Council integrity key to fixing Crowsnest Pass healthcare

I attended my first council meeting since our new council was sworn in. I went specifically to hear the presentation from the Attraction and Retention Committee for Healthcare, known locally as ARCH. Anyone who knows me understands how close this issue is to my heart. During my time on council, I was the point person on healthcare recruitment and retention. I saw first-hand how fragile our system is and how many pieces must work together if we want to keep doctors, nurses, and essential medical staff in the Crowsnest Pass.

ARCH presented a thoughtful and sincere outline of the challenges we face. None of the information surprised me because these challenges have been building for years. What concerned me most, and what ARCH made clear, is that our healthcare crisis is not just about one clinic or one department. This is a community-wide issue that affects the medical clinic, our hospital, emergency room coverage, Peaks to Pines seniors housing, support staff, and every resident who relies on timely care. Recruitment is only one part of the problem. Retention is the bigger hurdle because it requires a stable and functional community environment that supports the people we bring here.

Housing continues to be at the top of that list. We have a serious housing crisis in both home prices and rental availability. Young families who want to move here cannot find a place to live. Nurses starting their careers cannot afford the limited options on the market. Doctors who might consider relocating are discouraged by the lack of appropriate housing for their families. Peaks to Pines seniors housing is also operating under strain because staff face the same pressures. You cannot maintain a workforce if people have nowhere to live or cannot afford what is available. Until we get housing under control, we will continue to struggle in every corner of our medical system.

But the issue of the night was not only healthcare. What I witnessed during the meeting was disturbing enough that I feel compelled to speak up. I sincerely hope what I saw was the result of a very green council still finding its footing. If it was more than that, then it is something that must be corrected immediately for the sake of good governance.

Throughout the meeting there were moments when one councillor turned to look at specific individuals in the gallery during debate and even during votes. I want to be clear that this is my personal observation, but it appeared to me that the dynamics in the room may have been affecting how the discussion unfolded. Decisions should be made at the council table, not with a sideways glance at someone in the audience. The responsibility of each councillor is to represent the entire municipality, not the loudest people in the room.

Healthy debate is essential. Public participation is encouraged. But there is a clear and important line between public engagement and public pressure. In my view, when it even appears that elected officials may be reacting to individuals in the gallery, that line gets crossed. Integrity at the council table must be absolute. Decisions need to be based on facts, agenda materials, long term vision, and the best interests of all residents. Anything else undermines the democratic process.

What happened next was even more troubling. I witnessed a member of the gallery speak to the CAO in a manner that, in my view, crossed a clear line of basic decency and civic respect. The exchange escalated to the point where Councillor Dean Ward was forced to call a point of order just to put an end to it. No staff member should ever be subjected to that kind of conduct. Not in any workplace and certainly not in a public meeting. The CAO and all municipal staff serve the entire community, and they are entitled to respect and a workplace free from hostile or abusive behaviour.

Council must take this seriously. A culture that allows staff to be attacked publicly will drive away talent and make it impossible to maintain experienced leadership. Staff cannot do their jobs effectively if they are being intimidated from the gallery in council chambers.

This new council has an opportunity to set a strong and ethical tone for the next four years. I sincerely hope what I witnessed was a momentary lapse from a group that is still gaining experience. But if the perception of outside pressure or unacceptable conduct is allowed to take root, it will damage this community far more than any policy debate.

It is time to steady the ship. Council must lead with integrity, make decisions independently, and ensure staff are treated with respect. Our community deserves nothing less.