Newfoundland and Nova Scotia: Have Your Cake, Eat It, Cry For More
June 13, 2007 · By Aaron Unruh
Of course, the basic principle of the matter is being overshadowed by the shouting of Danny Williams, and that is this: that Canada’s “have not” provinces want to have their cake and eat it too. They want to be able to earn a paycheque – through collecting revenues from non-renewable resources – but still remain on the federal dole – also known as “equalization”. And why shouldn’t they? Stephen Harper promised them they could. So I suppose that must mean it’s still right in principle to demand that your neighbour continue to subsidize you even after you’ve pulled up your bootstraps.
Tom has the obvious solution.
I for one think that Mr. Harper is doing exactly the right thing. He needs to tell those Maritimers firmly and finally that they’re just a bunch of whiny crybabies who ought to stop complaining, pull up stakes and join their smarter relatives in the Oil Patch. Call it tough love, or realipolitik, or what you will. But he really needs to hammer that message home, loud and clear, and as often as possible before the next election.
What really is interesting is that the Liberal and NDP MPs are crying with indignation in the HOC over this issue. But I can guarantee you that they know that PMSH is right on this issue, as neither party that is screaming right now will ever allow the Atlantic Provinces to get full equalization while retaining 100% of their off-shore revenues if they become have provinces.
I for one disagree with Mr. Harper. He needs to tell those maritimers that had the moxy to leave for better opportunities to come back and wait for more gov’t subsidies and hand-outs. What they need is more Cape Breton coal mines and then sit back and watch those votes roll in.
Equalization payments and the offshore accord are two separate issues.
Recent skulduggery by PM Harper should be a concern for all provinces – not just us “crybabies.”
Before you try to fully understand these issues, I would recommend you take an Astronomy course. Hopefully you will quickly realize that Ontario and Alberta are not the center of the universe.
“Equalization payments and the offshore accord are two separate issues.”
In that case, you’ll have to explain to me what it is that has so annoyed Williams and MacDonald.
Exactly, Aaron. Not only are Williams and MacDonald whiners – they lack Prime Minister Harper’s incisive grasp of Maritime history and economics.
Pay attention, Maritime Crybaby. In Prime Minister Harper and the New Government you whiners have met your match. It may sting now, but you’ll thank them for it when you’re off welfare and running a backhoe in Fort McMurray.
“Exactly, Aaron. Not only are Williams and MacDonald whiners – they lack Prime Minister Harper’s incisive grasp of Maritime history and economics.”
?
Ever been to Ft. Mac. balbulican? any idea the number of businesses owned by maritimers? “running a backhoe” don’t bother answering, that sez it all…yeeeesh.
“?” me no “?”s, lad, I’m agreeing with you! Get the friggin’ codslingers off the federal tit! Go, STEVIE!