COLUMN: View from the Legislature – The truth is out there somewhere

One of the things that shows up repeatedly in both public conversations and in polling done of Canadians is the growing concern that it is becoming increasingly difficult to discern truth. This is because it is becoming harder for people to believe what they are seeing with their own eyes or hearing with their own ears. The rapid advent of artificial intelligence has led to the proliferation of fake images and videos online that both look and sound real. In fact, determining what is true and what is real will be one of the great challenges that faces this and subsequent generations.

From the perspective of the public, there has often been a perception that there is a somewhat strained relationship with the truth for those in public office. Most often, that isn’t because those in elected office are not telling the truth, but rather because they are putting what has become known as a “spin” on it. That is, they are trying to spin the issue or a story in a direction that is more favorable to their position.

But in a time where there is increased skepticism about the validity of almost everything that is seen or written online and elsewhere, elected leaders should be more aware than ever that words matter and clarity is valued. One recent example in Manitoba has been the controversy over the departure of Bobbi Taillifer from the role of commissioner of teacher professional conduct (which examines allegations of teacher misconduct in the province). A few weeks ago, it was announced that Ms. Taillifer had resigned her position. Days later, Premier Wab Kinew told the media she was actually fired for working out of country for several months. Days after that, the NDP Education Minister said whether she resigned or fired really didn’t matter. Then it was revealed that she has been rehired for several months to aid in the transition to a new commissioner. The premier followed that, by saying it was more of a severance payment to keep the whole messy affair quiet.

Trying to determine where the truth is in that tangled web is nearly impossible. And for the premier and the NDP government, it doesn’t seem to matter much. But for the public, it is just another concerning example of not knowing where exactly the truth begins and ends.

This concern also exists in matters that have longer term implications for the province as well. It is becoming increasingly difficult to determine from comments made by Manitoba’s premier and his cabinet what the future holds for the Port of Churchill. For many months, there has been significant speculation that the port may become one of the major projects for funding identified by the federal government. Yet, while the premier indicates things are moving ahead, other than a few handshakes, photo-ops and expressions of support, there has been little that could fall into the category of real action.

Everyone in Manitoba wants to see the north and the province prosper and if the Port of Churchill is to be a part of that, it will require hundreds of millions of dollars in the way of port improvements, ice breakers, railway improvements and perhaps even an all-season road. Yet none of that has actually been committed to. Where exactly the truth is in terms of the commitment that exists for the Port of Churchill remains a mystery. And one that needs to be solved soon.

In a time where what is real and what is true is harder to discern than ever, it is incumbent on government officials to rely less on spin and more on substance. The truth is out there somewhere, but it shouldn’t be so hard to find.