Opinion: State of the Province's missing statement
Premier Blaine Higgs' repeated refusal to reveal his plans for his political future despite promises he would is on brand
Last week’s State of the Province address by Premier Blaine Higgs was par for the course for such events.
There was never any chance that people would actually learn what state New Brunswick is in. Such speeches amount to little more than political theatre. That’s their purpose.
It’s a campaign event for a campaign that has yet to begin. It’s a chance for the premier to tout his record, to boast of accomplishments (regardless of to what they can be truly attributed), and to downplay or downright ignore the problems and crises that merit immediate attention.
Furthermore, such “state of the” speeches, be it for the province or a city, are a relatively recent phenomenon in New Brunswick. They’re inconsequential, really. Fortunately, we didn’t see the sort of chaos that characterized the most recent State of the Union address south of the border.
While a significant development in provincial policy wasn’t on the agenda last week, there was one item of interest people were expecting, but it never materialized.
Higgs has been promising to reveal whether he’ll lead the provincial Progressive Conservatives into the next election in the fall of 2024.
He’s delayed that announcement repeatedly, but stated at one point a final word would be forthcoming at the State of the Province. He later eased off on that commitment, but nevertheless, expectations were high there might be a clue in the State of the Province.
Alas, like Lucy van Pelt pulling the football away from a naïve Charlie Brown, the premier once again failed to follow through.
The only reference to the issue of the premier’s plans for his political future came in the form of a song: the Clash’s “Should I Stay or Should I Go” played as he exited the stage.
Some playfulness in politics is fine, and it can spice up what might otherwise be a dry subject.
But this wasn’t the time to be cheeky. Higgs’ role (or absence) in the next election is a vital consideration, both for voters but for his own party as well.
The premier’s record on so many critical issues - from Indigenous affairs to labour relations to immersion education - is clearly going to be a major deciding factor in the next election, and it’s important for people to know if a vote for a Tory candidate could be a vote for another four years of Higgs’ leadership style.
It’s no joke. It’s one thing for Higgs to disregard his pledge to reveal his plans. It’s another thing altogether to taunt the electorate and his own caucus with a tune that overtly acknowledges a yen to keep everyone guessing.
But let’s give the premier the benefit of the doubt. Let’s imagine he just isn’t prepared to say one way or the other, that he hasn’t reached his decision about his next steps, which is entirely within the realm of possibility.
That’s OK. It’s a significant choice and turning point in the life of a man who’d otherwise be enjoying a leisurely and privileged retirement.
He could have simply said something like, “I know I promised to tell you if I plan to continue or to step back, but I’m still weighing the options - for myself, for my party and for New Brunswick.”
Such a quote in the State of the Province would be respectful of others. It acknowledges the elephant in the room. It’s something people could understand, something to which they could even relate.
But being relatable isn’t in Higgs’ skill set.
Admitting to uncertainty would have revealed some humanity, but the premier instead chose arrogance, ignoring his own promise and opting for the Clash classic to play him off the stage as a tacit admission he knew he was breaking that promise.
It was squarely on brand at a time when he needs to rebrand himself politically, or at least give his party the chance to do so.
After the Feb. 9 speech, New Brunswick two other political leaders - Liberal Susan Holt and Green David Coon - both said it was time for the premier to transition out of political life.
"So I think it would be in the best interest of New Brunswickers if he were to step aside," Holt told reporters.
But let’s be honest: while many New Brunswickers would welcome Higgs’ departure from office, Holt and Coon (and especially the former) would likely relish the opportunity to run against him rather than someone attempting to put a fresh face on the Tories.
Don MacPherson can be contacted at ftonindependent@gmail.com.
I will monitor the frequency and make my decision at a later date. Thanks for the prompt reply. I appreciate your effort to keep us informed.
I was of the understanding that your site would be to report newsy event, so I subscribed. If you are going to use it as your platform to personally criticize the Premier, I do not expect to be a long-term subscriber. Please.give us the news, not your point of view.