Over the past couple of weeks, I had the opportunity to attend two premiers’ luncheons hosted by local Chambers of Commerce – one in New Glasgow and one in Port Hawkesbury. Both communities represent the newspapers we publish, so I attended wearing several different hats: as a small business owner, as a member of the media, as a member of the community and, perhaps most importantly, as a parent.
What struck me most was not necessarily what was said at either luncheon, but how different being there in person can be from what we sometimes see online.
Social media has become very good at turning almost anything into a source of outrage. A headline becomes a talking point, a few words become a controversy and, before long, people are arguing over something that may bear little resemblance to what actually happened.
For clarity, these were business luncheons hosted by local Chambers of Commerce. Premiers have been attending these types of events for decades. They were not fundraisers for the Conservative government, and while the focus was understandably on business and the economy, the events were open to the broader community.
The premier’s remarks focused largely on Nova Scotia’s economy, current challenges and opportunities for business. That made sense given the hosts and the audience. The presentations were generally positive – as they should be at an event such as this. There was also discussion about what is happening south of the border. We cannot control what happens there, but we can control how Nova Scotia responds.
Did the speeches answer every question or address every concern? Of course not. I left with plenty of questions of my own.
I also took time to speak with some of the protesters outside the events who were perfectly respectful from what I saw at both events. I deliberately sought out conversations rather than those who appeared to be possibly looking for confrontation. I learned something from those discussions. There were things I saw the logic in and agreed with, and others where I would need more information. Listening does not require agreement.
And I want to be very clear about something: I firmly believe in the right to protest. Peaceful protest is an important part of our democratic process. Governments should be challenged. Citizens should be able to voice their anger, concerns and disagreement, including when those concerns are directed at the people in power.
When the goal becomes making enough noise to demand attention at any cost, the message can get lost. More importantly, it can make the opportunity for meaningful conversation smaller rather than larger. If people in positions of power become less willing or less able to attend public events because they anticipate disruption, who ultimately loses? The people who have legitimate concerns and want to be heard.
During the events, I also had the opportunity to speak with Premier Houston a few times. We have not agreed on everything in the past. Frankly, I would be more concerned if we did. My responsibility as a member of the media and as a community newspaper publisher is not to agree with every decision made by government. It is to provide factual information; ask questions and advocate for the concerns of the communities we serve.
As a parent, one of those concerns that is of personal importance to our family is road safety. Although it was not the intended topic of the luncheon, I briefly raised the issue of dangerous and impaired driving, collisions and the need for meaningful improvements to a system that can leave victims feeling victimized all over again.
There was no expectation that a solution would emerge from a brief conversation. But a door opened. A conversation started.
Isn’t that where positive change begins?
We need more opportunities for people in positions of power to be accessible and willing to listen. We need citizens willing to ask difficult questions, and leaders willing to hear them.
Let’s not become so focused on being the loudest voice in the room that we prevent anyone from having the conversation that might actually lead to positive change. Let’s not be fooled by people posting anonymously (often on their own sites) in order to get clicks.
Being heard requires more than demanding attention. Sometimes, it requires leaving the door open long enough for someone to walk through it.