Naughty or nice?

Santa faces a difficult decision — which Atlantic premier deserves a place on the dreaded naughty list or elevation to the much-coveted nice category. Premiers flipped back and forth during 2017 and it all might come down to a late night call Christmas Eve. Which of the four stockings — some tattered and in need of darning — will find a lump of coal?

Each time the premiers get together for regional meetings, they stress greater co-operation, but they can’t seem to overcome some basic barriers or selfish interests. Look at the court case over a New Brunswick man prosecuted for bringing beer across the border from Quebec. The premiers had opportunities to unite on several key issues facing the region in 2017, and in each case, decided to go their separate ways.

There was regional agreement on marijuana pricing and legal age. But on matters of production and distribution, each province went off in different directions — more intent on maximizing taxes than co-operating on a regional policy. On a carbon tax, each province is individually trying to meet Ottawa’s deadlines. Even more disappointing was the failure on a national health accord. After initial unity among premiers, Ottawa’s ploy of divide and conquer was successful as provinces all made separate deals.

In New Brunswick, Premier Brian Gallant was left isolated, fighting solo for the Energy East pipeline and against stiff U.S. lumber tariff increases. He lost on both. The premier’s approval rating dropped 12 points in a recent Angus Reid poll, as his government remains haunted by a disastrous property tax assessment program. The collapse of Energy East will be felt most severely in New Brunswick, especially for the port city of Saint John.

In Nova Scotia, Premier Stephen McNeil is brazenly suggesting he wants a third term, even though he just won re-election in May. He is down 10 points this quarter after facing intense pressure from public sector unions, forcing the government to send controversial legislation to the Court of Appeal for constitutional review. The bill seeks to impose wage limits on public-sector employees. He even picked a public fight with the auditor general over doctor shortages.

In Newfoundland and Labrador, Premier Dwight Ball has added crime fighting to his resume, helping police identify a suspect in a murder case. The premier made the biggest jump in approval ratings among Canadian premiers after ordering an inquiry into the massive Muskrat Falls hydro project — well behind schedule and over budget. Ball slammed the project, now estimated at $13 billion, as poorly planned and reckless.

P.E.I. seems to have fared the best in terms of economic successes in 2017. Premier Wade MacLauchlan, although his personal popularity remains well below that of his Liberal party, has balanced the budget — thanks to population growth buoyed by increases in immigration — and big years in tourism, fisheries and agriculture. He stumbled on education issues and continues to battle skeletons left from the previous Liberal administration.

Santa is left in a quandary, but may have a little coal for each of the four Atlantic premiers.