Comparing Apples to (NDP) Oranges
It’s comparison time again. I would like to contrast the discussion of tax reform in New Brunswick with the push to allow for deficit spending in Manitoba. While New Brunswick’s government is moving the province forward with the gradual shift to consumption taxes and a clear signal that economic prosperity is important, Manitoba seems intent on a regressive economic mindset that is destined to move Manitoba further behind the other provinces.
Another interesting difference is the attitude of those who stand before the courts. Contrast the remorse of the accused in Nova Scotia with the remorse of those in Manitoba.
I look at the amazing province that I grew up in and wonder if I will recognize it in a few short years. Just over a year ago, it was my heartfelt desire to move Manitoba in the proper strategic direction. If the above links are any indication, it makes ones wonder if this what Manitobans really wanted for themselves and their children all along.
posted by Unapologetic Ex-Winnipegger @ 10:48 AM
5 comments
5 Comments:
Manitobans -- a lot of them at least -- are happy to stay in cruise control and ride the hills and valleys without actively searching for anything better, because that may involve compromise and risk. Until somebody is able to capture our imaginations and make it clear to Manitobans how much better our future could be, not much is likely to change. The PC party in Manitoba doesn't seem to believe that the people will buy into a message like that.
That's my take on it anyhow.
I think the big battle is showing Manitobans how things can seem ok now but can be ruinous in the long term. If education spending goes up at 3 times the rate of inflation, people's eyes glaze over. But little do they realize that their kids won't be able to fund this growth rate and it will saddle them with a crushing tax burden.
How do you make that appealing? How do you sell a 20 to 30 year perspective? How do you do it in a 30 second sound bite without sounding like a finance prof?
I think part of the problem is a real lack of risk taking in the province. A really eye opening moment for me, politically anyway, was when a friend, a fine arts grad who was the campaign manager for a communist party candidate, asked what me what was wrong with insider trading. He couldn't figure out why it was considered illegal. I think there is an untapped libertarian vote out there in Manitoba, but it would involve taking some risks and taking an initial beating in order to make long term political gains.
On a personal note, it's nice to see you blogging again - I wish you'd post more frequently!
Thanks.
It's too bad libertarian politics seems to get hijacked by the fringes of the movement. I think it would otherwise fit quite nicely with most people's centrist leanings.
Going off of Mark's note, I think the lack of risk taking is also due to how shallow the gene pool is in Manitoba business.
You've always got the same names cropping up, controlling so little interest. There's no diversity, Manitoba has consolidated too much and now has tunnel-lack-of-vision.
If opportunities were more accessible, wealth a bit less concentrated and property more accessible, you might see some of that needed diversity.
But right now? If something is going to happen, it's sure to go to the Aspers. Who will go to MTS for communications infrastructure. And there's a host of other companies I'm sure others could name that just always somehow manage to get preferential treatment.
No diversity and an insular business community.
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