Moving to Saskatchewan in 2007 we knew nothing about politics.\u00a0 Within months of arriving there was a provincial election and the Saskatchewan Party was in power with Premier Brad Wall at the helm.\u00a0 Over the course of the last 10 years Premier Brad Wall has become a name that is recognized across Canada.\u00a0 Although no longer a leader in politics since his retirement earlier this year, a number of his social media followers continue to comment on his page that he should be going into federal politics, and responses to his posts would strongly indicate that he is still perceived as an opinion leader in this country.<\/p>\n
I am not a high user of social media, and have only just recently signed up on Twitter.\u00a0 I do now follow Mr. Brad Wall on Twitter, https:\/\/twitter.com\/BradWall306?lang=en<\/a>\u00a0 but have followed him much longer on Facebook.\u00a0 https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BradWall306\/<\/a><\/p>\n The most significant ideas that Brad Wall is espousing right now is his opposition to the federal carbon tax, perhaps the controversial issue that he is most well-known for, and his support of the Keystone XL and Transmountain pipeline.\u00a0 The ideas and opinions that Mr. Wall has regarding these two topics are far removed from my day to day life.\u00a0 However, the concepts, the information, and the knowledge he shares resonates with me because the foundation of his argument is grounded in what is in the best interest of his province and his constituents.\u00a0 Despite opposition from other leaders both federally and provincially he has not changed his stance.\u00a0 Even though he is no longer in politics, he continues to be invited for interviews to discuss his views on this topic because his knowledge and opinion remains respected.\u00a0 And he continues to be vocal with information, facts and opinions on these topics as a member of the public because he is passionate about what is best for his province, his neighbours, and Western Canada.\u00a0 And I believe this truly is his motivation, as do many of his followers, because his government consistently demonstrated a commitment to what is best for the people and province of Saskatchewan.<\/p>\n The second idea Premier Wall has espoused throughout his terms in office and continues to espouse even after his retirement is fiscal responsibility.\u00a0 The downturn in oil prices affected Saskatchewan as profoundly as other Western provinces.\u00a0 During the same years potash revenue decreased, and the agricultural market saw poor yields and quality.\u00a0 When it became evident that hard decisions would need to be made to balance the budget Premier Wall did not shy away from making those decisions, even though the resultant actions dictated that his political popularity would decrease as a result.\u00a0 Another decision made while in office was the move to a single provincial health authority.\u00a0 This decision was made in part due to public and patient\/family advocacy, but it was also made in an effort to ensure that publically funded health care can be sustainable into the future by decreasing spending in the one area that costs the most for taxpayers in the province.\u00a0 Although this decision may yet still negatively impact me personally with a possible loss of employment, I understand the rationale and respect this dedication to ensure that the province is not only financially secure in the present but also for future generations.<\/p>\n As stated earlier I would not be considered a high use consumer of social media so I struggle to provide advice to Mr. Wall on how to use his social media presence more effectively.\u00a0 As I am a public servant I also understand how communications in the public sector works, so I am somewhat skeptical that any advice that I offer would reach him directly.\u00a0 However, I do know what is working:\u00a0 posts that stick to the facts and provide information and knowledge are respected and cannot be disputed.\u00a0 Posts that reveal his human side are engaging and elevate his status as a leader. \u00a0Posts that celebrate the successes of others, posts that mourn with those in tragedy, posts that poke fun at his fellow politicians, posts that publically show the pride that he has in his family help the public identify with him as a person, which positively impacts his influence as a leader.\u00a0 The only possible suggestion that I could offer is to ensure that posts that reference other politicians or parties are not too inflammatory or abbreviated.\u00a0 I have never seen Mr. Wall post anything that was openly disrespectful or derogatory towards any one person, but I have seen some content that had the potential to be offensive, and some content that was so oversimplified that it could have been construed as \u201cfake news\u201d because the information needed to understand the topic was not evident.<\/p>\n The first time I became keenly aware that Premier Wall was a leader with values and principles that I could identify with was the first year I viewed his Christmas message to the people of Saskatchewan.\u00a0 In an era of political correctness it was evident that this was a man who was committed to serving others no matter what their views, but was also not afraid to share his personal beliefs and convictions.\u00a0 I was in awe of his courage, his boldness, and the unashamed declaration of his personal faith to a secular audience that may or may not respect him as a leader because of that message.\u00a0 Mr. Wall has demonstrated in both word and deed that he has never forgotten the reason why he was elected, and that was to serve the people of Saskatchewan.\u00a0 Mr. Wall has eloquently expressed that he has considered his years of leadership as an honour and a privilege and not a right or entitlement.\u00a0 He has been able to articulate respectfully when his views are in opposition to others and remain steadfast to his position when necessary.\u00a0 Yet, he has also demonstrated that he is humble and transparent enough to change his stance and reverse decisions he\/his government has made if it is determined that it is truly not in the best interest of the Saskatchewan people.\u00a0 He has been real, and honest, and strong enough to allow the public to watch him grow as a leader, and so, mentored many aspiring leaders that he has never met.\u00a0 I am grateful to be one of that number.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Moving to Saskatchewan in 2007 we knew nothing about politics.\u00a0 Within months of arriving there was a provincial election and the Saskatchewan Party was in power with Premier Brad Wall at the helm.\u00a0 Over the course of the last 10 years Premier Brad Wall has become a name that is recognized across Canada.\u00a0 Although no 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