Albertan Sovereignty

[nittanylionstorm07]

Ok, you are missing the point completely...and I don't mean to be in ass at all when pointing out your citizenship. I in fact think that is awesome you have an interest and knowledge in Canada; would avoid what happened on my honeymoon. Quick story: Was at Opryland (wife is a huge country music fan so perfect for our honeymoon ) and sitting at the bar I ordered a Crown and Coke and my wife a beer and clamato juice which will wonders never cease they had! Anyhow the bartender immediately asked where we were from and we said near Edmonton, Alberta. This woman who seemed very nice and wanted to make conversation proceeded to say "I went to Niagra Falls once, is that anywhere near where you live?" I instinctively looked like this:

Anyhow, imagine this scenario:

You have a sibling who is bad with money...I mean real bad. You told them that you would help them out cause you want to make sure your niece and nephew are taken care of. Admirable traits when it comes to "family".

Next thing you know you are shelling out more money for the bare necessities because your sibling is spending all this money you are giving them on things like iPods, Xbox and Nintendo DS. And since you can't let them starve, you give them more money. You can't tell them how to run their house otherwise they threaten to disown you and have nothing to do with you. So you suck it up....to keep peace. You pay up and shut up and they do what they want.

While in the meantime, you wouldn't provide this for your family because it is impractical; you want to save up for rainy days or hard times yourself. But you can't. This is unsettling too because you never know what might happen...hard times could come along and you were unprepared because all your money went into supporting their frivilousness and they can't cut back what they have given their family because they are spoiled and will bitch and whine until they get it some way some how. Now you are both broke because of their stupidity and your "obligation"...and they continue to pull you deeper into the abyss with them.

And then you tell me...a White-Anglosaxon-Heterosexual-Male-Protestant to go to Quebec and attempt to change it from the inside? Pardon my French, but are you fucking nuts?!

The problem with that analogy is that Alberta isn't giving the money directly to Quebec. Alberta gives the money to the federal government who distributes the money to where it is needed. Once that money is given to the federal government, it isn't Alberta's money anymore...and in fact, they have no right to decide where that money goes as the point of paying fees/taxes to the federal government is to ensure a stronger Confederation through the RCMP, military, infrastructure, health/education, etc.

You can't be angry at Quebec for them spending money that they receive as per federal government regulations. You can be mad at the federal government, though, since they distribute the money, and since both you and Quebec have a voice in that government.

[Sandy MacNab]

lol "armchair Canadian". All I know it that if I took a shot of whiskey every time I heard an Albertan complain about Quebec, I'd be in a perpetually comatose state.

I think you already are. Based on your posts, I'd wager when you make your daily trip down to Skonk Holler to have your jug refilled with Mule Kick, Clem doesn't have to bother with a cork.

[BornAlbertan]

The problem with that analogy is that Alberta isn't giving the money directly to Quebec. Alberta gives the money to the federal government who distributes the money to where it is needed. Once that money is given to the federal government, it isn't Alberta's money anymore...and in fact, they have no right to decide where that money goes as the point of paying fees/taxes to the federal government is to ensure a stronger Confederation through the RCMP, military, infrastructure, health/education, etc.

You can't be angry at Quebec for them spending money that they receive as per federal government regulations. You can be mad at the federal government, though, since they distribute the money, and since both you and Quebec have a voice in that government.

Rest assured, I do not require any lecture on the necessities and merits of taxation in the modern world. But the money Quebec receives is NOT to be spent as seen fit, it is meant to provide basic services.

Since we are also on the topic, check these...while is paints Quebec in not nearly a bad of light as a couple other provinces, it does show the problems equalization creates:

http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/02/17/kevin-libin-how-equalization-is-a-formula-for-stagnation/

http://news.nationalpost.com/photo_gallery/graphic-the-inequality-of-equualization-payments/

Edited May 2, 2011 by BornAlbertan

[nittanylionstorm07]

Rest assured, I do not require any lecture on the necessities and merits of taxation in the modern world. But the money Quebec receives is NOT to be spent as seen fit, it is meant to provide basic services.

Since we are also on the topic, check these...while is paints Quebec in not nearly a bad of light as a couple other provinces, it does show the problems equalization creates:

http://fullcomment.nationalpost.com/2011/02/17/kevin-libin-how-equalization-is-a-formula-for-stagnation/

http://news.nationalpost.com/photo_gallery/graphic-the-inequality-of-equualization-payments/

At this point, you might should hope that Quebec spends itself into default. That would allow for a massive reorganization of debt and monies by the federal government.

[RNG]

At this point, you might should hope that Quebec spends itself into default. That would allow for a massive reorganization of debt and monies by the federal government.

I seriously doubt it. They would just blackmail the federal government for even more money, as they have done since the founding of this nation. Mind you they try and hide it by giving aircraft maintenance contracts to inferior Quebec firms when there was a much better choice in Manitoba, and propping up Bombardier, and so on and so on. And if they build a hockey arena in Quebec City, my pitchfork is coming out.

[nittanylionstorm07]

I seriously doubt it. They would just blackmail the federal government for even more money, as they have done since the founding of this nation. Mind you they try and hide it by giving aircraft maintenance contracts to inferior Quebec firms when there was a much better choice in Manitoba, and propping up Bombardier, and so on and so on. And if they build a hockey arena in Quebec City, my pitchfork is coming out.

People who are negotiating their debt do not have much leg room to make decisions.

Bombardier is actually a good company.

[BornAlbertan]

People who are negotiating their debt do not have much leg room to make decisions.

Bombardier is actually a good company.

Don't forget...this isn't "people". It is the government representative and responsible for the social welfare of 8 million people negotiating with the federal government that is further responsible for the welfare and unity of the country. It isn't as simple as a loan's officer saying "no".

As for Bombardier, they are still somewhat mismanaged and very politically coddled.