Here’s an interesting article I found in the Gander Beacon today. Thought you folks might want to check it out.
The Future is in Our Past
Audrey Manning
The Beacon
It is time for a revolution. If we don’t stand up and be counted it will prove to all and sundry we really are too stunned to get out of our own way.
Must it be said again we have always stood by and watched our precious resources being squandered? How much longer will we be willing or unwilling participants in this game?
Let there be no mistake, the sky is going to fall. But, it is not only going to fall on Newfoundlanders, it is also going to fall on corporations that take the lifeblood from ordinary people without so much as a by your leave. If history is any indication, we are heading for hard, hard times.
Pretty soon, when we realize money can’t buy food and necessities, the penny is going to drop. Perhaps not today, perhaps not tomorrow, but it’s coming. Maybe the cost of oil will be the straw that breaks the camel’s back. Or, maybe it will be the escalating war on terror. But it’s coming.
When ordinary people understand they are working for nothing to make a few rich they, will wake up. It is already… CONT..
Perhaps the author should think his article through a little more carefully.
ReplyDeleteNewfoundlanders don't provide enough of a tax base to support the number of individuals in the province using the EI system to augment their income.
Have your revolution but who is going to fed your children when you have finished working for your eight weeks.
If I remember the province broke even this year in its budget; that's with money from Ottawa and not addressing the huge debt the province has.
The author wants to live in his own country, I want to live in a bigger house, unfortunalty neither of us can afford it.
That's the problem with you folks in the rest of Canada, you have centralist views and understand nothing about NL.
ReplyDeleteFirst, realize that even with a high unemployment rate there are still far less people on EI in NL than there are in Ontario or Quebec. They are a bigger drain on the system than this province is.
Second, the money did not come from Ottawa, it was royalties on oil from this Province. Royalties that should stay here. On the other hand handouts to Bombardier, Air Canada, the Ontario Auto industry and the like is money that those provinces/companies never made or deserved.
Get your head out of your ass and open your mind to more than your "Canadian" bull shit.
First, realize that even with a high unemployment rate there are still far less people on EI in NL than there are in Ontario or Quebec.
ReplyDeleteDuh. There are more people in Ontario or Quebec, too.
Quebec, with 15 times the population of NL, has only 7 times the number of people collecting EI each year. Ontario, with 22 times the population, has only 6.6 times the number on EI. The EI collection rate in Quebec is, therefore, roughly half what it is in NL, and in Ontario, less than a third.
They are a bigger drain on the system than this province is.
In 2002 (that's the most recent year I have), NL collected $2.28 in EI payments for every $1 of premiums.
In Quebec, they collected 63 cents on the dollar. In Ontario, 31 cents.
That is to say, the federal treasury paid $1.28 more in NL than it took in from the province, and made 37 and 69 cents profit on the dollar in Quebec and Ontario respectively.
PEI and NB were the only other two provinces that had net payments-in from the EI system; in every other province, workers paid more into the system than was paid out in EI.
Second, the money did not come from Ottawa, it was royalties on oil from this Province. Royalties that should stay here.
They always have, and always did. The province has always collected offshore royalties. The money it "gets to keep" is equalization payments from the federal treasury. Ottawa has never collected or withheld oil royalties. This is a local legend.
On the other hand handouts to Bombardier, Air Canada, the Ontario Auto industry and the like is money that those provinces/companies never made or deserved.
How do provinces "deserve" money?
How much to they "deserve"?
Get your head out of your ass and open your mind to more than your "Canadian" bull shit.
Open your mind to facts, and close them to nationalist Newfoundland mythologies.
16:18:13 EDT May 8, 2006
ReplyDeleteST. JOHN'S, N.L. (CP) - Newfoundland's financial strength and
confidence has increased to the point that it doesn't need a partner
to develop a multibillion-dollar hydroelectric project on Labrador's
Lower Churchill River, Premier Danny Williams said Monday.
The announcement marks a symbolic turning point for a province that
has spent decades mulling plans that involved seeking partners with
deep pockets to develop one of the continent's most promising sources
of new hydroelectric power.
The desire to build more power plants on the river in central Labrador
can be traced back to 1972, when the Churchill Falls hydroelectric dam
was completed with Quebec's help.
Under that much-maligned deal, Quebec has reaped nearly $1 billion in
profit while Newfoundland has gained little.
"It's an opportunity for us to get back some of what we've lost on the
Upper Churchill, and the fact we're going to do this alone is
significant," said Williams, adding the project could feed Ontario's
surging energy needs.
With $2 billion from the federal government under a recently
renegotiated offshore energy accord, Williams said the province now
has the financial muscle to get the job done.
"It shows that as a province we've turned the corner fiscally, that
we're moving forward," he said.
"This is something that is our resource. We are properly entitled to
it, and it bodes well for the future of this province because we see
ourselves as a province that's very aggressive, very much on the
move."
But it could be a reckless move if Newfoundland embarked on such a
massive project alone, said Tom Adams, executive director of
Toronto-based Energy Probe.
Adams described Williams's announcement as politically attractive rhetoric.
"This is a very tough project in a harsh location, long transportation
distances, and there's a risk of the project getting into a lot of
cost trouble," he said.
"A much wiser practice is for Newfoundland to partner with people that
have the capacity on an industrial level, not just the money, but the
project management and engineering experience . . . to make something
like this work."
Williams said that while the province will take the lead in any
development, he hasn't shut the door on involvement from other
parties, if it's necessary.
The project is not a done deal and the province has yet to decide on
what it would build and whether the project would ultimately be
feasible, the premier said.
But he has set some deadlines.
A final decision will be made by 2009. If the project is given the
go-ahead, the earliest the project could produce power is 2015.
Before that, the province must first negotiate a benefits agreement
with the Innu Nation of Labrador and begin a comprehensive
environmental review.
On Monday, the province also announced that four environmental
contracts valued at $440,000 have been awarded for studies required
for an environmental impact statement.
Last August, Williams said an in-house proposal was among four
possible developments under consideration.
Under that plan, the completed development would produce 2,800
megawatts of electricity - enough power to supply 1.4 million
households.
The proposal, which Williams said could cost between $6 billion to $9
billion, would include construction of hydroelectric generating
stations at Gull Island and Muskrat Falls on the eastern section of
the Churchill River, downstream from the Churchill Falls dam.
(c) The Canadian Press, 2006
First, realize that even with a high unemployment rate there are still far less people on EI in NL than there are in Ontario or Quebec.
ReplyDeleteDuh. There are more people in Ontario or Quebec than in NL.
With 15 times the population, Quebec only has seven times the EI recipients. Ontario has 22 times the population, but only six times the EI recipients. That is to say, the rate of people collecting EI in Quebec is half that of NL; in Ontario, it’s less than a third.
They are a bigger drain on the system than this province is.
Ontario and Quebec EI recipients aren’t a “drain” on anything. The labour force in both those provinces pay more into the system than they collect. In Quebec, people collected 63 cents for every dollar of premiums they paid. In Ontario, it was 31 cents. In NL, on the other hand, people collected $2.28 for every dollar of premiums. The federal treasury, in other words, made a 37-cent profit in Quebec and a 69-cent profit in Ontario, off the EI system.
Second, the money did not come from Ottawa, it was royalties on oil from this Province. Royalties that should stay here.
They always have and always did. The province has always collected those royalties, and they have always stayed in the province. Any statement to the contrary is just a local myth.
What the Atlantic Accord does is continue to give the province equalization on top of those royalties. That’s what the province wanted. It was already getting, and keeping, royalties. Ottawa has never collected those royalties.
On the other hand handouts to Bombardier, Air Canada, the Ontario Auto industry and the like is money that those provinces/companies never made or deserved.
What money to provinces “deserve”? How do you calculate such things?
Get your head out of your ass and open your mind to more than your "Canadian" bull shit.
Open your mind to more than the usual Newfoundland myths and Open Line “experts”.
I say the end is looking very near in the United States to its, false so called booming economy.
ReplyDeleteAll one has to do is look at the large newly built and under construction condominum projects on the beaches in Florida, from Florida's East Coast beaches to its Gulf Coast beaches, projects with up to 200 condiminiums contained within its walls, some of those units are worth more than $1 million dollars per unit, with the cheapest $750,000.00. Some of those real estates projects have not even one condominium sold. There are many of those projects, on Daytona Beach, Cocoa Beach, Treasure Island Beach, St. Pete's beach, etc. etc.
Which financial institutions are financing those projects? I am wondering where are the logistics to build such monstrosities, without people ready and willing to buy them? Where are the brains behind lending such money?
Those so called bankers, who are making such deals are killing all of us. I am wondering is there anybody overseeing the lending by those bankers. Does anybody get into hot water for making such bad financial lending?
Soon we will hear that Canadian Banks and Insurance Companies will have had a bad financial quarter, because of their lending practices to real estate holders in the United States. I now saw it first hand, because I saw all those projects with my own eyes and I even spoke to some inhabitants from Florida who cannot understand why they keep on building.
Make no wonder the economy comes to a screeching halt ever two or three years, especially when there are decisions made such as I just described.
Take all of the Centralist employment in our Canadian system away from Ontario and see who is poor then.
ReplyDeleteTry taking Petawawa, Borden, Trenton, Ottawa, Kingston out of Ontario and putting it in any Colony and see whos who in the zoo then?
The colonies of Ontario are and have been keeping Ontario going for far to long in this Colonial Federalist farcical democracy called Canada.
In no way shape or form is there any equality in Canada amongst the Provinces. Not in the House which I understand but the Senate and Supreme court should have equal representation from all partners in this Federation if it expects to remain so IMHO.
Just because federal monies are dolled out to Other provinces in the form of federal jobs and agencies doesn't mean it isn't equalization. Just in the guise of Federal jobs. Believe you me Newfoundland and Labrador would much rather have federal infrastructure and jobs than the pittance in Equalization that we receive in lieu of federal presence. 250 million only equates to 5000 jobs at 50,000$ each One manned military base which NL doesn't have a one.
http://www.mun.ca/harriscentre/Federal_Presence_Report_FINAL_WEB.pdf
NL brought more into this Colonial Federation than any other colony and if and when it leaves it will take more with it as well. The Grand Banks alone is the size of the Three Prairie Provinces combined and the Land Mass of NL is three times the size of the Maritime provinces combined.
CD Howe should have his grave desicrated for what he did to NL upon joining the Federation in 1949. He hid the discovery of the worlds largest and richest iron ore deposit in Labrador from NL so that NL would be in a weaker bargaining position in the terms of union agreement.
Read Newfoundland at the crossroads to see just how corrupt and underhanded Canada was in hoodwinking NL into joining. SOld out by Britain for war debt.
http://www.tidespoint.com/books/nf_atthecrossroads.shtml
So go back to your high paying fedederal jobs on the backs of the poor colonies of this Colonial Federalist country and keep telling yourself that the primary resource sectors aren't keeping this country growing and in good stead.
Freaking Border Hugging American wannabees in Ontario should shut the fk up and try working for a living.
First I am a Newfoundlander, I'm just not willing to accept the fact that working for eight weeks is normal.
ReplyDeleteSecondly: Newfoundland receives more money from Ottawa then it does from oil revenues.
Anyone who believes we should be indepenedent has to lay down the screeh bottle and use both hands to pull their heads out of their collective asses.
Don't mislead yourself with statistics: If you live in NL you are nearly three times as likly to have cashed an EI check last year then if you lived in Ontario.
ReplyDeleteI love someone who says "don't mislead yourself with statistics" and follows it by spouting them. Great argument a-hole
ReplyDeleteFor those who actually belief the myth that N&L is a financial drain on Canada don't get caught in that federalist trap.
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of things to say abaout what we contribute to Canada without recognition. The inequity of profits to Quebec from Churchill Falls is perhaps the most blatant example.
But if you think this is the case it is time for a review of Mr. Cleary's article from The Independant. This isn't a proper financial audit but there is certainly enough detail there to proof the point: http://www.theindependent.ca/pdf/Cost_benefit_methodology.pdf
As for the revolution I like the T-shirt for the Accordian Revolution. It has dark rebel characters on it, but a closer look shows they are holding musical instruments.
The revolution has already begun, and it's being done our way...
You also seem to forget that most Newfoundlanders enjoy being Canadians. Whats the dollar value on that?
ReplyDeleteI would just hate to give the impression to other Canadians that all Newfoundlanders are as moronic as you.
One manned military base which NL doesn't have a one.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mun.ca/harriscentre/Federal_Presence_Report_FINAL_WEB.pdf
There are "men" at both Goose Bay and Gander.
NL also has a much higher share of the federal civil service than of the national population. Funny how that fact got glossed over in the Harris "study".
But if you think this is the case it is time for a review of Mr. Cleary's article from The Independant. This isn't a proper financial audit but there is certainly enough detail there to proof the point: http://www.theindependent.ca/pdf/Cost_benefit_methodology.pdf
ReplyDeleteToo bad Cleary didn't look at BOTH sides of the balance sheet.
That "cost benefit" report is laughably bad.
First I am a Newfoundlander, I'm just not willing to accept the fact that working for eight weeks is normal.
ReplyDeleteSecondly: Newfoundland receives more money from Ottawa then it does from oil revenues.
Anyone who believes we should be indepenedent has to lay down the screeh bottle and use both hands to pull their heads out of their collective asses.
You may live in Newfoundland, but you are not a Newfoundlander, or at least after reading you post I would NEVER accept you as one.
Although you spelled it incorrect, I am assuming that you meant, Screech? I am a self proclaimed professional drinker, and I can’t name five people in Newfoundland who actually drink Screech. Sounds like the typical mainlander stereotype to me.
There are and always have been forces working in the background to steal NL's resources amnd make NLians feel like second class citizens in this phony Federation.
ReplyDeleteDon't let the nay sayers sway your resolve if you truly are a Newfoundlander and Labradorian believee in yourself and your fellow NL'ian don't listen to these federally paid naysayers and large corporations who would wish to continue using NL as a cash cow to be sent to slaughter once all the resources have been pillaged.
Would Canada be touting a great economy and be giving tax relief if ONtario had a Unemployment rate of 15% over all and 50% amongst young people?
Second class citizens in this Colonial Federalist democracy in Which Ontario is the Centrist power where the majority of the tax collected is spent in Ontario.
Don't divy up the monies spent in catagories count all of our tax dollars spent in each province no matter where or how JObs Equalization infrastructure.
Solidarity is the only way we can beat back these nay sayers.
WAY TO GO WJM!! Finally someone who has got it right!
ReplyDeleteI've had enough of this "Newfie Republic" mentality.
WAY TO GO WJM!! Finally someone who has got it right!
ReplyDeleteI've had enough of this "Newfie Republic" mentality.
WOULD YOU SHUT UP ABOUT CHURCHILL FALLS ALREADY!!
ReplyDeleteYou guys didn't have a gun held to your heads did you?? Your ELECTED representatives made that deal! Right or wrong, if you're gonna elect them then you have to pay the consequences(as you will soon see with Danny Williams). Good luck controlling that lunatic.
If the Supreme Court wasn't stacked against N:L with 3 three guaranteed positions from Kabec and 2 from Ontario none from NL maybe they would have seen that Kabec was in a conflict of interest during the negotiations. In fact they were even told that they couldn't hold shares because they would be in a conflict of interest.
ReplyDeleteRead this report on the negotiations named The origins of an impending crisis.
http://www.ucs.mun.ca/~feehan/CF.pdf
MrChills, So I'm not a Newfoundlander because I enjoy being Canadian and work 48 weeks a year?
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's you acceptance i'm looking for.
MrChills, So I'm not a Newfoundlander because I enjoy being Canadian and work 48 weeks a year? I don't think it's you acceptance i'm looking for.
ReplyDeleteYou narrow minded view and overused cliché of the bottle of Screech is why I would not accept you as a Newfoundlander. Also, if you didn’t care for the acceptance, chances are you would have not even responded; however, while we are on the subject, what acceptance are you looking for?
Is working less than a 48 week year and not enjoying being a Canadian what makes a Newfoundlander in your eyes? It amazes me how so many people interpret things so strangely. I also work > 48 weeks a year and for the most part enjoy being a Canadian, does that mean I am also not a Newfoundlander?
If the Supreme Court wasn't stacked against N:L with 3 three guaranteed positions from Kabec
ReplyDeleteWhat's "Kabec"?
and 2 from Ontario none from NL
That's odd. All the judges of the Newfoundland Court of Appeal were from Newfoundland, and they came to the same conclusion as the Supreme Court of Canada.
maybe they would have seen that Kabec was in a conflict of interest during the negotiations.
Even if they were, and even if it was alleged in the court case, which it wasn't, it would have been immaterial to the legal question as it was framed.
AH but there was a gun held to NL's head as well as to Canada.
ReplyDeleteThe FLQ remember them threatened to sabotage any power lines running through Quebec if Quebec didn't get the lions share of profits.
Just look at the National power corridor running from Alberta's Natural gas fields across three provinces Sask, Manitoba and Ontario, expropriated by the Feds to benefit Alberta and Ontario.
But the feds wouldn't expropriate land across Quebec so NL could wheel power?
Second class Canadians is what NL'ians are.
But you know what there are power lines in Labrador which lead to Quebec, Ontario and the Eastern United States also. I imagine there are alot of hunters out that way that aren't very good shots and may aim a little to high and hit some insulators.
LOL...so NL signed the Churchill Deal because the FLQ threatened to pull down power lines...nice try.
ReplyDeleteHow about you flip open you Grade three NL history book: The deal was signed with PQ because NL did not have the start up money for the project. Without PQ putting up the start up cash the project would never have gotten of the ground. Thats why the elected premier singed the deal. There is no back room deals, the premier messed up! We elected him so suck it up!
Thank you, anonymous.
ReplyDeleteYou could also add, the premier signed the deal because he allowed construction to proceed, and sink the project many millions of dollars into debt, before the financing was in place.
No one forced Smallwood to do that.
And now, Danny Williams is proposing a deal, to greater public adulation, and less public scrutiny or critical thought, than the one Smallwood got us into.
Doesn't anyone else get creeped out by that?
Yeah WJM....a lot of us are getting creeped out. Williams is going to be the final nail int he Newfoundland coffin. Count on it.
ReplyDelete