Oct 7, 2003 - 6:53 p.m.

I just finished watching the leaders debate on CBC. As far as I am concerned, none of the leaders had secured my confidence.

At least I could see a gentleman approach in Mr. Grimes and Mr. Harris by allowing each other to talk. However, Mr .Williams did not have the decency to allow for a fair debate. He was all the time tried to take a upper hand and by doing that he did not allow other two make their comments well. I was disgusted to see his approach.

Only for this, not for their policies (so sadly), Mr. Grimes and Mr. Harris got more points from me.

-V.Puvanendran, St. John's

Oct 7, 2003 - 7:14 p.m.

I would like to speak to the comments of Mr. Jim Woodman of Grand Falls- Windsor. I could not agree more.

I have been living in Alberta for the better part of 8 years, I see first hand the benefits this province has enjoyed as a result of the oil and gas royalty agreement with Ottawa.

I talk to some Albertans and they make comments that Newfoundland is a "charity case" and the monies they contribute to Confederation are used to prop up their poor brethren on the east coast. I quickly remind them that the only difference between Alberta and Newfoundland is the resource agreements with the Federal Government.

At present the Alberta government collects 100% of all oil and gas royalties generated from oil and natural gas production in this province, while Newfoundland collects only 17% of royalties with the other 83% going to the federal government. In addition, for every dollar that Newfoundland and Labrador collects in royalties, is a dollar that is deducted from transfers
payments from Ottawa, much like a man that is treading water, he won't drown but he won't start swimming either.

I see this election, as well as the change of leadership in Ottawa as a significant opportunity in Newfoundland's history. A time where there is an opportunity to renegotiate the terms of the Atlantic Accord to obtain a more equitable royalty regime for the province.

If the equation was to be changed to a more equitable 50-50 share, Newfoundland would be self sufficient with no need for federal transfers. This regime would provide the province the opportunity to grow diversity in it's economy, providing more opportunities not only for Newfoundlanders to stay in the province but for people like me who long to return to our native soil.

For too long this province has been governed by teachers and lawyers who have little or no understanding of what economic development is, and no concept of what it is to go out and sell the benefits of the province to prospective investors looking to set up businesses in Canada. (Refer to Frank MacKenna of New Brunswick in the 1980's).

I believe it is time for a man who has a strong business background, who's experience lays in creating jobs, economic development and wealth while at the same time understanding the meaning of "living within your means" and balancing your books and most importantly is beholden to no one, not the special interest groups, not the unions, not to large corporations or fish processors. A man who would understand and has the ability to sell the province, to encourage investment and would provide that entrepreneurial spirit to support such a spirit in Newfoundland.

I believe it is time for a change, time for a new vision, time for Danny Williams and the
Conservatives.

:- Russell Walsh, Calgary, Alberta

Oct 7, 2003 - 8:58 a.m.

My issue concerns the resource base of this province. I hear talk of tourism,information technology , health care, seniors, and education. However, lets look at our history, as a province and as a country.

We are sustained by the natural resources of the surrounding environment we live in. All of the above mentioned sectors are either service or secondary related industry. One might argue that tourism is not of that category, but we must keep an open mind of what will sustain us in a 12-month economy.

I think we all agree that we must get control of our offshore base resources i.e. the fishery and the oil and gas sector. The fishery is by far our greatest employer especially in rural district. The oil and gas sector must be our rainy day account. It is not a sustainable( renewable) resource.

The greatest question facing Newfoundland and Labrador is "What are we prepared to do and to what lengths to get a fundamental change in our relationship with Ottawa. If we had control of our oil and gas sector alone and used the "Alberta royalty regime" we would be receiving annual monetary compensation based on current production rates of between 450 million to 750 million from the Hibernia project alone.Not the 95 million we have received to date.

Lets look at the "Big Picture" shall we. You cannot buy the groceries with out the means. Lets get our act together.

- Jim Woodman, Grand Falls-Windsor

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