It was recently suggested by a reader that I should be less suspicious and nicer.
Well, I generally try to be a nice person - notwithstanding what you might hear from my co-workers or in-laws.
As for being overly suspicious and occasionally unkind to politicians, it's a bit of occupational hazard. I suspect I wouldn't be much good at my job if I was too nice.
However, long-time visitors to this space will know that I am nice at least once a year in my annual Christmas-presents-to-the-politicians column. So, in the festive spirit of the season, let us commence.
To Premier Brad Wall, let us give him the same gift of reasonability and wisdom that he kindly shared with us through much of 2012. Wall provided a progressive approach on both the economic and social side this year.
But Interim NDP Opposition leader John Nilson should likely be given the same thing. His caucus did a solid job of raising substantive issues without all the nastiness we saw prior to the 2011 election under Dwain Lingenfelter's Opposition.
Also deserved of something are NDP leadership hopefuls Trent Wotherspoon (who, aided by Provincial Auditor Bonnie Lysyk's fine report, kept the budgeting reporting honest) and Cam Broten (who raised critical issues on the quality of care in nursing homes and the need for a registry of buildings with asbestos insulation).
While we're at it, let's give a cheer for NDP labour critic David Forbes for his relentless efforts to make working conditions better for late night workers.
And Cumberland NDP MLA Buckley Belanger surely deserves something for his ability to make us laugh. Let's also hear it for Sask. Party backbenchers Greg Brkich (Arm River), Greg Ottenbreit (Yorkton) and Doreen Eagles (Estevan) for their good-natured humour.
As for other cabinet ministers, let's start with Economy Minister Bill Boyd who salvaged the Kal Tire move to Regina and whose steady work with the oil and potash sector has kept the provincial economy humming.
Finance Minister Ken Krawetz's gift of prudence (including tough budget day choices on policing, school and university funding cuts, the film tax credit cut and prescription drug increases) has left us with the only thing close to a balanced budget in Canada. (As a special gift to the minister, I'll avoid the debate today over whether it is actually balanced or not.)
Social Services Minister June Draude surely deserves a gift under her tree for what might have been her best year in her 16-year political career. It included major advancements in independent living for the mentally challenged and her solid handling of the Valley View Centre closure in Moose Jaw.
A toast to Liquor and Gaming Minister Donna Harpauer. When we are now asked about finally getting around to modernizing our liquor laws, no longer will we have to reply: Keep your shirt on!
And Labour Minister Don Morgan's reasoned approach on his new labour bill (as we've so far) is meritorious of something under the tree.
How about a rifle for straight-shooting Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart? He was on the mark in his criticism of federal farm program financing. Similarly, kudos to his predecessor, Bob Bjornerud, for his equally blunt assessment of federal budget cuts to the Indian Head tree farm and community pastures.
Health Minister Dustin Duncan seems young enough to still expect a gift from Santa. Certainly, he deserves one for his handling of the tough environment and health portfolios.
The same should be said for his health predecessor, Don McMorris, who now is handling our highways. And let's also find something for his very able predecessor Jim Reiter now handling government relations.
To Speaker Dan D'Autremont, Cypress Hills MLA Wayne Elhard or anyone else I might have annoyed in 2012, a kind word and a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Murray Mandryk has been covering provincial politics for over 22 years.
