Reader appalled by Premier Smith’s reaction to Jasper report

Posted on August 1, 2025 by admin

In true authoritarian style you attacked the message and the messenger of the Jasper fire report. The report was commissioned by the municipality and independently authored. Suggestions were made for improvement in emergency response and coordination. How could you in good conscience demand retraction and an apology after reading a non-partisan report on the Jasper fires? Shame on you.

Hundreds, perhaps thousands were either directly or indirectly negatively affected by the fire. They lost homes, vehicles, treasured possessions, jobs and for many their mental health is teetering.

You missed an opportunity to show caring and compassionate leadership. After review of the report you could have sincerely acknowledged the content and reinforced much was learned, by many, from the tragedy.  Overall, it was an exemplary team effort. Wildland firefighter, Morgan Kitchen, lost his life fighting to save others. Your humble acceptance of the report would show you actually cared about the victims of the fire who suffered tremendous losses. Some empathy, compassion and humility never hurt anyone.

Instead, you choose to once again default to petulance and “blame the other guy.”

Take a dose of your own medicine, practice what you preach and stay in your own lane until or unless asked to step up and help out. 

Jacqueline L.
Chalmers

Claresholm