Dear Editor,
The spirit of collaboration appears to have faded from the political landscape of Maple Ridge-Mission, replaced instead by a growing tendency toward grievance driven rhetoric.
Recent actions by several Conservative politicians in the region illustrate an approach focused more on assigning blame than on pursuing practical solutions.
This shift has left residents with leaders who highlight problems loudly while offering little in the way of constructive action.
A clear example emerged during the 2019 housing crisis, when then Mayor Mike Morden gained national attention for his opposition to a proposed modular housing complex intended to support the community’s unhoused population.
Rather than engage in dialogue or address the complexities of the crisis, he released a Facebook video accusing the unhoused of “raping and pillaging” the town – statements made in a controlled environment where no journalists could question him. The video was later amplified on national news, cementing Maple Ridge’s image as a community willing to scapegoat some of its most vulnerable residents during a period of profound provincial need.
The 2022 municipal election marked a turning point.
Voters chose to replace Morden with Dan Ruimy, a former Liberal Member of Parliament known for his collaborative approach.
Under Ruimy’s leadership, Maple Ridge has not only met but greatly exceeded British Columbia’s mandated 2025 housing targets within that year. This success was made possible through cooperation with neighbouring municipalities, TransLink, and the federal government among other entities – demonstrating that progress is achievable when leaders prioritize partnership over polarization.
Despite this progress, grievance politics continue to surface.
Recently, BC Conservative MLA Lawrence Mok voiced criticism that the provincial government for not constructing a post secondary institution in his riding.
Although he cited relevant statistics to support his argument, he has not introduced any legislation that would allow such a proposal to be formally debated, assessed, or voted upon in the legislature. Without such action, his criticisms amount to little more than political posturing.
It is worth noting that Mok himself rose to office through community support and consensus building – a fact that seems to have been overshadowed by his recent rhetoric.
At a time when youth unemployment is being influenced by broader economic threats, including potential tariffs from the Trump administration, the riding needs thoughtful leadership rather than finger pointing.
In the end, Maple Ridge-Mission stands at a crossroads.
The community has seen firsthand what can be accomplished when leaders work together with purpose. It has also witnessed the stagnation and division that arise when politicians choose grievance over governance.
As the region looks to its future, the question becomes whether its elected officials will embrace cooperation – or continue down a path where collaboration becomes a relic of the past.
Rebecca Bodo, Maple Ridge