I sometimes get feedback telling me that I’m always too negative. While Newfoundland and Labrador may have gotten a raw deal, on more than one occasion, and even though the place should be far ahead of where it is today, there are some positives people ask me. “Why don’t you publicize those”?
I understand where those folks are coming from and believe me when I say that I do indeed recognize the positives, when they happen, but unfortunately most of those positives (not all, but most) are the direct result of actions taken inside the province, not outside of it (read Ottawa).
As a proud nationalist, separatist or what ever you want to call me, Ottawa’s relationship with my home nation is my focus. That aside, and in an effort to appease those who believe I never see the positive side of things, here are a few highlights that I wouldn’t dare miss. Once again, ALMOST all home grown.
Regardless of whether or not you support the current government of Danny Williams, I believe most people have to admit that, whether by accident or design, by the time the guy leaves office things will never again be the same in Newfoundland and Labrador.
Arguably the biggest scandal in Newfoundland and Labrador politics (as far as is known to date) spilled into Danny’s term in office and was uncovered on his watch, though its roots were well entrenched long before Williams' time.
Today the MHA spending scandal is being thoroughly investigated, probed and prosecuted. New rules are in place, and while there are no guarantees, you can bet it won’t be as easy in future for elected officials to bilk the public treasury. Now that’s a positive.
The sickening and disgusting mess of the province’s health care system came to light with the revelation that hundreds of breast cancer tests were inaccurate. Many suffered needlessly and some have died, likely as a result. Once again the problem was an old one that presented itself only recently and once again a full public inquiry is being conducted to get to the bottom of it. Another positive.
The provincial prison system is getting a sound review and the judicial system is being assessed to improve its efficiency. In addition, talks are underway to fund a federal prison in the province. All positive actions.
When all is said and done, a fair bit of long overdue house cleaning is going on. The status quo will never be the same and that is indeed a positive.
There are those who will no doubt think I’m just jumping on the “Danny Band Wagon” but nothing could be further from the truth.
Do I like the guy for what he’s done?
Without a doubt.
Do I think he has made some serious mistakes and done less than he should have in key areas, you bet, but after decades of the mindless status quo this place has endured I have to admit that the last few years have been a breath of fresh air.
Newfoundland and Labrador's finances have never been better and granted a lot of the this good fortune came by way of actions taken before the current Premier even considered public life, big ticket items like Hibernia and the original Atlantic Accord for example, but the fact that the province had the ear of a Prime Minister in both instances, on the federal level, played no small part in those plums.
Besides, it’s what came after those historic events that has finally turned this place around.
The 2 billion off the back of the Accord, cutting personal income taxes to the lowest level in Atlantic Canada, doing away with the 15% tax on all forms of insurance (what some consider an illegal tax brought in by a former government) are all actions that stem directly from the current financial condition of the province and having a government in power that is willing to listen to the people when the timing is right.
It’s these types of actions that have helped and will continue to help Newfoundland and Labrador turn the corner. I relish the day a year or so from now when Newfoundland and Labrador can finally call itself a “Have” province. I also take heart in the recent public spectacle of our government officials, of all stripes, being raked over the coals because it can only be good for our future.
So, for those of you who believe I never see the positive side of Newfoundland and Labrador’s existence I hope this has set you straight. I feel good about a lot of aspects of our existence, not the least of which is the fact that while the current federal government may have written Newfoundland and Labrador off, the chickens in Stephen Harper’s hen house appear to be finally coming home to roost.
I only hope Newfoundland and Labrador gets that federal prison built very soon. I suspect there are a few folks in Ottawa who’ll need a place to crash quite soon.
Now that’s something that really puts me in a positive mood. I bet you can almost see the smile on my face.
