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.
History has already judged us. We allowed our freedom to be swindled away from us to a country that has raped our resources and left us with the scraps.
ReplyDeleteI hope we use this new found wealth to build a strong economy and proud people who will one day find their independent spirit once again and set the course of history back on its true track.
I hope, but I don't hold out too much hope. We have become the soft, kept people Canada intended us to become. Lambs to the slaughter I'm afraid.
"" I say too you .That there is an operation at the present time a conspiracy to sell this country ,and I use the word sell advisabley.This country to the Dominoin of Canada .Watch in particular the attractive bait that will be held out to lure our country into the Canadain mouse trap.Listen to the flowery sales stock which will be offered you.Telling Newfoundlanders that they are a lost people.That thier only hope.Our only hope ,our only salvation ,lies in following a new Moses into a promise land across the cabot straight."
ReplyDeleteThey were right then ,and they are right now.What can we not accept as a nation.That Canada does not like us .Are we afraid that we are going to have hard feelings because "THIER FEDERAL"governement does not want to let us into Confederation.To be treated as an equal.To simply have the same say as other minorities
in this country.
As a proud Newfoundlander Patriot I can say that "yes" we would have it hard at first.But,I know what i come from.I have seen Newfoundlander's and Labradorian's around the world achieve greatness when they are given the right tools.
In Ontario they supply skilled trades that are in crucial demand.In Canadas Armed Forces they swell the ranks and achieve greatness there.Around the world ,no matter were we go we fly our Provincal flag proclaiming our nation.
Why do I not fear an independent
state for my nation.I simply have faith in our greatest assest .Our people.
Ottawa wanted Newfoundland and Labrador in confederation because they did not want an independent
state on its eastern border.We achieved greatness before them and they have had thier noises in a snuff ever since.They wanted what looked greener.They simply didn't want to look after the people or live up to its Promises.Term29 is the first excample.
All I can say is this Myles.Can you imagine in todays world,if newfoundlander's and labradorian's used thier skills in our own State.Can you see the differance in your own mind.Can you see the achievements of a great state
I see the dreams of my Grandfather.And the "FREEDOM" of my nation.
As loved our fathers, so we love,
Where once they stood, we stand;
Their prayer we raise to Heaven above,
God guard thee, Newfoundland
God guard thee, God guard thee,
God guard thee, Newfoundland
(And of course poor Labrador)We love you.