Humber West: Much More Than A By-Election

On Tuesday, voters in the Corner Brook riding of Humber West go to the polls for a by-election to fill the seat held by former Premier Danny Williams. High school principal Vaughn Granter is carrying the PC flag, while Ottawa insider and Corner Brook native Mark Watton is running for the Liberals. University student Rosie Myers is the Dipper candidate.

While it may appear to be “just one seat”, it’s much more than that. The outcome can have significant implications for the political landscape in the province. Imagine, a seat once held by an immensely popular Premier - the Newfie Jesus - could change hands. It’s almost unheard of. But it appears the PC’s are worried and rightly so. Watton’s election would send a strong message to the governing Tories who feel they can do and say anything they want without any repercussions or fear of answering questions. But now, they don’t have Williams (and his coattails) around to ride, virtually uncontested, into the House of Assembly. Cabinet ministers have been seen knocking on doors. The contentious environmental issue of burning tires to fuel the Corner Brook Pulp and Paper Mill – which had been playing out for years – was suddenly shelved. The timing is suspect to say the least. The coronation of Dunderdale, who initially refused the job, has many across the province scratching their heads. There was no one else interested in the top job? Yeah, right. And it appears that the Tories are scared.

Adding to the mix is the refusal of Granter to participate in a debate. He statement that he needed time to get up to speed on the issues and would rather go door to door adds to air of desperation surrounding the election. Word has it that he was told by Party brass not to participate. This adds some validity to Watton’s assertion that Humber West could be represented by a backbencher who will have little or no say (see David Brazil - newly minted MHA for Conception Bay East - Bell Island) rather than an opposition member who will be high profile, asking questions and holding the government accountable - something that has not been a strong suit of the Williams’ administration.

Watton states:

…do people want a PC government that’s going to be one seat bigger or do they want a PC government that’s going to be one seat more accountable?…    

At the debate, sans Granter, he continued:

…We live in a province in which your government works tirelessly to not only suppress dissent, but to discourage public discussion altogether.

It is a province in which people who question government policy are labelled “traitors” by their own elected officials. It is a province in which the emails, letters and opinions expressed by concerned citizens are hoarded, only to be dismissed and ridiculed from the highest offices in the land…

You can read more here.

Watton makes some good points and his message is clear. The voters in Humber West - for the first time in a long time - now have the same opportunity to send a message. One that would be heard clear across the province.