Sports and Politics...This is What Happens When the Two Meet

Politics is often called a game; a dirty game at that. Politicians are, very often, sports fans as well. You need look no farther than Central Nova MP Peter MacKay. MacKay is mentioned in the book “Full Circle” by Bob Plamondon as a man who “was more likely to become the Commissioner of the NHL than to be a politician.” The Prime Minister is also an avid hockey fan and is writing a book on the history of the game in our country.

It’s interesting when the two worlds meet. This is exactly what is playing out in the nations capital. Opposition politicians are calling into question a decision by Hockey Canada to name Phoenix Coyotes captain Shane Doan as captain of Team Canada at the World Championships, taking place in Russia.

The controversy arises over comments that Doan allegedly made about french officials in a game last year between his Coyotes and the Montreal Canadiens. An NHL investigation cleared Doan, but that doesn’t seem to be good enough for a number of politicians in the National Capital Region.

The Bloc call the decision ‘disrespectful,’ with leader Gilles Duceppe openly musing why the government wouldn’t even comment on the matter. NDP leader Jack Layton says Doan’s captaincy will “cast a shadow on (Canada’s) participation on the international stage.” Liberal leader Stephane Dion simply called it shocking.

The Conservatives are the only ones who have it right here- they’ve said nothing. Secretary of State for Sport Helena Guergis had the only comment; the right one- “It’s not a government decision.”

The only thing disrespectful about this issue is that politicians feel they have nothing better to do than smear a hockey player, representing his country at the highest level of his sport.

Is there nothing better to talk about? I’m sure a decent overview of today’s papers could give the leaders of the official opposition something to ask the government about in “grandstanding period” rather than a decision, made by a body separate from government, that the government can do absolutely nothing about. These are the people running our country. Shameless.