Greg Staples has a translation from a reader on remarks that needs to get some legs in the western Canadian media. FAST.
…”I don’t think anyone can transform Quebec’s economy without government help,” stated Jean Lapierre. “I think the government will have to be extremely active.” Alberta’s prosperity could even be called upon, suggested the minister.”The federal government has the duty to be a real partner, especially since as a government we benefit from the West’s wealth,”he stressed.”So we have to redistribute the wealth. After all, the good fortune of the West could become a disaster for the East. That is why we need a pact that will allow us to even things out.”
This is the latest of a series of similar news stories and opinions published in the past few days.
If they keep this up, the Separation Party of Alberta will need to make twice daily runs to deposit the membership cheques.
John B,
I notice your info is from a government site, and once again it proves how a partial truth is taken as fact. Yes, the feds set up the Ottawa Valley line with the NOP, and Alberta exported a signficant quantity of oil to the U.S. which was higher priced. However, if you look at the Canadian Historical Statistics you’ll find that the actual difference in price between imports and domestic production from 1960 to 1973 is between 1 and 60 cents/barrel cheaper for the import. Yet, once quality of crude and transportation cost is taken into account, the area west of the Ottawa Valley was actually getting a good deal because the Venezuelan oil has a higher sulfur content and requires extra processing, whereas the Alberta oil was a light sweet crude. Oh, and the reason for the NOP was because the government of the day would not support (for a number of different reasons) an oil pipeline from Alberta to Montreal to help make Canada more secure from international disruptions.
BTW, Alberta seemed to do pretty good establishing its infrastructure under Ernest Manning in the 1950s and 1960s when international oil prices were low. And, as others have pointed out, Saskatchewan has considerable oil and gas resources, not to mention potash, agriculture, forestry, coal, and uranium yet it’s always in chronic difficulties. Ideology or philosophy of the governing parties and the populace is the difference.
Sorry, Dave J, you’ve missed the point entirely.
Whether the “English” (that’s to say, British taxpayers resident in England) love the idea of subsidizing other regions or not is neither here nor there.
It’s not a question of whether you or I might like the arrangement or not, it’s a simple political and fiscal reality in any democracy: if you’re a “have,” you’ll be subsidizing the “have-nots.”
And where at any time did I hold up “ANYTHING done by the EU as a shining example of common sense”?
Redistribute THIS!( expletive gesture) I gotcher commie cash grab right here Karl. ( another expletive gesture)
What should be thrown at PMPM in Calgary would be erased if I posted it. But everyone in Calgary should think about it.
Look out Sask. producers – PMPM will grab your oil (when he fails in Alta) with (Fore)lorne’s blessings!! Bail out now!! Get out petitions to get out. Join Alta, Join USA, sit on your own – do something for your own sake – don’t wait on a rooftop for PMPM to send in the troops.
Highly crafty and intriguing article. It highlights the intricate relationship between the subject and its essence. It is highly informative.
figures the frenchocentric viewpoint of their politicians… if you have ever been to quebec..which I have they have a wealthy diverse exciting industry driven province.
for them to be asking for a big slice of the pie that is just wrong.
take a drive on their beautifully crafted highways with more signage and underpasses than any other province. they arent suffering..
who paid for that ..well the rest of canada did..
why dont they quit asking for more and be happy with what they have..