This blog is picking up on a theme that I started a few blogs ago about the state of Confederation. Firstly, I disclaim all over the place, my knowledge of Canadian history – it is not that good and I know that many of my generation are also lacking in a rigourous understanding of Canadian history.
However, having said that, I do know a little bit about economic development. And I am very curious about Ralph Klein’s comments in the National Post this weekend. The headline reads “Klein adamant Alberta won’t share $7-billion surplus”. Klein is quoted as saying “The rest of Canada didn’t offer to share with us in our bad times”.
Now, if King Ralph, would poke his nose out of the (oil) sand for a minute, he would realize that Canada is one of the only countries in the world not to have system of equitable distribution of natural resource revenues. Even Iraq’s new constitution guarantees equality of natural resource revenue distribution throughout the country.
So, without wading into this debate in any great detail, I would say that Canada’s unique and somewhat bizarre natural resource revenue policies are an overt benefit to Alberta – one not given to a discrete province in most countries around the world.
When these revenues made Alberta rich, most Canadians said “good for them”. Now that these revenues are becoming egregious – to the point of eclipsing the Federal Government itself, maybe we should revive ‘ol Trudeau. And if Alberta decides to leave, so be it. Quebec wants out. Newfoundland wants out. BC has rumbled in this direction. Even Cape Breton is evaluating its place in Confederation.
Maybe we need to have a candid discourse about this country. If we are, as Cretien and Martin assert over and over again, the best country in the world with the highest standard of living, the best quality of life, the ‘just society’, then why does everyone want out? Having a de facto policy that leads to this great economic disparity in Canada – to the point of concerning Ontario – is a recipe for ultimate disintegration.
You know my position, I say Alberta can keep their billions – I hope they choke on in. I think New Brunswick should drive economic development the old fashion way – like Ireland – and attract global companies to manufacture, develop and service global markets from little ‘ol NB.
Then when Alberta’s oil rev runs out and New Brunswick has a strong and diversified economy, they can come running to us with their hand out.
Then Premier Bernard Lord IX can be quoted in the Moncton Times and Transcript as saying “Alberta didn’t offer to share with us in our bad times”.
Sheesh, sorry, I just drifted off into Neverland. Back to EI, Equalization, out-migration and the raw and real state of the union in New Brunswick and Canada.