As a local reporter in a relatively small community, one of my favourite things is the relationships you form with the people you cover regularly. And when you’ve been on the job as long as I have, some of those relationships are longstanding.
There have been three mayors during my 24 years at the Bulletin, Jim Ogilvie, Ron McRae and Don McCormick. I got to know all of them, and liked them all.
There is also the relationship you form with the MLA, in our case the Columbia River - Revelstoke riding. I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing Doug Clovechok regularly since he was elected in 2017, and indeed prior to that as he ran unsuccessfully once.
Which is why I am most saddened to learn that he will not run again in the next election.
Doug Clovechok has a particular passion for his job and all the people he represents. And he impressed me as I got to know him.
He put out a statement last week, citing health challenges, that he feels that he will overcome, but in the meantime he did not feel he could commit to another four year term.
Most people know that I lean left in my politics. I vote left. Only once in my life have I voted for anyone right-leaning. That one time was last election when I voted for Doug Clovechok. I did not vote for his party. I voted for him.
In these times of completely polarizing politics, there are many things to admire about the way Doug Clovechok conducted himself. He would at times be very critical of the NDP government, but he was also very quick to acknowledge it if he felt an opposition government minister had been helpful, or understanding. A rare thing these days.
He is a champion for rural issues and fought hard for the opportunity to voice those issues in Victoria.
And he was a champion of First Nations as well.
Clovechok has been immersed in the culture of the Blackfoot First Nations since he was 17 years old.
“I am an adopted member of the Piikani First Nation, the Weasel Traveller family in the Blackfoot Confederation,” he told me in 2021. “I was transferred a headdress 15 years ago, as an honourary leader and I am a pipe holder.
“As my Elder said, it’s the colour of the heart, not the skin.”
He truly believes those words and lives up to them.
“It has been an honour and privilege to serve the constituents of Columbia River-Revelstoke as your MLA for nearly eight years now,” said Clovechok. “I am incredibly proud of the work I was able to accomplish for our communities, alongside my hard-working staff members and others throughout the region.”
Clovechok like to joke that the learning curve as an MLA was like trying to sip water from a firehose. But he did learn. It’s not easy being heard when you are in opposition, but he found a way to be a most effective opposition member.
The constituents of Columbia River - Revelstoke will miss him. Whoever picks up the seat, no matter which party, will have very big shoes to fill.
I wish you the very best, Doug. Enjoy your retirement and hug those grandchildren.