the civil service. Yes, bureaucracies can slow things down, and yes, they can take on a life of their own, but if slowness is something we have come to appreciate in our race-to-the-neverending-finish-line that is our increasingly extreme, bottom line culture, then more slowness, please, not less. (Imagine what a little slowness might have brought to Ron Burnett's new Emily Carr University of Art & Design complex? Certainly a better gallery/bookstore -- maybe even better painting studios.)
As for the rest of the program, I missed it -- too put off by Bob.
The 1972-1975 NDP provincial (B.C.) government was a remarkable achievement. While it is true that this government worked quickly to pass more than 350 bills in three short years, they had many years in opposition to consider what needed passing, and why. For more on this government and its achievements, see Geoff Meggs and Rod Mickleburgh's excellent book The Art of the Impossible: Dave Barrett and the NDP in Power, 1972-1975.
No comments:
Post a Comment