By Tyler Marr

‘This is democracy:’ SaskParty MLA Wilson says to protesters at AGM

Jul 13, 2017 | 5:00 PM

A protest of the government’s budget cuts turned into an unexpected moment of understanding, and a meet-and-greet with the Saskatchewan Rivers MLA.

Saskatchewan Party MLA Nadine Wilson surprised CUPE and SGEU members by greeting them outside the Buckland Fire Hall Wednesday night. The members who waved signs, flags, and pamphlets of Wilson’s voting record, planned to confront the MLA and those attending the constituency’s annual general meeting. 

Demonstrators were predicting little to no conversation with the MLA.

“The premier won’t even talk to the unions,” SGEU President Bob Bymoen said prior to Wilson’s arrival. He said many MLAs haven’t spoken to demonstrators in the past or had been explicitly told not to.

“The SaskParty government did a lot of cuts, and the cuts, we continue to feel them,” he said. “These cuts do hurt and they hurt the people who are in the most need in the province.”

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As Wilson’s car rolled up to the hall, the crowd was prepared to chant. One member, armed with a pamphlet, yelled out “want to see what you voted for?” But when the two engaged in dialogue, Wilson shared the news of the recent passing of her association’s president.

“I will be having a moment of silence for our president,” she said, before agreeing to an invitation to speak to the crowd. “This is democracy. I appreciate you coming out and showing us your concerns.”

John Kunard, president of CUPE Local 4195, was the first to address Wilson over her government’s cuts to education.

“We are here today to let you know that we are not supportive of your choices and that we would like to be more proactive and look at other alternative measures,” he said. Kunard believed the cuts were adding pressure to already overworked staff and would impact future generations.

Wilson nodded and said she understood his concerns.

Bymoen stepped up next. He opened thanking Wilson for taking the time to speak with them. His complaints focused on health care cuts, such as the recent cuts to Community Based Organizations in the province. He also took aim at corporate tax cuts and the millions spent on the Regina bypass.

“We are not saying everything you do is wrong or bad either, we just think you are missing the mark,” Bymoen said.

As they wrapped up, Wilson asked if demonstrators had enough water, saying she “probably had enough coffee inside for everyone.”

As she walked back to the hall, Wilson spoke to Matthew Labossiere. The young student has autism and told Wilson he was devastated when he learned the Carlton Connection program in Prince Albert was shut down.

“It is the fault of the MLAs that I won’t be able to do much,” Labossieree later said, adding the program offers special support for student with needs like his and he was set to enroll this coming year.

Wilson hugged him and said he could be anything he wanted to be. She again offered water and coffee and thanked the crowds before heading inside. 

“I was really impressed,” Kunard said. “I think it was a great opportunity to come out and interact with us and hear our concerns, and not have to speak loudly. I really respect that.”

“I appreciated her time.”

Inside, Wilson said during her 10 years in politics she has never been confronted by a demonstration this large. She believed both sides could eventually come to an understanding and appreciated groups expressing their comments and concerns.

“They were very empathetic, considerate and passionate about the issues that affect their family,” she said. “I will listen and bring them forward. As a member of the legislative assembly, that is my job, to bring them forward.”

tyler.marr@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JournoMarr