19 September 2005

Alberta bonus is folly, say business leaders

A storm is gathering against Alberta premier Ralph Klein's prosperity bonus cheques with Calgary's Chamber of Commerce saying the payouts are ill-conceived, short-sighted and compromise Alberta's prosperity. "You would think when the chamber speaks the government would listen," political analyst David Taras told the Herald Sunday. "If (Klein) loses the business community, it's over." In a stern release the chamber said writing cheques to Albertans that could total $1.4 billion is "neither disciplined nor balanced" and is a "snap decision without foresight." Jocelyn Burgener, director of public affairs for the chamber, said the comments are a reflection of the growing discontent with how Klein is spending the province's cash. Klein's spokeswoman, Marisa Etmanski, said the chamber needs to be patient. A full-blown tax review is underway and long-term plans for infrastructure and reinvesting in the Heritage Fund are being looked at, she said.
(Calgary Herald 050919)

The Klein government is showing once again how short-sighted and moorless they are now that the books are balanced. They are a one-trick pony, and now that they have accomplished what they set out to do, they don't know what else to do. That plus the fact Ralph is ready to retire and doesn't really care what happens anymore. Not that I'm going to mind getting a cheque from him in the mail, but they could use that money for so many more exciting and progressive things that would truly make Alberta the envy of the world.

4 comments:

CanaGal said...

I think the money should be invested into Alberta - don't give the mere pittance to me, I will waste it. Invest it in schools, or roads, or, HOSPITALS

MB said...

It's only going to be $600 MAX.

The Experience said...

$600 = two trips in an ambulance. I think that I'd rather bank the ambulance rides.

MB said...

I agree - you never know when you need a random ambulance ride.