Danny and Steve

It seems that relations between the province and Ottawa appear to be thawing. Prime Minister Harper’s recent visit to turn the sod for the new Pleasantville development had no iciness (apparently that is a word) to it and he and Premier Williams made nice. At least for the cameras. Given that, and Williams’ comment at the recent fundraiser for victims of hurricane Igor where he said, tongue in cheek, that it was difficult to fly in a helicopter with the PM, but went on to say that it was in actual fact, “a good day”.

It’s a good thing for all concerned if relations improve, but there will always be distrust between Newfoundland and Labrador and Ottawa. That will never go away, but getting along works in everyone’s favour. I am curious if Williams will back the federal Conservative candidates in an election and what impact, if any, it will have on the political landscape. It’s good to have a seat at the table, regardless of who’s serving dinner.

The thawing reminded me of an op-ed piece I wrote two and a half years ago that was published as a Forum in the then Sunday Telegram. I’ll post it below. With the exception of a name of two, it could still apply today. Coincidentally, it came after a story about a shipbuilding contract in Marystown. The more things change....

After reading your article on Marystown’s bid for a federal government ship building contract, and the ongoing feud between Premier Williams and Prime Minister Harper, I felt compelled to add my two cents. Perhaps rant is a better term.

The article almost left me feeling that we are being done in by the feds. Almost. You know: It’s us against them. We won’t be screwed again. Anyone but conservative. Great headlines and it seems that many of us agree. But bring down the Canadian flag? The idea didn’t fly in 2004, pardon the pun, and it wouldn’t fly today. We support the troops but not the flag? Of course the flag, any flag, is symbolic. So is electing seven Liberal MP’s. It sends a message, loud and clear, to someone who is completely deaf. At best, it aggravates a marriage build on mistrust and deceit. Excuse me sweetheart, I hate your guts, but do you have $11 billion to spare?

And adding fuel to the fire can’t help. And both sides are guilty here. According to Loyola Hearn, every federal cent coming into the province goes though Loyola Hearn. This is the guy Danny Williams calls a traitor. But Williams will take the money - as long as he doesn’t have to pose for a photo-op. This is money we need, money most say, we deserve. It brings jobs, pays for textbooks, fixes potholes and, yes, builds boats. Williams would be a fool to reject it, yet questions the motives of Hearn and his boss, Steve. Steve? Really. Does that help resolve anything?

On the flip side is the highly unlikely possibility of the feds caving. Hey Danny, here’s your $11 billion. Sweet. Would you like it all in one payment or spread out over 10 years? By the way, don’t ask for any money for the Lower Churchill and forget about any more for the harbour in St. John’s. We’re fresh out. The textbooks and potholes will have to pay for themselves. And any federal jobs you’re looking for are going to Ontario, the newest have not province. Dalton says hi. You just had a 1.4 billion dollar surplus and you want how much?

Yes, a promise is a promise but what can we really expect from Ottawa in light of our present windfall and the predicaments facing our “poorer cousins”. Harper won’t ante up. In all likelihood his successor, regardless of political stripe, won’t either. A majority Tory government? Forget it. The little leverage we now have would be lost. Should Williams continue to battle Harper or wait for another PM and expect the same? Damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t. But what should Danny do?

One, stop watching the polls and start listening - not to your yes men and women - to us. 80% said favourable, not you’re the second coming. Everything you do is not gospel. You made mistakes, own up to them. The House should have opened earlier. We should know the details of any MOU. And butt out of the Cameron Inquiry. Your to do list is way too long. Good luck with that one D. Yes, we support you, but your stubbornness is not helping.

Two, tone down the rhetoric. We are an educated bunch not easily duped. We know what’s what. We can see through the BS and the subtle innuendo through press releases, press conferences, and political snubs is wearing thin.

Finally, offer an olive branch. It’s not a sign of weakness; it’s a sign of strength. If both sides left their egos at the door a lot could be accomplished. As a province, we deserve that chance. Williams appears to have our best interests at heart and is genuinely concerned with how we fare. However, it’s time to stop crying wolf. Blaming Ottawa is easy. Being first on the dance floor is the hard part.