Joe Hargrave, MLA for Prince Albert Carlton, recently resigned as Saskatchewan Highways Minister after making a trip to Palm Springs, California in late December landed him in a public storm given the general public has been urged to stay home to control the spread of COVID-19.
In Alberta six MLAs, including one cabinet minister, and Premier Jason Kenney’s chief of staff have resigned from various positions for similar reasons.
Now, closer to home Yorkton This Week has learned Saltcoats Mayor, and president of the Municipalities of Saskatchewan Gordon Barnhart, has also gone south.
"I believe he is in Hawaii from the information I've been able to glean," said Gerald Aalbers, Vice-President of Cities with the provincial association, and Mayor of Lloydminster.
Asked if Barnhart's choice was questionable given suggested protocols for travel Aalbers replied, "I think it's an individual decision as outlined by the provincial and federal governments."
Barnhart, who served as Saskatchewan's 20th Lieutenant Governor from August 2006 to March 2012, is the lone Municipalities of Saskatchewan board member elected by the entire membership.
But, could the Board now ask Barnhart to step down?
Apparently not according to Aalbers who said within the organization's constitution and bylaws there is no mechanism to remove a sitting president.
Aalbers did suggest the matter is likely to be a topic for the board when it meets next.
"I would hope President Barnhart would speak to this matter at the next meeting," he said.
Barnhart was called at the Town of Saltcoats office where a receptionist took this reporter's contact information and said Barnhart will return the call, but no day for that call was suggested.
As Yorkton This Week was confirming Barnhart's trip Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) send out a release dealing with the broader issue of travel by community leaders.
"As leaders of municipal associations, the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) Board of Directors believes in leading by example, especially during the pandemic crisis that the world finds itself in today," stated the release. "Numerous federal and provincial political figures from a range of parties have travelled abroad despite advisories to avoid all non-essential travel.
"SARM views this behavior as irresponsible and reckless; it diminishes public trust in political leaders.
"As local government is the closest level to the people it serves, it is important that as community leaders we do our best to protect our family, friends, and communities by doing the right thing- which includes following advice regarding non-essential travel."
“As SARM President, I can confirm that SARM’s entire Executive and Board of Directors have not travelled outside of Canada during the pandemic, and we continue to encourage all political leaders and the general public to follow public health measures and government directives,” stated Ray Orb in the release.
