Wyant right to push for inquiry into GTH
September 11, 2017, 11:27 am
John Gormley
John Gormley is a broadcaster, lawyer, author and former Progressive Conservative MP whose radio talk show is heard weekdays from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm on 650 CKOM Saskatoon and 980 CJME Regina.
Even though our children graduate and grow up (now even sending their own kids off to school) the feeling never seems to fade: the return to life after Labour Day still feels more like a new year than January 1st.
In honour of the occasion, herewith the columnist’s smorgasbord of assorted bits.
Inquiry into GTH a good idea
The best line from Sask Party leadership candidate Gord Wyant, on his commitment—should he become leader—to hold a public inquiry into the Global Transportation Hub (GTH), is the disinfecting value of sunlight or scrutiny.
No government wants a nagging issue that won’t go away. The GTH has been that, although objectively viewed thus far, more for mismanagement by government officials and lack of due diligence than any proven act of fraud.
The allegations and politically motivated accusations are many, and the story got its legs with the revelation that two property developers each made millions of dollars flipping real estate in a rapidly rising market.
Property speculation is not a crime. But the unanswered questions—including, did someone sell or use influence—are easily answered by an inquiry with the scope to interview witnesses, obtain the evidence and make findings of fact.
In addition to the disinfecting value of scrutiny is the old adage that if there’s nothing to hide, what’s wrong with opening the door?
While any inquiry will have to await the results of a police investigation that was launched as a result of the complaints, once the police have decided what to do, then clear the air with an inquiry.
Trudeau, Mourneau hypocritical on tax changes
The best social media post of the week came from an Ontario physician over the obdurate and wrongheaded insistence of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Bill Mourneau that they will change the tax structure on Canadian controlled private corporations used by some farmers, small business owners and professionals:
“The combined wealth of their two families, trust funds and foundations, is unimaginable. For these two to start a class war is beyond cynical.”
Don’t take new Mosaic Stadium for granted
For those who have already been there, how quickly blasé we’ve become upon entering the remarkable new Mosaic Stadium, home of the re-energized Saskatchewan Roughriders.
I was reminded of this at the Labour Day Classic with a friend whose season tickets are over 30 years old. He had been travelling this summer and hadn’t yet seen the place.
As we entered the plaza at the north end of the concourse, the look on his face was priceless. Like a kid on Christmas Day, his expression went from surprise to incredulity before settling on a beaming smile.
Have enough of us recognized what a gem this facility is?
Granted, it was decades overdue but it has transformed the Saskatchewan game day experience, not to forget pride and sense of place.
Chris Jones is the real deal
With fan support reinstated in all things Riders, can we agree on something?
If GM and Head Coach Chris Jones was the architect of last year’s 5-13 season and the guy solely responsible for this year beginning at one win and four losses, can we also hold him responsible for the next five games’ 4-1 record and stop the whining and complaining?
This guy is the real deal. And so is the 2017 edition of the Riders.
John Gormley is a broadcaster, lawyer, author and former Progressive Conservative MP whose radio talk show is heard weekdays from 8:30 am - 12:30 pm on 650 CKOM Saskatoon and 980 CJME Regina.
