Benjamin Disraeli was a pretty good politician.
He served twice as Prime Minister of Britain and was a member of the government for more than 30 years.
A good friend of Queen Victoria, he was instrumental in the creation of the Conservative party in that country.
In addition, the guy was a decent writer, penning many romance novels that met with some critical acclaim and popularity.
And he supposedly did not put much credence in numbers.
A quote widely attributed to Disraeli indicates the collection and analysis of numerical data was not a science he cared for much.
He might have been a bit harsh if he said "there are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies and statistics," but he got his point across.
That sentiment from a politician in the late 1800's can be applied to the early 21st century as well.
Some may say that stats never lie - that they are the only thing that can be trusted.
Unfortunately, any good accountant or number cruncher will tell you that figures can be interpreted subjectively. Even when the numbers only work out to one final result, the conclusion drawn from those results is often open to interpretation.
Such is the case with Andy's Barker's column in the final Advertiser of 2009.
He did some math on the numbers he had obtained, which, evidently, did not match those of Grand Falls-Windsor - Buchans MHA Susan Sullivan, who is also the Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment.
His numbers said 67 per cent of the laid off AbitibiBowater employees in the Exploits Valley are still out of work.
Her numbers work out to be 53 per cent.
Minister Sullivan's number includes a couple of categories Mr. Barker did not, which accounted for the differing conclusions.
There are many questions that remain, though, even after we concede that just a little over half of the former mill employees are still out of work.
Where are those who found employment working?
If they have had to move out of the Exploits Valley or out of the province to find work, then are they adding to our local economy?
How many of these ex-employees are making a wage even close to the one they had at AbitibiBowater?
Is it acceptable somehow that 163 people who were previously unemployed in our local communities could not fill jobs taken by former AbitibiBowater workers?
The bottom line here is that unemployment in our region has grown exponentially because of the shutdown of a mill that was making money and should not have been allowed to shut down in the first place.
There can be only one interpretation of that fact.
It is too bad that no one seems to have unemployment numbers for specific communities - not Service Canada, not the provincial Department of Human Resources, Labour and Employment or even the Economic Development Department of the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor. Statistics Canada keeps numbers, but they incorporate "Notre Dame, Central, Bonavista Bay," and are not a good indicator of our little neck of the woods.
The overall unemployment rate of the Exploits Valley are the numbers we should be concerned about, not just the ones outlined in the HRLE survey of last fall.
In her letter rebuking Mr. Barker's column, Minister Sullivan uses casual conversations with a shopping mall manager, a representative of a car dealership and a real estate professional to determine there has been improvements in the local economy since the shutdown of the mill.
With the exception of housing sales, most of those sales dollars do not stay here. Major retailers like Wal-Mart and Canadian Tire have their head offices in other provinces. We appreciate that their minimum wage employees just received a raise, though.
So, on the one hand, she is able to suggest the column is improperly researched and irresponsible. A column, which as an opinion piece, is understood not to be a factual news article.
Columnists often base their writing on largely colloquial research and evidence. Much like Minister Sullivan's discussions with salespeople, who probably did, in fact, have a good year.
That is not unlikely, considering the government paid out "severance" to the laid off employees, which, when used up, will be replaced by another income. Employment Insurance.
When Mr. Barker wrote his column, many thought "the severance" had previously been reserved for non-management ex-employees of the mill.
Unfortunately, with the limited information available to the public regarding this situation forced people to make their own conclusions. There were, in fact, several ex-employees of the woodlands department and several more Abitibi workers who are still at the mill as it winds down who found out at the end of last month they would finally be included in the "severance" payments.
Minister Sullivan accuses Mr. Barker of "doing a disservice to this community and surrounding area."
Perhaps he is doing something we all need - that is, reminding us that despite what we are being told by Confederation Building, the future is not all sunshine, flowers and lollipops for central Newfoundland.
Minister Sullivan is correct again, however, when she says we have the power, if we work together, to make the area attractive for investors to come here.
We do have the power. Unfortunately, right now it is controlled by Nalcor and the government, who refuse to allow the millions generated by the river in our backyard to stay here. That money flows directly to the Avalon Peninsula.
This region is, indeed, one that is building a new future, as Minister Sullivan says. It is one that must rebuilt.
To admit this region must begin to rebuild is to acknowledge that it has been, at least in part, torn down by the loss of the paper mill.
To try to deny this, whatever numbers are being used, is an attempt to pull of the wool over the eyes of the people here and lull them (or maintain) a sense of complacency. We have had that sense for years in this region, and everyone knows if you continue to do what you have always done, then you will always get what you have always had.
Potential investors and future residents will likely be able to recognize the vibrancy and eagerness of the people of our community for themselves.
The debate over whether we should sit back and take what government is touting as sufficient for our neighbours and our region or whether we should ask for better will continue despite Minister Sullivan's attempt to silence it.
Disraeli would have expected and allowed such a debate in his day.
And scoffed at the stats on the way.
David Newell
The mathematics of unemployment
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Published on
January 14, 2010
- Published on June 22, 2010
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Staff ~ Advertiser
Benjamin Disraeli was a pretty good politician.
He served twice as Prime Minister of Britain and was a member of the government for more than 30 years.
A good friend of Queen Victoria, he was instrumental in the creation of the Conservative party in that country.
In addition, the guy was a decent writer, penning many romance novels that met with some critical acclaim and popularity.
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Comments
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- Patrick
- - June 28, 2010 at 16:19:58
Was it not the government who came to the rescue when the workers rejected the PLAN by Abitibi.The Union should have the break down of workers who have 15 years service up to retirement.How many went out of the workforce with their government benefit. All I say to the Mill worker we were lucky to have Danny Williams providing severence for us as we don't know if he will ever get it back. Government can't do it all like some may think. For Gods sake give them a chance. Just think of the victims of the earthquake and put yourself in their shoes.
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- Patrick
- - June 28, 2010 at 16:19:57
Boys it is time for you all to relax and take a breathe and let the Governments and their agencies do their work. It is time for all to rally around the town and forget what Gander got or #s or percentages and anything anyone else has and see what we collectively can do as a Town. Bringing out the negitive in everthing will get us nowhere. Don't you think Companies looking to invest don't read these comments. Think again. If all they see is these type comment do you think they will come here. Off course not.
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- Ken
- - June 28, 2010 at 16:19:57
Good thing they weren't math teachers
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- gary
- - June 28, 2010 at 16:19:57
what a clown lewis is .
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- jason
- - June 28, 2010 at 16:19:56
start up a farmers market!!! i'll be there every week. it'll act a nursery for small enterprises and re-invigorate the community.
that'd be one step forward at least instead of waiting for government to do something. everyone knows they're only interested in the power and freshwater from that area right now.
do it yourselves!! -
- Lewis
- - June 28, 2010 at 16:19:55
Sloppy journalism/editorial trust? According to whose definition?
Well, The Advertiser's own definition since they admitted as much in this editorial that they got several facts incorrect and did not use due diligence, although they tried to excuse it since it was only a column. -
- gerard
- - June 28, 2010 at 16:19:49
Patrick, if these companies you speak about are basing wether they will start a buisness in GFW based on comments made on this site, are they legitamate companies in the first place or are they just trying to take advantage of some free incentive tax dollars or tax cuts, fill thier pockets and months later slip out the back door.
If a company is thinking about coming here it should do so knowing the true picture and if they still wish to be here than it's because they think it's worth while. Meanwhile, almost a full year and we are still waiting for one of the companies the gov has on hold to start something, maybe in the spring, LOL... -
- gerard
- - June 28, 2010 at 16:19:49
Lewis, to seem like a regular joe, don't use government phrases such as, '' due diligence, or go forward basis''. The second a person reads these phrases, your opinion becomes tainted..
Patrick, you see,it is not really Danny's own money used for severance and it was actually used to shut the union up in thier request for pension bridging, that was actually a stipulation in order to recieve the severance. Also, if you truely think the company proposed a PLAN to keep the mill open, then you must have been part of management, cause i know of no union member who seen a PLAN to keep the mill running, and everyone knows what Danny William's plan was, to see the backs of Abitibi's heads and the start of Nalcor's never ending flow of money.
Also, have some respect for the victims of the earthquake instead of using them to try and make a legitimate discussion seem petty. A person could just as easily wish to see the glass half full and put themselves in the shoes of all the Abitibi upper management who have recieved millions in bonuses for screwing a money making mill into the ground.. -
- gerard
- - June 28, 2010 at 16:19:44
Dave, extremely well said, splitting hairs over the data is what you do when you can't argue about the conclusions they leave. There is a huge cavity in the remaining economics of the entire region. Which won't be repaired by anything the minister has paraded in front of us yet. Her attempt to marginalize Andy's ernest and genuine concern for our current state of affairs was a embarrassing, jaw dropping really! Is this the caliber of persuasion applied around the cabinet table on our behalf? Dave keep being vigilant and the disservice certainly isn't Andy's.
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- Wilson
- - June 28, 2010 at 16:19:33
Nice try, Lewis, or whatever you are calling yourself today, but you are wrong again.
As one who has studied journalism formally, there is nowhere in any coursebook, manual or otherwise where you will find the term due diligence used.
That term is a now political one, which has been used by politicians who were lawyers or business people in their previous lives.
Funny, but people like you and the rest of the members of the PC party cannot see the forest for the trees.
This piece of writing is an opinion. Just as Mr. Barker's was before it. His lack of information can only be blamed on government for either releasing only snippets or not showing due diligence in getting the stories out.
But this government doesn't respect anyone else's opinion, as had been seen many times, especially since the mill closure.
Kudos to the Advertiser for reminding people there are other opinions out there besides government's. -
- sean
- - June 28, 2010 at 16:19:33
Where's the new council? Hawkins, Blackmore, Mercer, Moores, Coady-Davis, full of righteous indignation before the election. Quiet as church mice now!!
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- gerard
- - June 28, 2010 at 16:19:27
Too bad that Hawkins guy never got in as mayor for GrandfallsWindsor, he was really gonna stick it to the government about the millions of dollars being made from our expropriated hydro from our Exploits river. I still don't understand why the gov expropriated so fast, considering the only way for the power to be used was either to operate the mill, or be used by NEWFOUNDLAND HYDRO. If the William's government wanted that mill to continue operating, i'm willing to bet it would be, specially considering Abitibi may be walking away empty handed, no money from expropriated assets and no more millions in profit from a closed papermill. Goes to show the brains behind Abitibi desisions, didn't realize they had a timeless contract to make money, forever and a day. Danny couldn't wait for the words, we will close the mill . Watch out Kruger, you may be next. Danny is two for three on his WATCH so far..
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- Peggy
- - June 28, 2010 at 16:19:24
Sloppy journalism/editorial trust? According to whose definition? The Advertiser is the only news outlet who has the guts to point out the debacle that is occurring in the Exploits valley! There is no one else who cares, media-wise? VOCM is simply a PR wing of the gov. CBC is too busy hiding in the bushes. Good on the paper for trying to keep the public informed and wise to the lack of intereste gov has in developing the economy there.
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- Lewis
- - June 28, 2010 at 16:19:23
Actually the term due diligence is a principle that is held dearly in all journalism ethics courses, outlines and codes that I have seen. But I'll take your advice and speak as monosyllabically as I can around these parts so as not to confuse the poor average Joes.
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- Lewis
- - June 28, 2010 at 16:19:23
Um, The Canadian Journalism Project (www.j-source.ca), The American Journalism Review, several of the writings of Jeffrey Dvorkin at Ryerson Univeristy are on this topic as well, just for instance.
But anyways, I will cease arguing since this has veared way off topic from where we should be. -
- Lewis
- - June 28, 2010 at 16:19:16
Pointing out the misgivings of political rhetoric does not excuse sloppy journalism/editorial trust.
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- max
- - June 28, 2010 at 16:19:13
Well said David
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- gerard
- - June 28, 2010 at 16:19:12
Yes Sean;
I remember the slogan....there's a time for hawks and a time for doves, this isn't anytime for doves. I don't see any hawks in THAT council chamber. -
- Tom
- - June 28, 2010 at 16:19:11
First of all, good artcile Dave and Andy. It's great to see that somewho will continue to keep the situation that we face alive. As someone already said, thank god for the Advertiser being here.
When I read Minister Sullivan's letter to the editor I was somewhat surprised for a number of reasons. First, that she choose to split hairs with the numbers. She claimed that 53% and not 67% were unemployed as some had found employment and others were still at the mill in the wind down phase. In my opinion, that is like saying in a stat that only 53 people died an accident and not 67 and 8 others are on life support. The fact remains that it is a serious situation. Also, having a casual conversation with a couple of business people and they claim all is well is not what I would call solid research.
The second thing that surprised me is that she choose to respond in the first place. Andy's article came out on New Years Eve and I think there were many who never even seen it due to the time of season. What Minister Sullivan did was bring a lot more attention than would have otherwise been raised. It is a good thing that she did in a way as it keeps the conversation going, but, politically it was not a wise move.
In reading the posts from residents it is not important to debate terms like due dilligence and the like but to remember that the situation is a serious one. When the mill closed down last March many in the business community and local residents agreed that it would be a year or two before the fallout would be felt. I think some have already felt the effect, but, on mass, the worse is yet to come as severence and EI runs out. What has the present government really done to date? Yes, they gave the workers their servence, but, the public treasury has recouped that already from the money from Abitibi assets generated on the river. They have anounced a capital expansion for the College of the North Atlantic for the addition of a trade wing to the tune of about 5 million. While appreciated in one way, the public college has been largely ignored for years. The public college needed capital expansion for years as they are breaking at the seams. Expansion of Post secondary could be a big boost economically and things like addtions to the building, more programs and most imporatantly, the addition of a student residence similar to Stephenville backed by government to attract students to the area who need places to stay would boost the local economy.
Another thing is this claim that government has invested over 100 million into the area. Yet, other areas of the province seen more investment in their areas without the economic blow that this area took. What exactly are they saying, if the mill did not close no spending would have been done? Now there is playing with numbers if there ever was one.
Finally, lets not forget the former Abitibi hydro assets on the river. Government has claimed that those assets belong to all of the province and as such they will decide what benefit we will get. Ironiclly, I just finished watching the Premier speaking to a group of business people on the West Coast on NTV and he was praising and bragging for lack of a better word of how far the province have come in the last 6 years. In his speech he mentions the fight for the Atlantic Accord and our right to financial benefit from the resources of our coast as being rightfully ours . While this is popular with the masses it is not quite true. In 1949 when we joined Canada, we surrendered the rights to resources of our coast. If you doubt it then ask yourself why do the feds control the fishery for example? What happened is that a former PC government under Mulronney with John Crosbie as senior minister felt that the province should be granted a benefit to potential oil revenue from the off shore. In short, the Canadian government gave us something that it didn't legally have to. The federal government could have said that the resources of the coast belong to all Canadians and this province will receive what they deem fit. However, and lets give credit where credit is due, John Crosbie and Brian Mulrooney said that it was unfair and in the Atlantic Accord gave this province a share of the revenue. The Canadian government still get the lions share, but, we now get a decent royalty scheme. When the Harper government changed its mind and tied resources to equalization payments the Premier had a fit and removed the Canadian flag from buildings and started an ABC campaign to defeat the Harper government. The people of this province backed him on all of this. Yet, government to date have decided that the revenue from the hydro assets and future development will primarly not benefit this region and any benefit from the assets on the river will be as they see fit. I don't know about anyone else, but that sounds two faced to me. People maybe tired of hearing it, but, accepting this double standard is a huge mistake. We need to get more than what is being offered to date from the assets on the river. To paraphase Premier Williams when he talks about standing our ground with the federal government, we need to stand our gound with him. Whether it is in the form of a royalty scheme or equity stake or whatever, the hydro assets on the river should not and must not be a dead subject and we deserve fairness in the economic spinoff from it as it is critical to our economic and social well being!
In closing, I once again thank Andy and Dave for their articles as it keeps the conversation going As well, and this may sound odd, but, I thank Minister Sullivan for being concerned enough to respond to Andy's article. I believe that Minister Sullivan does have the good intentions of the area she represents at heart. She is in undoubtly the toughest situation any politician could be in. She is a minister in a government with many members of that government who do not give a hoot about this area. With the government with such a large majority this area seems to be deemed as not that important. It is good she is there as she seems to be considered a valuable asset to the government and I shutter to think what would happen if she was not there. As residents of the area we need to encourage her to stand up for what is right for the benefit of the area and back her if she gets into a major battle with members of her own government.
We need to take a lesson from Premier Williams own pagebook from his battle plan with the federal govenment. When you think about it, in many ways there are a lot of similarities. -
- Patrick
- - June 22, 2010 at 17:35:33
Was it not the government who came to the rescue when the workers rejected the PLAN by Abitibi.The Union should have the break down of workers who have 15 years service up to retirement.How many went out of the workforce with their government benefit. All I say to the Mill worker we were lucky to have Danny Williams providing severence for us as we don't know if he will ever get it back. Government can't do it all like some may think. For Gods sake give them a chance. Just think of the victims of the earthquake and put yourself in their shoes.
-
- Patrick
- - June 22, 2010 at 17:35:32
Boys it is time for you all to relax and take a breathe and let the Governments and their agencies do their work. It is time for all to rally around the town and forget what Gander got or #s or percentages and anything anyone else has and see what we collectively can do as a Town. Bringing out the negitive in everthing will get us nowhere. Don't you think Companies looking to invest don't read these comments. Think again. If all they see is these type comment do you think they will come here. Off course not.
-
- Ken
- - June 22, 2010 at 17:35:32
Good thing they weren't math teachers
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- gary
- - June 22, 2010 at 17:35:32
what a clown lewis is .
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- jason
- - June 22, 2010 at 17:35:30
start up a farmers market!!! i'll be there every week. it'll act a nursery for small enterprises and re-invigorate the community.
that'd be one step forward at least instead of waiting for government to do something. everyone knows they're only interested in the power and freshwater from that area right now.
do it yourselves!! -
- Lewis
- - June 22, 2010 at 17:35:29
Sloppy journalism/editorial trust? According to whose definition?
Well, The Advertiser's own definition since they admitted as much in this editorial that they got several facts incorrect and did not use due diligence, although they tried to excuse it since it was only a column. -
- gerard
- - June 22, 2010 at 17:35:24
Lewis, to seem like a regular joe, don't use government phrases such as, '' due diligence, or go forward basis''. The second a person reads these phrases, your opinion becomes tainted..
Patrick, you see,it is not really Danny's own money used for severance and it was actually used to shut the union up in thier request for pension bridging, that was actually a stipulation in order to recieve the severance. Also, if you truely think the company proposed a PLAN to keep the mill open, then you must have been part of management, cause i know of no union member who seen a PLAN to keep the mill running, and everyone knows what Danny William's plan was, to see the backs of Abitibi's heads and the start of Nalcor's never ending flow of money.
Also, have some respect for the victims of the earthquake instead of using them to try and make a legitimate discussion seem petty. A person could just as easily wish to see the glass half full and put themselves in the shoes of all the Abitibi upper management who have recieved millions in bonuses for screwing a money making mill into the ground.. -
- gerard
- - June 22, 2010 at 17:35:18
Patrick, if these companies you speak about are basing wether they will start a buisness in GFW based on comments made on this site, are they legitamate companies in the first place or are they just trying to take advantage of some free incentive tax dollars or tax cuts, fill thier pockets and months later slip out the back door.
If a company is thinking about coming here it should do so knowing the true picture and if they still wish to be here than it's because they think it's worth while. Meanwhile, almost a full year and we are still waiting for one of the companies the gov has on hold to start something, maybe in the spring, LOL... -
- gerard
- - June 22, 2010 at 17:35:12
Dave, extremely well said, splitting hairs over the data is what you do when you can't argue about the conclusions they leave. There is a huge cavity in the remaining economics of the entire region. Which won't be repaired by anything the minister has paraded in front of us yet. Her attempt to marginalize Andy's ernest and genuine concern for our current state of affairs was a embarrassing, jaw dropping really! Is this the caliber of persuasion applied around the cabinet table on our behalf? Dave keep being vigilant and the disservice certainly isn't Andy's.
-
- Wilson
- - June 22, 2010 at 17:34:58
Nice try, Lewis, or whatever you are calling yourself today, but you are wrong again.
As one who has studied journalism formally, there is nowhere in any coursebook, manual or otherwise where you will find the term due diligence used.
That term is a now political one, which has been used by politicians who were lawyers or business people in their previous lives.
Funny, but people like you and the rest of the members of the PC party cannot see the forest for the trees.
This piece of writing is an opinion. Just as Mr. Barker's was before it. His lack of information can only be blamed on government for either releasing only snippets or not showing due diligence in getting the stories out.
But this government doesn't respect anyone else's opinion, as had been seen many times, especially since the mill closure.
Kudos to the Advertiser for reminding people there are other opinions out there besides government's. -
- sean
- - June 22, 2010 at 17:34:58
Where's the new council? Hawkins, Blackmore, Mercer, Moores, Coady-Davis, full of righteous indignation before the election. Quiet as church mice now!!
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- gerard
- - June 22, 2010 at 17:34:51
Too bad that Hawkins guy never got in as mayor for GrandfallsWindsor, he was really gonna stick it to the government about the millions of dollars being made from our expropriated hydro from our Exploits river. I still don't understand why the gov expropriated so fast, considering the only way for the power to be used was either to operate the mill, or be used by NEWFOUNDLAND HYDRO. If the William's government wanted that mill to continue operating, i'm willing to bet it would be, specially considering Abitibi may be walking away empty handed, no money from expropriated assets and no more millions in profit from a closed papermill. Goes to show the brains behind Abitibi desisions, didn't realize they had a timeless contract to make money, forever and a day. Danny couldn't wait for the words, we will close the mill . Watch out Kruger, you may be next. Danny is two for three on his WATCH so far..
-
- Peggy
- - June 22, 2010 at 17:34:47
Sloppy journalism/editorial trust? According to whose definition? The Advertiser is the only news outlet who has the guts to point out the debacle that is occurring in the Exploits valley! There is no one else who cares, media-wise? VOCM is simply a PR wing of the gov. CBC is too busy hiding in the bushes. Good on the paper for trying to keep the public informed and wise to the lack of intereste gov has in developing the economy there.
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- Lewis
- - June 22, 2010 at 17:34:46
Actually the term due diligence is a principle that is held dearly in all journalism ethics courses, outlines and codes that I have seen. But I'll take your advice and speak as monosyllabically as I can around these parts so as not to confuse the poor average Joes.
-
- Lewis
- - June 22, 2010 at 17:34:46
Um, The Canadian Journalism Project (www.j-source.ca), The American Journalism Review, several of the writings of Jeffrey Dvorkin at Ryerson Univeristy are on this topic as well, just for instance.
But anyways, I will cease arguing since this has veared way off topic from where we should be. -
- Lewis
- - June 22, 2010 at 17:34:40
Pointing out the misgivings of political rhetoric does not excuse sloppy journalism/editorial trust.
-
- max
- - June 22, 2010 at 17:34:36
Well said David
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- gerard
- - June 22, 2010 at 17:34:35
Yes Sean;
I remember the slogan....there's a time for hawks and a time for doves, this isn't anytime for doves. I don't see any hawks in THAT council chamber. -
- Tom
- - June 22, 2010 at 17:34:34
First of all, good artcile Dave and Andy. It's great to see that somewho will continue to keep the situation that we face alive. As someone already said, thank god for the Advertiser being here.
When I read Minister Sullivan's letter to the editor I was somewhat surprised for a number of reasons. First, that she choose to split hairs with the numbers. She claimed that 53% and not 67% were unemployed as some had found employment and others were still at the mill in the wind down phase. In my opinion, that is like saying in a stat that only 53 people died an accident and not 67 and 8 others are on life support. The fact remains that it is a serious situation. Also, having a casual conversation with a couple of business people and they claim all is well is not what I would call solid research.
The second thing that surprised me is that she choose to respond in the first place. Andy's article came out on New Years Eve and I think there were many who never even seen it due to the time of season. What Minister Sullivan did was bring a lot more attention than would have otherwise been raised. It is a good thing that she did in a way as it keeps the conversation going, but, politically it was not a wise move.
In reading the posts from residents it is not important to debate terms like due dilligence and the like but to remember that the situation is a serious one. When the mill closed down last March many in the business community and local residents agreed that it would be a year or two before the fallout would be felt. I think some have already felt the effect, but, on mass, the worse is yet to come as severence and EI runs out. What has the present government really done to date? Yes, they gave the workers their servence, but, the public treasury has recouped that already from the money from Abitibi assets generated on the river. They have anounced a capital expansion for the College of the North Atlantic for the addition of a trade wing to the tune of about 5 million. While appreciated in one way, the public college has been largely ignored for years. The public college needed capital expansion for years as they are breaking at the seams. Expansion of Post secondary could be a big boost economically and things like addtions to the building, more programs and most imporatantly, the addition of a student residence similar to Stephenville backed by government to attract students to the area who need places to stay would boost the local economy.
Another thing is this claim that government has invested over 100 million into the area. Yet, other areas of the province seen more investment in their areas without the economic blow that this area took. What exactly are they saying, if the mill did not close no spending would have been done? Now there is playing with numbers if there ever was one.
Finally, lets not forget the former Abitibi hydro assets on the river. Government has claimed that those assets belong to all of the province and as such they will decide what benefit we will get. Ironiclly, I just finished watching the Premier speaking to a group of business people on the West Coast on NTV and he was praising and bragging for lack of a better word of how far the province have come in the last 6 years. In his speech he mentions the fight for the Atlantic Accord and our right to financial benefit from the resources of our coast as being rightfully ours . While this is popular with the masses it is not quite true. In 1949 when we joined Canada, we surrendered the rights to resources of our coast. If you doubt it then ask yourself why do the feds control the fishery for example? What happened is that a former PC government under Mulronney with John Crosbie as senior minister felt that the province should be granted a benefit to potential oil revenue from the off shore. In short, the Canadian government gave us something that it didn't legally have to. The federal government could have said that the resources of the coast belong to all Canadians and this province will receive what they deem fit. However, and lets give credit where credit is due, John Crosbie and Brian Mulrooney said that it was unfair and in the Atlantic Accord gave this province a share of the revenue. The Canadian government still get the lions share, but, we now get a decent royalty scheme. When the Harper government changed its mind and tied resources to equalization payments the Premier had a fit and removed the Canadian flag from buildings and started an ABC campaign to defeat the Harper government. The people of this province backed him on all of this. Yet, government to date have decided that the revenue from the hydro assets and future development will primarly not benefit this region and any benefit from the assets on the river will be as they see fit. I don't know about anyone else, but that sounds two faced to me. People maybe tired of hearing it, but, accepting this double standard is a huge mistake. We need to get more than what is being offered to date from the assets on the river. To paraphase Premier Williams when he talks about standing our ground with the federal government, we need to stand our gound with him. Whether it is in the form of a royalty scheme or equity stake or whatever, the hydro assets on the river should not and must not be a dead subject and we deserve fairness in the economic spinoff from it as it is critical to our economic and social well being!
In closing, I once again thank Andy and Dave for their articles as it keeps the conversation going As well, and this may sound odd, but, I thank Minister Sullivan for being concerned enough to respond to Andy's article. I believe that Minister Sullivan does have the good intentions of the area she represents at heart. She is in undoubtly the toughest situation any politician could be in. She is a minister in a government with many members of that government who do not give a hoot about this area. With the government with such a large majority this area seems to be deemed as not that important. It is good she is there as she seems to be considered a valuable asset to the government and I shutter to think what would happen if she was not there. As residents of the area we need to encourage her to stand up for what is right for the benefit of the area and back her if she gets into a major battle with members of her own government.
We need to take a lesson from Premier Williams own pagebook from his battle plan with the federal govenment. When you think about it, in many ways there are a lot of similarities.
