As the country appears to be once again pointing towards election season, signs are appearing in Jasper. For the second time this month, MP Rob Merrifield appeared in Jasper to talk about funding to several Parks Canada projects. His first appearance was in regards to the Raven totem, which costs $300,000 from Jasper National Parks operating fund. Minister of Environment Jim Prentice even showed up for the event. On top of coverage in The Fitzhugh, the appearance made the Globe and Mail pages as well.

The second appearance came last week at Jasper Park Lodge, where MP Merrifield was on hand to oversee several Parks Canada announcements, including a continuation of caribou research, rock scaling and the launch of a cottage tents program. Once again, most of the money comes from JNP’s operating funds, so there is no actual new funding announcement. Just a photo opportunity. 

How much coverage does such an announcement garner? Caribou are a critical part of the park’s natural habitat, but the announcement merely continues the work JNP and its partners has already launched. For the record, caribou research funding was launched in 2005 under a government of a different colour.

Rock scaling is a regular maintenance activity. If CN clears debris off the tracks, does that warrant a story?

In regular circumstances, it would be highly unlikely the MP would make an appearance for such events. Being a junior cabinet minister, he has a full portfolio and is pressed to divide his time between Ottawa and this geographically massive riding.

While the presence of the MP in the community is welcome, as it provides residents a chance to voice their concerns to the MP (such as why did Banff National park get $13 million for the Cave and Basin renovations yet Jasper’s raven totem did not get a federal boost), the appearance becomes suspect when election talk emerges. Regular funding announcements quickly become photo opportunities, as the election machine attempts to squeeze good will out of regular work. 

Is this fair? Is this an example of the conservative party embarking on election-type PR before an actual election? Given the size of the announcements, the appearance is suspicious.

Come election time, all parties do their best to spin the news in their favour. A recent report by the liberal party accusing favouritism in the riding of Yellowhead has some major holes, as it draws suspect conclusions when the actual numbers are examined. This turns Canadians off of politics, and leaves them groaning when talk of an election comes around again. It’s a sad state when exercising a treasured democratic right becomes a chore.

Of course spin has always been a part of politics and there is no sign of it stopping. The onus is on the public and we the press to help distinguish fact from spin.

As the initial volleys have already been followed, it’s time for the electorate to prepare for some serious work.