Stoic Fraser may en up with the Crown “THERE’S not one member of the opposition who has sacrificed anything to run for politics,”? Attorney General Russ Fraser protested recently. “Every member on our side af the house has given up careers, businesses and far more rewarding activities. And what will they go back to when they leave office? Nothing.”’ This was the minister’s response to our column of Inst week (North Shore News, May 26). I reported some curious statistics about the lack of university education among British Columbia premiers and MLAs, with a far higher pro- portion of degrees on the New Democratic Party side of the house than with the Socreds. Fraser said that politics [S the business of the NDP members, no matter what they studied in uni- versity. The preponderance of degrees are in education, social work and related fields. Many of them are on “‘leave of absence” with full continuity of benefits from jobs as teachers, social workers and simi- lar pursuits. ‘This -as not said in anger. }t was Fraser’s usual detached and dispassionate assessment of our times. He comes across more like @ spectator than a participant. “In politics they (the NDP) are serving the cause,"’ he said. The portrait is of a group of scaven- gers off harvesting professional nutrients for compatriots back home. These are the associates who will ensure them a comforta- ble return to former careers. Conversely, Fraser said, the Socred entvepreneurs and profes- sionals have to start from nothing when the political game is over. In the hours following the res- ignation of Premier Vander Zalm, it was a curious twist of cir- cumstance that thrust the name of Russ Fraser forward as the neck- and-neck competitor with Rita Johnston for the tep job. Fraser’s candidacy, promoted by half the caucus, was given great impetus by a movement that wanted an acting premier who would pledge not to enter the leadership race. I first met Fraser when this awkward but personable engineer was a newcomer to civic politics about 20 years ago. Like many other atypical politi- cians, he was appalled by the quality of Vancouver City gov- ernment. This odd assortment of gray flannel protesters included Dr. Walter Hardwick and Dr. Setty Pendakur from UBC, investment consultant Act Phillips, storefront lawyer Mike Harcourt, realtor Brian Calder, architect-planner Warnett Kennedy and many other professionals. Rarely had such a tidal wave of high-power talent ever landed on 2 municipal beachhead. Most members of this group had fire in their belly. Russ Fraser was different. He took his time before seeking a parks board posi- tion. He served from 1976 until 1982, with the final two years as chair- man. His civic career was respect- able but unexciting. When he finally shifted his gaze toward the provincial scene, after Gerry Strongman retired from the Vancouver-South fight, Fraser came forward. Instead of the nervous excite- ment that surrounds most can- didates, this one created the im- pression that he was only running because there wasn’t anything more interesting for him to do. Slip-streaming his more experi- enced and better-known seatmate Stephen Rogers into Victoria, the OPEN LINES Vancouver-South freshman was overlooked for a cabinet post. As always, he waited patiently ard respectfully. He was one of Bill Bennett's best kept secrets. Although elected in 1983, he was not invited into the cabinet chamber until 1986. Fraser became Minister for Post-Secon- dary Education. With customary cool, the new minister accepted the assignment as if he had been asked to pick up the groceries on the way home from work. Although only an electrocar- diogram could have decided it, Fraser was excited by his next job. As an addendum to his portfolio, he became the ininister responsible for the British Columbia Pavilion at Expo 86, the labyrinth of build- ings surrounding the Plaza of Na- tions. A current events quiz could ask respondents to name the three embers of the current legislature who made a significant contribu- tion to Expo 86. The three members are: Fraser, Claude Richmond (The Expo Minister) and — surprise, surprise — Mayor Harcourt - Things were looking up for Russ Fraser in the summer of 1986, but he seemed less impress- ed about it than anyone. Political disaster struck when university students complained about unemployment. The Minister for Post-Secon- dary Education advised them that too many young people were go- ing to university. Russ Fraser, the universities minister, came across like Marie Antoinette. Bennett, desperately trying to attract young people to the Social Credit party, quickly fired the loose-lipped minister. Asked about this turn of events, Fraser calmly said at the time: ‘I am finished.” Even through the heady first days of Bill Vander Zalm’s ad- ministration, the superbly quali- fied Fraser was overlooked. It was not until 1990 that he was able to get back into the cab- inet chamber. He was selected by default. The tack of Vancouver repre- sentation in the cabinet had become an embarrassment. And, although lawyer Angus Ree had done an adequate job in a brief tenure as solicitor general, he was perceived to be uninspiring. Since there was no other lawyer, engineer Fraser became ‘‘it."’ It was ponderously argued by government at the time that it was nol necessary to have a lawyer as the minister responsible for police, gambling, prisons and traffic. But the role of attorney general was a different story — that was the line until Bud Smith made a fool of himself. Once again, one of the ablest members of the government was given a promotion for the wrong reason. We heard little more about the need for a lawyer as Fraser quietly slipped behind the most important legal desk in Western Canada. In the current speculation as to who might contest the Social Credit leadership, no one has sug- gested Fraser. He was only the chaice of the powerful for the lame duck caretaker position. if, however, Rita Johnston drops the Crown on the way to the convention podium, I can en- visage it landing three rows deep in the audience — into the lap of an expressionless Russ Fraser. ‘A Place To Go When You're Pregnant And § f - Need Support: | GIRTHRIGHT | WCail 987-7373 « Free Pregnancy Test « 229 Lonsdale In Vancouver Call § Worth Vancouver 687-7223 1 oa Sunday, June 2, 1991 - Nomh Shore News - 3 Aquaculture Career Training Dedicated, trained technicians are needed to work in ail aspects of B.C.’s aquaculture industry. Aquaculture Technician Program Our 34-week program is designed to prepare you for direct employment as a fish culturist. 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