Oct 10, 2003, 9:22 a.m.

Sooner or later, something has to give, doesn't it? Politics, and their effect on daily life, have long be a running soap opera in this province. Colorful politicians have given rousing debates at election time but, when elected to office, usually 'give away', literally.

Newfoundland and Labrador is a province of great beauty, impressive resources, and awesome potential yet we remain one of the poorest regions in North America. Part of this problem, in my opinion, lies in our history of 'political giveaways'. We invite outside workers to develop our resources, then ship the raw materials around the world for processing, and sometimes: we even buy the finished products back at marked-up prices.

Is it really any mystery where "Newfie" jokes come from? Voisey's Bay alone appeared, on the surface, to be another chance - yet the Grimes government has all but given that vast mineral deposit away as well.

I'm voting Progressive Conservative this year - despite the fact that I passionately support same-sex marriage. Canada - and by "Canada", I mean the most provincial country in our confederation, Ontario - would do well to elect a Liberal government; a government that, through same-sex marriage legislation, is poised to make this great country one of the most tolerant, and socially progressive in the world.

Likewise, Newfoundland and Labrador would do well to elect a Progressive Conservative government, led by Danny Williams. This province needs to learn how to say "No": "No, you can't have our resources for free", "No, you can't make any more cuts to healthcare or education".

Only time will tell if a Progressive Conservative government will be able to guide Newfoundland and Labrador in more productive, prosperous direction - but - the Liberals have already had their chance, a chance that stretched for more than a decade; a decade of 'giveaways'. Something has to give - our soap opera needs new writers. It's time to give to Progressive Conservatives a chance, what more do we have to lose?

-Ryan Crocker, Stephenville

Oct 10, 2003, 3:41 a.m.

In responding to Mr. Alexander's comments of October 9, it is true that Alberta collects 100% of oil and gas royalties (because their resource is on land and their provincial jurisdiction)and I for one certainly understand Albertans concern that they pay in far more into Confederation than they get out. Which reaffirms my point that if Ottawa was to be more equitable in their resources agreements with provinces such as Newfoundland and Nova Scotia as it relates to oil and gas production, then perhaps it would not be necessary for Alberta to pay in the form of transfers as much as it currently does.

I'm quite certain that while Alberta is only one of two "have" provinces in Canada, it is Ontario and not Alberta that transfers the most in equalization payments. In terms, of the comment that Albertans are taxed to death, I would like to remind Mr. Alexander that he would hear a very similar opinion in every other part of Canada, in particular in Newfoundland where there is the highest income and corporate taxes in the country.

One final note, the Albertans that I have met that have spoken in the negative of Newfoundlanders are certainly for the most art in the small minority.

-Russell Walsh, Calgary

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