![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Dear Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall,
Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Spy. I am not a Saskatchewanner / Saskatchewanese / Saskatchewatch or whatever people from your province choose to call themselves. Despite this, according to your declaration, I would be more than welcome to move to your province; therefore, please consider this post as my employment application.
I am aware I have yet to state the position for which I am applying. It is not a position that is listed on saskjobs.ca. At least, I do not believe it is listed there but I may not have been able to find it because that particular site, despite its handy categories for jobs by occupation, clearly does not require any jobs posted to have to follow these guidelines. I guess, as opposed to strict guidelines for posting, the categories are mere suggestions to be followed at the whim of the employer. The public likes an easy to navigate site, and since I am a member of the public, if not from your province, I am too frustrated looking at the lack of delineation as to what constitutes an Arts / Culture and Recreation job from a Social Science, Education and Government job to do a thorough search. Take librarians, for instance; they are posted under both categories.
Yes, I will eventually state the job I am applying to with this post but I would like to discuss some of my concerns. You've assured me that "All newcomers are welcome" but when my uncle moved out to Regina, he was made less than welcome. In fact, due to the problem that my social security number would identify me as a former Ontarian, I'm nervous that I would suffer through all the disdain that is legendary in the West towards Ontarians, as if I could control where I was born or where my parents applied for my SIN. Your province does not have a good record for accepting outsiders. One article in the Toronto Star is not going to change the province's reputation. I do, on the other hand, applaud your intentions.
What I cannot applaud are your words. Did your staff not vet what you were going to say? Do you not realize that when you say you're not trying to be glib, you come across as exactly that? It's no different than saying "I don't mean to criticize." Anyone who says that sounds like they're subconsciously gloating before suffering through a litany of problems that plague us. Those of us in Ontario who have been battered by the economy and politicians giving us nothing other than false promises and condescension are going to be highly suspicious of any politician. To say, "we're not immune to what's going on" only to discuss how many jobs your province has, does come across as a bit snide.
I would like to say that I have years of experience in a field like this. I may not have officially held this type of job, but my current profession certainly lends itself to sensitively wording politically and emotionally-charged issues. My profession has also held the ire of the general public since the Mike Harris days so I think I can handle swaying public opinion. Plus, since you've had less than two years in your current position, I cannot believe you would trade enthusiasm and fresh ideas for staid experience. I would like to note that I have written for the political arena before -- albeit once, but since it was for my Aunt, who is a member of the Saskatchewan Cabinet, I feel it is extremely relevant to this job application.
In conclusion, I hope you will consider my application to become your new Communications Director. Considering what I know of the Cabinet, I would be extremely useful. I just hope that you were serious about Saskatchewan being able to provide me with the opportunity I am seeking.
Sincerely.
Spy
Please allow me to introduce myself. I am Spy. I am not a Saskatchewanner / Saskatchewanese / Saskatchewatch or whatever people from your province choose to call themselves. Despite this, according to your declaration, I would be more than welcome to move to your province; therefore, please consider this post as my employment application.
I am aware I have yet to state the position for which I am applying. It is not a position that is listed on saskjobs.ca. At least, I do not believe it is listed there but I may not have been able to find it because that particular site, despite its handy categories for jobs by occupation, clearly does not require any jobs posted to have to follow these guidelines. I guess, as opposed to strict guidelines for posting, the categories are mere suggestions to be followed at the whim of the employer. The public likes an easy to navigate site, and since I am a member of the public, if not from your province, I am too frustrated looking at the lack of delineation as to what constitutes an Arts / Culture and Recreation job from a Social Science, Education and Government job to do a thorough search. Take librarians, for instance; they are posted under both categories.
Yes, I will eventually state the job I am applying to with this post but I would like to discuss some of my concerns. You've assured me that "All newcomers are welcome" but when my uncle moved out to Regina, he was made less than welcome. In fact, due to the problem that my social security number would identify me as a former Ontarian, I'm nervous that I would suffer through all the disdain that is legendary in the West towards Ontarians, as if I could control where I was born or where my parents applied for my SIN. Your province does not have a good record for accepting outsiders. One article in the Toronto Star is not going to change the province's reputation. I do, on the other hand, applaud your intentions.
What I cannot applaud are your words. Did your staff not vet what you were going to say? Do you not realize that when you say you're not trying to be glib, you come across as exactly that? It's no different than saying "I don't mean to criticize." Anyone who says that sounds like they're subconsciously gloating before suffering through a litany of problems that plague us. Those of us in Ontario who have been battered by the economy and politicians giving us nothing other than false promises and condescension are going to be highly suspicious of any politician. To say, "we're not immune to what's going on" only to discuss how many jobs your province has, does come across as a bit snide.
Also, your statement "We've always been a great place to be, but there's opportunity to go along with it," implies that Saskatchewan hasn't always had opportunities. All that does is cement the unfortunate national impression that the province was somewhere to leave, when I'm sure you've had plenty of homegrown, successful people who were entrepreneurial, inspiring and made their own opportunities. Mr. Wall, that statement is really an unintentional back-handed insult towards your own province -- and your constituents.
I would like to say that I have years of experience in a field like this. I may not have officially held this type of job, but my current profession certainly lends itself to sensitively wording politically and emotionally-charged issues. My profession has also held the ire of the general public since the Mike Harris days so I think I can handle swaying public opinion. Plus, since you've had less than two years in your current position, I cannot believe you would trade enthusiasm and fresh ideas for staid experience. I would like to note that I have written for the political arena before -- albeit once, but since it was for my Aunt, who is a member of the Saskatchewan Cabinet, I feel it is extremely relevant to this job application.
In conclusion, I hope you will consider my application to become your new Communications Director. Considering what I know of the Cabinet, I would be extremely useful. I just hope that you were serious about Saskatchewan being able to provide me with the opportunity I am seeking.
Sincerely.
Spy
Tags:
.