Has the happy little boat of Canada sprung a leak?

[Kontiki]

Originally posted by Last Conformist
What's "NEP" in context?

It was the National Energy Policy (or Program, used interchangably) that the Trudeau government enacted in 1980. Vastly simplified, it determined that oil revenues generated anywhere in Canada were to be the purview of the federal government and not for the benefit of whatever province actually had the oil. This, along with other snubs (real or perceived) pissed western Canadians off since almost all the oil was being produced in Alberta (mainly) and BC (secondarily). The sentiment was that western Canada was being exploited in order to keep central Canada's (ie. Ontario and Quebec) industry humming along.

[Wezil]

NYE - While the issue is real and the points you make valid please don't overestimate the concern felt by the average Ontario resident.

The issue more accurately reflects on MCGuilty and his political troubles in the province. He is trying the age old 'bash the feds' approach to distract from provincial political problems.

The problem for the not so good Premier is that he is unlikely to gain much support this time round. Liberals don't care to see their federal cousins getting slagged and the rest of the voters are already convinced MCGuinty is a lightweight and are looking forward to replacing him.

Agathon - I agree. The voters in this province are idiots. Just look at the current government.

[St Leo]

Originally posted by DanS
In any event, we have redistribution as well. It's just done differently and makes slightly more sense than the Canadian system.

You take from the Democrats and give to the Republicans.

[Tingkai]

Originally posted by Wezil
The issue more accurately reflects on MCGuilty and his political troubles in the province. He is trying the age old 'bash the feds' approach to distract from provincial political problems.

The problem for the not so good Premier is that he is unlikely to gain much support this time round. Liberals don't care to see their federal cousins getting slagged and the rest of the voters are already convinced MCGuinty is a lightweight and are looking forward to replacing him.

Edit: As for the thread,

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by Agathon
The US invading Alberta.

If Alberta seceded from Canada and applied to join the U.S., it would be part of the U.S. (B.C. also). We've got contingency plans going back before the Meech Lake days for that. We want the oil and minerals.

[Spiffor]

Originally posted by chegitz guevara
If Alberta seceded from Canada and applied to join the U.S., it would be part of the U.S. (B.C. also). We've got contingency plans going back before the Meech Lake days for that. We want the oil and minerals.

I thought you wanted Albertan rednecks too

[Jon Miller]

when we don't want areas to leave, we fight them

when canada doesn't, it pays them money

just a different way of doing things

Jon Miller

[Spiffor]

Jon: Aren't you Canadian?

[Flubber]

Originally posted by chegitz guevara


If Alberta seceded from Canada and applied to join the U.S., it would be part of the U.S. (B.C. also). We've got contingency plans going back before the Meech Lake days for that. We want the oil and minerals.

Plus you need to balance things since Alberta is likely a red state and BC a blue state.


Seriously, I don't see secession as being even remotely on the radar screen right now . . .

[chequita guevara]

I was just contradicting my comrade.

[Agathon]

If Alberta seceded from Canada and applied to join the U.S., it would be part of the U.S. (B.C. also). We've got contingency plans going back before the Meech Lake days for that. We want the oil and minerals.

The US also has plans for invading virtually everywhere. It gives new and spurious officials something to do.

Needless to say, Alberta cannot unilaterally secede from Canada (not even Quebec can), and even it it attempted to, the diplomatic price the US would pay with its biggest trading partner and its allies would be too great. It's about as realistic as Vermont joining Canada.

Simpler and cheaper to buy Alberta's oil. Alberta is willing to sell it and the US to buy it. What's the problem.

But this is all BS anyway, because NYE represents the lunatic fringe of Albertan opinion on this matter.

[Wezil]

Originally posted by Agathon
[q]
But this is all BS anyway, because NYE represents the lunatic fringe of Albertan opinion on this matter.

Nice troll, but not true.

I can think of another poster that would be more apt for the "lunatic fringe" label.....

[Agathon]

Nice troll, but not true.

I can think of another poster that would be more apt for the "lunatic fringe" label.....

Actually, you're right. He used to be a separatist, I don't know if he still is. But he never advocated American invasion.

[Wezil]

I certainly cannot speak for NYE but I don't believe he is a separatist at all.

I guess like using the phrase "Israeli apartheid", implying he is a separatist adds a little flourish to your nonsense. Damn the facts.

[chequita guevara]

Originally posted by Agathon

If Alberta seceded from Canada and applied to join the U.S., it would be part of the U.S. (B.C. also). We've got contingency plans going back before the Meech Lake days for that. We want the oil and minerals.

The US also has plans for invading virtually everywhere.

These aren't invasion plans. If Alberta or B.C. secedes and asks to join the U.S., the Adminsitration will recommend it, and the Senate will likely confirm the annexation treaty. Under the Canadian confederation, my understanding is that any province has the right to opt out and go their own way.