Voices of NL

Questions on Public Services This thought process maybe controversial to some, or may even sound harsh. I do not know the correct answers, however given the current times and the tainted outlook on our economy, I along with others are questioning. If we as a province are making correct decisions, or are looking for clarification as to what measures are in place. One of the questions I see coming up most frequently surrounds workers in the public service sector, are people working for those sections, whose staff, or provided service has been downgraded during the outbreak being paid their full salary? If so, given our economic situation is this wise? While not wishing ill or undue hardship on anyone, many people in this province have been let go or laid off because of COVID-19, private sector employees reduced from their current levels of salary to the government sponsored EI solution to the crisis. While I have heard about these instances plenty, I have not heard word one, about any such reduction in the public sector. Is this the right approach? While many of these services are deemed essential and it is understandable to keep those employees working. Has the government taken a look internally, given the current situation and looked at where services are no longer being offered, or at a reduced level? If so, and these employees are still given their full salary is that the correct thing to do? Our economy was in a death spiral prior to this outbreak. Does keeping the level of spending the same, when there are possibilities for reductions, help the province as a whole? Are we asking that the people in the private sector, who are having to sacrifice, through no fault of their own, have a different fate than those whose salaries they pay? I myself and I'm sure many others, have combed through the many pages of government workers and seen the potential bloating in many departments, both in salaries and numbers of employees. The “Sunshine Lists” that run on for miles, and the redundancies that are seemingly everywhere. Is this a time that we ask those who have benefited so greatly from our tax dollars, to bleed the same blood that we are bleeding now?

Where are we now, the last two weeks have felt like a roller coaster to say the least and nobody is making light of the current situation. I am quite happy that we are taking necessary steps to try to minimize the effects of this virus on NL. Two weeks ago, we were in such a different spot. Cut backs at MUN, threats of 56% increase in tuition, and lets not forget the Muskrat Falls report. As much as we want to say lets get through this and then deal with that and that maybe only right. The reality is those problems have not gone away, in fact while we are rightfully distracted, oil prices are now less than half of what they were three weeks ago, revenues from oil reflect that decline, and our budget is based prices being over $60.00 a barrel not the sub $30.00 it is now. A major project to increase production and revenue which could have helped with our debt has been shelved. I honestly believe we need to start from the top and removing bloat in our government and work our way out. Over the next few posts I plan to outline what my thoughts are on how to get started. I hope everyone and ayone with thoughts on this will join in and see if we cant come up with a plan to suggest to get out the gate on the right note when we get through Covid-19 and have to face the problems that were there before it started.

Muskrat Falls after disclosure So I’d say at least 99% of NL knows about the release of the Muskrat Falls inquiry. After a nauseating hour last night reading the 98 page synopsis, I have drawn a few initial conclusions. First, it’s about what I expected, yet the shock and awe of the situation still has me taken aback. We knew it was going to be horrible, but the level of mismanagement and criminal level behavior seems overwhelming. Solution: There should be no RNC involvement in the investigation, their budget is tied to closely with potential subjects they could need to look into. Any possibility of an examination not being above board, should not be acceptable. At the absolute least we need a non-biased investigation unit to determine criminal charges, RCMP white collar, or an empowered independent council without skin in the game, with oversight from a community based group. No Politicians Involved. Second, obviously these acts crossed parties and yet nothing was done by either side to remedy the situation in any significant way. The level of confidence in any political party involved in this, has been reduced to nil. That sounds drastic, but from my perspective it is beyond generous to say it so calmly. Solution: I have beaten this drum before, however wide sweeping reform seems to be the best viable remedy. Trust is gone, confidence is with it, and our system is shattered. The belief that some new party hopeful can come in and save it, seems like far too little and beyond too late. Our home has continued this cycle for 70 years bending with the whims of the parties in power. They all come in promising a solution, or promising change, every time leaving us playing the fool for thinking their words will be anything more than empty. Third, Newfoundland and Labrador needs us. "There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about ''. The one thing I know about the people of this province is the love they have for it. I see it every day, it's what drives me to do this, to attempt to help get the dialogue going, I am no politician, and have no aspirations to be one, the only thing I desire is to see my home, our home in the caring hands of its inhabitants. Solution: Let your voices be heard, engage in the conversation. Tell the parties you've had enough. Let them know that we will not let this stand, Muskrat Falls will be the vehicle for change. Newfoundland and Labrador need an evolution, before it leads to revolution. Patrick A. St. Johns West Newfoundland and Labrador