Time to exorcise the demons

As an opposition MHA, I often try to point out the shortcomings of government policy, ask questions, express public concerns, and attempt to keep government’s “feet to the fire,” so to speak. However, as I’ve always said since my ejection from the government caucus, when I feel that our government is on the right track, I will be the first to acknowledge it and to offer my encouragement and support.

That brings us to a very touchy topic for many, but a discussion we must have just the same.

Of course I’m referring to our relationship with our neighbors in La Belle Province. For many of us in this province, we cringe at any mention of the name Quebec, being still haunted by the ghosts of hydro dam’s past.

Just recently, our premier participated in a joint news conference with Premier Couillard of Quebec to discuss a new partnership to develop Labrador infrastructure which we’re told will benefit both province’s transportation and mining interests. The immediate reaction coming from many coffee shops throughout our province was “Here we go again, be prepared to be shafted” or “you just can’t trust Quebec.”

Now as a proud Newfoundlander and Labradorian, with the same salt water running through my veins, I understand where this raw, emotional response comes from. As a people, we feel hard done by in a lopsided deal that sees our neighbour generate great wealth from the Upper Churchill River while we receive just pennies on the dollar.

Combine with this, the fact that as we grapple with a huge debt and infrastructure deficit, with little support from Ottawa, Quebec enjoys significant federal support in the form of equalization. So yes, I totally get it.

That said, at what point in our history do we bury the past, get on with the here and now and start thinking about our future?

I mean, if there are deals to be had, partnerships to be formed, mutual benefits to be derived, why can’t we pursue those opportunities?

That’s not to say we give our government the green light to do whatever they want. To the contrary, any future deals with Quebec (or anyone else, for that matter) should be pursued with caution and must make sense for N.L. We must apply all necessary due diligence and public scrutiny and ensure our interests are protected. I am certain we have many well-educated and capable individuals who call this place home that are more than able to do just that, individuals who are quite capable of negotiating good deals on our behalf.

So why deny ourselves, our children and our grandchildren the benefit of any opportunities which may be available?

With this in mind, I offer our premier my support in his endeavours to forge a mutually beneficial relationship with our neighbours.

I will stop short of endorsing the tunnel concept for now as I have many questions and concerns regarding that one, not the least of which is who will pay for it?

However, beyond that I think the time has come to park our emotions and engage our brains.

The time has come to slay the boogieman and be willing to engage in meaningful discussions with any province if it can be shown to be in our benefit to do so. The time has come to exorcise those demons.

Paul Lane Independent MHA,

District of Mount Pearl-southlands