The appointment of former Premier Grant Devine to the University of Saskatchewan’s Board of Governors has raised old questions and controversies surrounding his government’s record.

An article published in the opinions section of the Sheaf in August by Jessica Quan, U of S Students’ Union vice-president academic affairs, argues that Devine is unfit for the position on the Board of Governors and that his appointment was brought about by inappropriate external forces. In response, I would argue the following.

Grant Devine’s record relating to the university is exemplary. Prior to his election as premier, he was a well-regarded professor in the faculty of agriculture. Since leaving office, he has been admitted to the Agriculture Hall of Fame and became a member of the Saskatchewan Order of Merit. It is because of Devine that the U of S has one of the finest agricultural programs and facilities in the country.

How many premiers have invested as much time, passion and money to ensure that our university is the best it can be?

Indeed, if the record of a premier were to be considered in the requirements for offices of academic governance, perhaps Chancellor Roy Romanow’s position would be highly suspect. The failed p otato-pioneering crown corporation — the Saskatchewan Potato Utility Development Company, or SPUDCO — and the massive closure of hospitals across the province were decisions of Romanow’s New Democratic government. And yet, he is considered a fine champion of the university.

Moreover, the authority for any appointment to the university’s Board of Governors ultimately lies with the provincial cabinet, and Devine’s detractors would likely have criticized any new candidate appointed by Brad Wall’s government. Is it because the ghost legacy of Devine sends shivers down the spines of some left-wingers that we hear such hullabaloo?

Partisanship works more than one way, and there is ample room for criticism across the Board of Governors. Joy Crawford, chair of the audit committee on the Board of Governors, recently posted on Facebook with glee about her sale of two party memberships in support of Vicki Mowat, NDP candidate in Saskatoon- Fairview at the time. It is a galling double standard that someone who left politics decades ago is allowed to govern in the same body as an active campaigner.

It is a good thing that former public servants like Roy Romanow and Grant Devine may guide the affairs of our university. I believe it brings a balanced perspective. In the case of Devine, it gives our College of Agriculture a strong champion on the board. During their respective times in government, both premiers carried out some policies that were popular and some that were not.

It is hypocritical for non-partisan councillors on the USSU to exonerate leftwing politicians from criticism while smearing others simply because they are on the right.

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Erik Carey

Graphic: Lesia Karalash / Graphics Editor