Well readers and contributors to Sue's Blog - if you can dedicate some of your time to reading a post - let it be this one.
Let's start with the letter of promises Stephen Harper gave to Danny Williams during the last federal election campaign.
VIEW THE LETTER HERE
In this letter you will notice a section which addesses the question of Equalization. Stephen Harper clearly states that non-renewable natural resource revenues will be reomoved from the formula. He also states that no province will be adversely affected by changes to the equalization formula.
When Danny signed the additional agreement under the Atlantic Accord he failed to protect against changes to the equalization formula. This was clearly an error in otherwise a tremendous accomplishment.
Equalization is a stand-alone federally controlled program which is reviewed every four years and Danny knew that changes were imminant. On that basis - somebody let him down on the wording of the agreement or he simply capitulated to that wording in order to claim victory.
During the course of negotiations questions were raised by members of the public and subsequently by the Opposition regarding concerns that changes to equalization in the future could could diminish or even eliminate the gains that would be made.
The Premier acknowledged this concern - as did his Minister of Finance - Loyola Sullivan - and claimed that this obstacle would be overcome before a deal was signed.
When he rode down the esculator to hundreds or thousands of cheering fans - it was clear the Stanley Cup had arrived. The Premier laced up the skates - took it to the Canadians and achieved 100%.
He did not tell you the whole truth - and in that he either lied or was incompetant. What he achieved was a 100% position that could be altered by any PM in the future during equalization review.
So the Premier knows the flaw is there - but he would rather place the emphasis of commitment on Harper. In fact he nor we would have to be concerned right now about the oil revenues if he had done the job.
He is now hanging his helmet on the promise made by Harper that no province would be adversely affected by changes to the equalization formula. Harper for his part can cause the additional agreement gains to be diminished and still claim that our province is not adversely affected by changes to Equalization. Harper - you see - is treating the equalization program as distinct and seperate from the Atlantic Accord & the new Additional Agreement. Technically he is correct but morally and ethically he is void - as he knows that the rumoured changes would impact Newfoundland and Labrador through the change in formula (indirectly) as equalization is one component of three used in the calculation of our Additional Agreement benefits.
Having said all of that - the Premier should concern himself with the ultimate promise made by Harper to Newfoundland and Labrador - in fact all of Canada - that is to remove non-renewable natural resource revenues from the formula. If he were to live up to that commitment - the Additional Agreement would not even be necessary. Further it would remove the significant revenues we receive now from mineral resources and particularly Voisey's Bay.
Stephen Harper will get away with breaking this promise - because Quebec does not want it and Ontario does not care (as long as they get their bit) - unless Danny is a true fighting Newfoudlander and Labradorian and takes the PM on if he breaks this crucial commitment. But that is going to take real guts - not the smart-mouthed hockey enforcer that thrills the fans by throwing off the gloves and hauling up the sleeves on his 1949 Jersey. Not the same tactics used with Abitibi or the Public Service Unions or FPI (all show - but no go). No he needs to treat Harper like he treats the oil giants. He needs to expose this PM as a traitor to his country - a sell-out of his stated economic principles - the ones he esposed for decades.
Harper is a political prostitute. He abandoned all ideology before he sat his arse on the PM's chair for the first time. He is being managed by political handlers (most important of which is Mulrooney) and is being told what is and who are important to maintain government.
First let me repeat that equalization does not require agreement by one or ten provinces of Canada - it is a federal unilateral program. Politically speaking it requires only Quebec - Ontario - and to a lesser degree Alberta and BC.
When Harper made the promise to remove non-renewables from the formula - he was supported by BC - Alberta - Saskatchewan - Ontario - and Newfoundland and Labrador and was rejected by Manitoba - Quebec - PEI - New Brunswick - and Nova Scotia. It was 5 to 5.
What happened since is the height of ethically bankrupt politicians. He had two ways to go. To break the impasse between provinces he could have found a solution to bring more support to the promise of removal. This would have taken some brains - dedication - and creativity. It would appear - if the rumours are true - that he chose instead the tried and true political route of "just give Quebec and Ontario what they want". Make no mistake this hurts us. This is where we should make our stand and a final stand at that if we can't hold him to this promise.
Quebec was easy - they did not want non-renewables removed - Ontario was just as easy if Harper promised them a new bag of money. Alberta supported the principle but does not rely on it - as they are not a recipient province.
Face to face - eyeball - to eyeball Harper guaranteed me that non-renewable natural resource revenues would be removed. It was and is based on solid economic policy which recognizes that future generations would not have direct benefit from an exhausted non-renewable resource - so at the very least the direct revenues from those resources when exploited should remain in the Provinces for infrastructure or a "heritage fund" or some other benefit that would accrue to our children and grand-children.
If the PM breaks this promise the flag should come down and never go up again - because Canada (Ontario and Quebec) will have screwed our people again.
That Randy Simms is not a myth.
Showing posts with label Williams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Williams. Show all posts
Thursday, January 18, 2007
On this you have my Support
When it comes to dealing with the oil giants - Williams is on the mark. They are greedy beyond capitalist expectations - and are usually run by arrogant individuals. The negotiators and senior employees of these corporations make more in bonuses personally - by low-balling governments (owners of the resource) - in one year than most people in this province would make over 100 years.
Further it is important that industrial benefits and royalties reflect the reality of global economics at the time of agreement.
For those who wish to see the letter from government to the CNLOPB press HERE.
The response from Liberal Leader Gerry Reid was predictable and political. There are real examples of inconsistency with the Danny Regime - and even more evidence that he is a bully. He has failed miserably in the Pulp and Paper Industry - the Fishing Industry - and in the development of rural Newfoundland and Labrador. The Premier is totally inconsistent with respect to wind development - hydro development - and the promise of an energy plan. These are significant issues which need alternate policy choices and real leadership with a vision.
Unfortunately the Libs are offering little as an alternate choice. The Official Opposition offers nothing on the energy side as they believed an energy plan was not relevant let alone essential - they had Abitibi Stephenville in their hands to fix - but let the election get in the way. The Official Opposition appear to be all over and nowhere at all regarding the fishery - outside a constituency comment here and there. The saddest of all is the Great Liberal Party is grabbing headlines via Grimes and Efford - while Dumaresque claims the party tent is getting larger. While it is nice to see the boys kiss and make up - the tent is hardly getting bigger - I'm sure the size of it is actually smaller with a group of opposition critics - who still believe they are Ministers - smothering any growth with stagnant air under a leaking canvas.
Kudo's to Williams for allowing the Minister of Fields and Farms to speak on oil and gas - this might be a sign of growth in his personality - more likely it's the Peckford Syndrome kicking in - somebody - in this case Sue's Blog points out the Premier controls certain Ministerial files - and then he - to prove that wrong - will do exactly the Opposite.
International Finance reports from Bloomberg
demonstrate exactly why Premier Williams should stand firm. Here's a quote from the Story:
Newfoundland is trying to maximize benefits and capitalize on high oil prices, which reached a record of $78.40 a barrel in July, said Martin Molyneaux, a Calgary analyst with FirstEnergy Capital Corp. Crude prices have dropped about a third in the past six months and Newfoundland risks driving the oil companies away, he said.
``If I was the government of Newfoundland, I wouldn't be playing too hardball with these guys because there are lots and lots of alternatives'' to investing in Newfoundland, said Molyneaux in a telephone interview. He rates Hibernia owner Petro-Canada of Calgary as a ``top pick'' and owns an undisclosed number of shares. ``You don't want to push too far because these companies have a long history of walking away when things get ridiculous.''
You see a Calgary analyst and Petro-Canada shareholder - telling us what's best for us - is suspect at best - and typical "they are stupid Newfs" at worst. So on the issue of oil and gas - keep up the fight Premier - take em for all their worth.
And just before I post - Danny Dumaresque just finished on Open-Line with Randy Simms - and most everything he said respecting the Premier and his failures are true - but he too fell into the trap of continuing the condemnation of bullying the oil companies. Sad really and the very reason the voters will reject the Liberal candidates. The Opposition does not have alternative policy except - handle the oil companies with kid gloves. John Efford - Roger Grimes - and Walter Noel should not be responsible for rebuilding the Party - in fact it will not work. Unless you mean what you say - and treat people with respect - there will be no grand recovery by October. There's no doubt the caucus are consummate politicians - take what they can - promise what they have to - and deliver as little as possible - in order to garner votes and support. It's time now to respect what the electorate want - a real choice - a new vision - and a clean sweep of the house.
There are two clear indications of what people are saying to the Liberals. One - Danny is making mistakes and is doing little to rebuild our provinces rural economy - he lost support but it went to the undecided column.
Two - they are unprepared to go another round with the old Liberal Cabinet - without the infusion of new blood and a very different policy platform.
Further it is important that industrial benefits and royalties reflect the reality of global economics at the time of agreement.
For those who wish to see the letter from government to the CNLOPB press HERE.
The response from Liberal Leader Gerry Reid was predictable and political. There are real examples of inconsistency with the Danny Regime - and even more evidence that he is a bully. He has failed miserably in the Pulp and Paper Industry - the Fishing Industry - and in the development of rural Newfoundland and Labrador. The Premier is totally inconsistent with respect to wind development - hydro development - and the promise of an energy plan. These are significant issues which need alternate policy choices and real leadership with a vision.
Unfortunately the Libs are offering little as an alternate choice. The Official Opposition offers nothing on the energy side as they believed an energy plan was not relevant let alone essential - they had Abitibi Stephenville in their hands to fix - but let the election get in the way. The Official Opposition appear to be all over and nowhere at all regarding the fishery - outside a constituency comment here and there. The saddest of all is the Great Liberal Party is grabbing headlines via Grimes and Efford - while Dumaresque claims the party tent is getting larger. While it is nice to see the boys kiss and make up - the tent is hardly getting bigger - I'm sure the size of it is actually smaller with a group of opposition critics - who still believe they are Ministers - smothering any growth with stagnant air under a leaking canvas.
Kudo's to Williams for allowing the Minister of Fields and Farms to speak on oil and gas - this might be a sign of growth in his personality - more likely it's the Peckford Syndrome kicking in - somebody - in this case Sue's Blog points out the Premier controls certain Ministerial files - and then he - to prove that wrong - will do exactly the Opposite.
International Finance reports from Bloomberg
demonstrate exactly why Premier Williams should stand firm. Here's a quote from the Story:
Newfoundland is trying to maximize benefits and capitalize on high oil prices, which reached a record of $78.40 a barrel in July, said Martin Molyneaux, a Calgary analyst with FirstEnergy Capital Corp. Crude prices have dropped about a third in the past six months and Newfoundland risks driving the oil companies away, he said.
``If I was the government of Newfoundland, I wouldn't be playing too hardball with these guys because there are lots and lots of alternatives'' to investing in Newfoundland, said Molyneaux in a telephone interview. He rates Hibernia owner Petro-Canada of Calgary as a ``top pick'' and owns an undisclosed number of shares. ``You don't want to push too far because these companies have a long history of walking away when things get ridiculous.''
You see a Calgary analyst and Petro-Canada shareholder - telling us what's best for us - is suspect at best - and typical "they are stupid Newfs" at worst. So on the issue of oil and gas - keep up the fight Premier - take em for all their worth.
And just before I post - Danny Dumaresque just finished on Open-Line with Randy Simms - and most everything he said respecting the Premier and his failures are true - but he too fell into the trap of continuing the condemnation of bullying the oil companies. Sad really and the very reason the voters will reject the Liberal candidates. The Opposition does not have alternative policy except - handle the oil companies with kid gloves. John Efford - Roger Grimes - and Walter Noel should not be responsible for rebuilding the Party - in fact it will not work. Unless you mean what you say - and treat people with respect - there will be no grand recovery by October. There's no doubt the caucus are consummate politicians - take what they can - promise what they have to - and deliver as little as possible - in order to garner votes and support. It's time now to respect what the electorate want - a real choice - a new vision - and a clean sweep of the house.
There are two clear indications of what people are saying to the Liberals. One - Danny is making mistakes and is doing little to rebuild our provinces rural economy - he lost support but it went to the undecided column.
Two - they are unprepared to go another round with the old Liberal Cabinet - without the infusion of new blood and a very different policy platform.
Wednesday, January 17, 2007
Way to go Dean Dan & Ed
I see the "best minds in the Province" (quote by Minister Dunderdale regarding Energy) are up to speed again.
Listen Newfoundland and Labrador and while you are listening take a sniff.
The sound you hear is the mighty Churchill meandering it's economic potential through Labrador and right in to Central Canada. If you take a sniff you might get a scent of manure being spread around the pastures of Newfoundland and Labrador - as the energy gurus contend they are "all over it" as it relates to energy and industrial development.
In your dreams MacDonald and Williams - if you believe the misguided logic you are using to export hydropower will place us in the same category as Hydro Quebec. In fact you are insuring we never will experience that success.
Hydro developments require significant equipment purchases such as turbines and generators - they are supplied by various manufacturing companies around the world. Obviously Newfoundland and Labrador as with Quebec have engaged in this type of transaction in the past and will do so in our future.
Here's where we miss the boat over and over and over - falling square of the wharf and into the drink...
Here's the latest today - way to go Quebec - hey Dean and Dan you need to connect those advanced fibre-optics (with duct tape) into your brains and see if you can't stimulate the necessary thoughts to lead us to prosperity.
Media advisory - Voith Siemens Hydro Grows Presence in Québec - CEO to address members of the electricity industry
MONTREAL, Jan. 15 /CNW Telbec/ - The President and Chief Executive
Officer of Voith Siemens Hydro Power Generation Hubert Lienhard (PhD) will
deliver an address to members of the Quebec electricity association during his
visit to Montreal on January 17th. His speech will focus on the role of
equipment suppliers in the sustainable development of hydropower.
Founded in 1867, Voith Siemens is a leader in hydropower equipment and
services. The company is responsible for having built and installed close to
one third of the world's hydropower turbines and generators. The opening of a Canadian head office in Montreal, accompanied by the creation of 50 new jobs in 2007 confirms the strong economic potential of hydropower in Quebec and in Canada.
Viper - Bentley - Jaguar - or Mercedes - your oil and gas guzzlers are being left in the dust by the little electric car that could.
And the extinct Newfie Bullet (the Liberals) have gone completely off track with no commentary on the matter. I'll take that means you are in agreement with the PC policy.
Listen Newfoundland and Labrador and while you are listening take a sniff.
The sound you hear is the mighty Churchill meandering it's economic potential through Labrador and right in to Central Canada. If you take a sniff you might get a scent of manure being spread around the pastures of Newfoundland and Labrador - as the energy gurus contend they are "all over it" as it relates to energy and industrial development.
In your dreams MacDonald and Williams - if you believe the misguided logic you are using to export hydropower will place us in the same category as Hydro Quebec. In fact you are insuring we never will experience that success.
Hydro developments require significant equipment purchases such as turbines and generators - they are supplied by various manufacturing companies around the world. Obviously Newfoundland and Labrador as with Quebec have engaged in this type of transaction in the past and will do so in our future.
Here's where we miss the boat over and over and over - falling square of the wharf and into the drink...
Here's the latest today - way to go Quebec - hey Dean and Dan you need to connect those advanced fibre-optics (with duct tape) into your brains and see if you can't stimulate the necessary thoughts to lead us to prosperity.
Media advisory - Voith Siemens Hydro Grows Presence in Québec - CEO to address members of the electricity industry
MONTREAL, Jan. 15 /CNW Telbec/ - The President and Chief Executive
Officer of Voith Siemens Hydro Power Generation Hubert Lienhard (PhD) will
deliver an address to members of the Quebec electricity association during his
visit to Montreal on January 17th. His speech will focus on the role of
equipment suppliers in the sustainable development of hydropower.
Founded in 1867, Voith Siemens is a leader in hydropower equipment and
services. The company is responsible for having built and installed close to
one third of the world's hydropower turbines and generators. The opening of a Canadian head office in Montreal, accompanied by the creation of 50 new jobs in 2007 confirms the strong economic potential of hydropower in Quebec and in Canada.
Viper - Bentley - Jaguar - or Mercedes - your oil and gas guzzlers are being left in the dust by the little electric car that could.
And the extinct Newfie Bullet (the Liberals) have gone completely off track with no commentary on the matter. I'll take that means you are in agreement with the PC policy.
Hydro Quebec - Moving to improve Pulp and Paper sector...
It is really hard to keep up with Hydro Quebec - probably because we have and are doing nothing to use energy for economic growth.
This News Release affects the Pulp and Paper sector which - as in Newfoundland and Labrador - is important to Quebec.
Attention News Editors:
Hydro-Québec awards ERCO Worldwide $2.5 million for energy efficiency projects
MONTREAL, Jan. 16 /CNW Telbec/ - Under its energy efficiency programs for
large-power customers, Hydro-Québec will provide ERCO Worldwide, a division of
Superior Plus LP, with $2.5 million in financial assistance for 50 energy
efficiency projects.
These projects are designed to improve the energy efficiency of the
electrolysis process used in the production of sodium chlorate. Sodium
chlorate is an industrial salt used to produce chlorine dioxide, the key
ingredient in an environmentally preferred pulp bleaching process. The
electrolytic cells now in use will be replaced with new high-performance cells
to reduce electricity consumption. The projected power savings for the
50 projects will amount to 50 GWh per year, the equivalent of the average
annual consumption of about 3,000 Québec households. In terms of greenhouse
gases, these savings will represent the equivalent of 17,500 tonnes of CO2 per
year.
ERCO Worldwide is a major producer of sodium chlorate for the North
American pulp and paper industry and a world leader in chlorine dioxide
generator technology. In addition, ERCO's Buckingham plant produces sodium
chlorite for water treatment and food processing markets throughout North
America.
Hydro-Québec plans to invest $1.3 billion by 2010 with a view to reaching
annual electricity savings of 4.7 TWh as targeted in its Energy Efficiency
Plan.
Well Stephenville Grand Falls and Corner Brook - have a real look at what that Crown Corporation is doing for Quebec's Industrial Sector.
This News Release affects the Pulp and Paper sector which - as in Newfoundland and Labrador - is important to Quebec.
Attention News Editors:
Hydro-Québec awards ERCO Worldwide $2.5 million for energy efficiency projects
MONTREAL, Jan. 16 /CNW Telbec/ - Under its energy efficiency programs for
large-power customers, Hydro-Québec will provide ERCO Worldwide, a division of
Superior Plus LP, with $2.5 million in financial assistance for 50 energy
efficiency projects.
These projects are designed to improve the energy efficiency of the
electrolysis process used in the production of sodium chlorate. Sodium
chlorate is an industrial salt used to produce chlorine dioxide, the key
ingredient in an environmentally preferred pulp bleaching process. The
electrolytic cells now in use will be replaced with new high-performance cells
to reduce electricity consumption. The projected power savings for the
50 projects will amount to 50 GWh per year, the equivalent of the average
annual consumption of about 3,000 Québec households. In terms of greenhouse
gases, these savings will represent the equivalent of 17,500 tonnes of CO2 per
year.
ERCO Worldwide is a major producer of sodium chlorate for the North
American pulp and paper industry and a world leader in chlorine dioxide
generator technology. In addition, ERCO's Buckingham plant produces sodium
chlorite for water treatment and food processing markets throughout North
America.
Hydro-Québec plans to invest $1.3 billion by 2010 with a view to reaching
annual electricity savings of 4.7 TWh as targeted in its Energy Efficiency
Plan.
Well Stephenville Grand Falls and Corner Brook - have a real look at what that Crown Corporation is doing for Quebec's Industrial Sector.
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