By Emily Stonehouse

Whenever I see a photo posted on social media of a local politician, many are quick to quip “photo op!”

A shortened term for “photo opportunity”; it is often seen as a negative accusation – criticizing these politicians for only appearing to simply show face for their followers.

When I was at the Minden warming centre last week, I was given a tour by Mayor Bob Carter. At one point, I was snapping photos of the volunteers at the facility, and asked him to join in the shot. He seemed a little trepidatious. And while I eventually twisted his arm, he didn’t want readers to believe he was only there to show face.

Bob Carter was there. Truly. Day in and day out, personally providing wellness checks to his constituents, volunteering his time at the support facilities, mapping and planning out the next steps as the situation continued to evolve. Many other local politicians in neighbouring municipalities should take note of Carter, and his unwavering dedication to his community. He was there. And as a result, he happened to be in some photos.

And for those of us on the ground with him, we knew it was so much more than a photo op. But in this day and age, so many parts of our lives are documented. The weighted term of ‘photo op’ has shifted with the ease in which we can now access our cameras, can share, can post.

Gone are the days of scheduled and rigid poses for a select few to consume. Nowadays, everything is a photo op. Whether we plan it or not.

While the keyboard warriors are quick to carry the accusatory tone when they see politicians in photos, I think it’s time we abandon that quip and start to actually question what politicians are doing – both on camera, and off.

Folks are quick to write off a politician because they are in photos. Like it’s a dig to their value if they appear in some shots. But the ease in which we can access these photos mitigates that argument.

If they are in these photos, it means, in some capacity, that they are there. And while sometimes that seems superficial, in reality, it’s more than many have done. Laurie Scott and Jamie Schmale each came to visit the warming centre in Minden. And while perhaps they have their shortcomings in other areas, at least they came to the place their constituents are suffering.

And yes, a photo was taken. That’s all part and parcel of the political presence these days.

But it’s not a shortcoming.

If we bash people for simply showing up, we are no better than the superficial charade we are projecting onto them. We need to dive deeper.

A real politician is someone who shows up. Who fights for us, for our needs, for our communities. And often, in the roles that extend beyond the boundaries of Minden, that means they are performing on a bigger stage many of us can’t fully conceptualize.

It’s time to pay attention to their actions. The bills they have passed, the alliances they have formed, the battles they have fought on our behalf.

And yes, a few photos will be snapped along the way.

But a real politician shows up. In every way. Both on camera, and off.