Saskatchewan's Premier Brad Wall is a good Premier and, like former Premier Grant Devine, is a good cheer leader. Brad Wall was brought into provincial politics during the Devine era and learned what worked and what did not work. Both Devine and Wall have a certain star-power created and fueled by the media.
Most recently, upon Premier Wall's visit to Washington, the media were asking him about his future after politics. Maybe Canada's Ambassador to the United States or maybe CFL commissioner. Here is where these two Premier's differ. More than any other Premier Brad Wall is establishing opportunities for when he is no longer Premier. Grant Devine failed in that respect and denied even the right to run as a federal conservative candidate, which I believe was unfair and and undemocratic. Grant Devine allowed me to serve in Executive Council, but denied me the opportunity to serve in Cabinet, as I would not agree to unreasonable restrictions he intended to impose. That too was unfair and costly to me and my constituents.
Grant Devine has not had a very significant post Premier life, due in some part, to how he conducted himself as Premier. Devine bemoans the fact he was left with no platform to express his political views. I established my own platform as a writer, speaker and campaign organizer for conservatives and liberals. Devine could have done the same as he was a liberal and a conservative.
Premier Wall is working hard to prepare himself for post Premier life and the media is trying to show him the way. Devine just went home to look after the cows at his small farm near Moose Jaw. Will Wall just go home and get a job at a local store in Swift Current. Not likely! Watch for a possible appointment that may retire him from his position as Saskatchewan's "Star" Premier.
