History Will Judge...

There are those who believe that every person, at some time in their existance, is faced with an all important choice. A choice that will, if taken, change everything. They believe that each of us is given an opportunity to fulfull our individual or collective destiny by making that decision and taking that chance. Such a decision, for Newfoundland and Labrador, was made nearly 60 years ago.

Are we once again on the edge such an historic choice?

Never have the people of Newfoundland and Labrador more fully understood the true level of disconnect, dis-enfranchisement and disapointment that exists within Canada.

Residing on the eastern most coast without any military protection. Having no control of its offshore renewable or non-renewable resources. With no real voice in Canada's capital.

While Newfoundland and Labrador sons and daughters make up 10% of Canada's armed forces, 5 times the number its population would suggest it should, it is a place where Ottawa's offer of thanks to Canada's military service personnel, the ability to ride the rails "...right across the Country" they help protect, does not extend because Ottawa itself facilited the closure of rail services and the dismantlement of all rail infrastructure decades ago.

In Newfoundland and Labrador the truth of the Canadian federation has never been clearer or the reality of the situation more glaring.

In spite of these roadblocks the people have persevered and never in Newfoundland and Labrador's history has its future looked brighter or its financial situation been better.

Never have the people been better educated and informed.

Never have they been more aware of the importance of their unique history and culture.

Never have they better understood the world outside their doors.

Never have they been more confident in their ability to tackle any obstacle and, in doing so, to perform as well as anyone.

Today Newfoundland and Labrador will bring down a budget that puts it on the cusp of losing its so called "Have Not" status. In the past year it led Canada in GDP growth, by about 300% and in a few short hours the Newfoundland and Labrador government will reveal a nearly $1.5 billion dollar surplus. A surplus that will be used to help tackle debt, ease the tax burden and provide badly needed infrastructure.

Our people are in demand around the world and increasingly right here at home.

While Ottawa continues to callously bribe the people by offering handouts here and there, Newfoundland and Labrador is quickly becoming a place that is willing to face its own challenges, to take on the status quo and to find its own way in spite of the inequality of its existance. Such is the determination of a people with a common history and nationality who are used to facing their challenges as a quiet duty.

Does all of this mean that we should be pleased with our situation and direction? That we should sit back and revel in what we have accomplished? Does it mean we should continue to move in the direction we have already taken, even under the federal realities that have been thrust upon us? Or does it mean the time has arrived when we should begin the struggle to truly become "Masters of our own House"?

Only we, as a people, can answer that question.

Whatever the answer, it is one all of us, including our children, will have to live with.

Indeed, there are those who believe that there are times when each of us must decide to step forward or, in refusing to do so, to fall forever back. History will judge the wisdom of Newfoundland and Labrador's decision.