Saskatchewan Looks Better Everyday

After the election closed last week I jokingly said “Saskatchewan looks better today than ever before.” Upon closer reflection, this is not as much of a joke as it was last week. Before actually looking at the situation and comparing Manitoba and Saskatchewan, we could at least say “At least I don’t live in Regina!” when things weren’t looking so good. Now, it simply isn’t the case. Saskatchewan looks better every day, except for the days the Roughriders play.

Saskatchewan is doing things right. Why can’t Manitoba? The slogans say it all. As Manitoba blundered in spending millions on contracting the creation of a provincial slogan to a New York firm, Saskatchewan laughed. Spirited Energy… That’s all they could come up with? Are you kidding me? Alberta looks at us and says “we have the energy, keep the spirit.” North Dakota looks at it and asks “why did they steal the bison off of our license plates?”
Innovative by Nature… now that’s a slogan! It is better in every way and shows a desire to improve.

Improvement is exactly what Saskatchewan is doing right, and exactly the opposite of what has been happening in Manitoba. In today’s Winnipeg Free Press, Geoff Kirbson wrote that Manitoba has LOST 100 payroll positions in the first three months of this year, while at the same time neighbouring Saskatchewan CREATED 4000 jobs, according to Statistics Canada. The same article stated that out of the 285700 jobs created in Canada last year only 1000 were in Manitoba – which is less than ½ of 1%. Lets look at a possible reasons Manitoba has fallen behind.

#1 – The Payroll Tax
No (or few) large corporations will set up in Manitoba, let alone Winnipeg with this massive tax. Corporations are losing 2 fold. Employees are taxed on their income. Companies are taxed on their salary spending. Why does the province of Manitoba feel the need to be so unfriendly to businesses by taxing them not only on any income, but on expenses? Let’s face it; the large companies/corporations will be paying the large salaries professionals desire and with this tax, barely any large companies would set up in Manitoba, thereby eliminating those positions from Manitoba. Saskatchewan is right next door: only a couple hours away, and they don’t have a Pay Roll Tax. Where do you think an intelligent decision maker for a business would choose to set up – Manitoba where they are being charged an unreasonable tax, or Saskatchewan who offers a similar environment, with a friendlier, business minded government? The numbers speak for themselves. 100 jobs LOST vs. 4000 jobs CREATED.

The Free Press article also points towards other disturbing trends. Manitoba ranked 17 out of 28 for average incomes in cities. The average Manitoba income for a Winnipeg family is $68900. Winnipeg also ranked 18th in average income for single parent income at slightly over $30000. Winnipeg housing and property is known across the country to be very reasonable and affordable, however that's because it has to be. Given the poor salaries, and lack of willingness of large companies to locate in Manitoba, houses have to be cheaper. Moreover how is Manitoba supposed to retain its young graduates, professionals and skilled trades with such weak prospects of obtaining a successful career and large salaries?

In readings this posting, ask yourself why a government of a have-not province would introduce and maintain a pay roll tax, which discourages investment and growth. Ask yourself why people don’t make as much money in Winnipeg. Is it because we have an inherently weak economy, or is it because we have a weak economy partly die to a government that is not committed to fostering growth, investment, creating jobs and not working to attract big businesses so that Manitobans may prosper?

Winnipeg Predators?

I’m not talking about the street thugs, gangsters and criminals that are roaming the streets of Winnipeg just waiting to steal your car, but the Nashville Predators franchise sale.

Was the ‘Bring back the Jets’ announcement a campaign blunder or a statement with vision? The speech that “crystallized the campaign” in the words of a colleague, should have been sounded off of more minds than just the inner policy circle, but that very statement could be the words that make Hugh McFadyen our next Premier. It shows a willingness to take a risk to gain the votes of Manitobans as a perk of success under a PC government. This was probably an inappropriate comment for that time and stage in the election and probably something that should have been announced after winning, but at this point, it makes no difference.

Bringing the NHL back to Winnipeg might not as far fetched as it may seem. I wouldn’t call it a “reckless promise” but an inquiry into the possibility of Winnipeg being the host of a world class hockey team again. As we all see now, the Nashville Predators are for sale. Granted, the team will probably go to a large market area, but it is an indicator that it may still be possible to land a team in Winnipeg in the next 4 years. It is an indicator that as support for hockey in the US falls; the NHL will eventually have to look north of the border. Winnipeg is the next likely city north of the border for an NHL franchise.

If it is to occur (a team taking root in Winnipeg), what will the result be? How will Hugh McFadyen’s campaign speech be remembered? Will he be seen as a visionary, as he rightfully should be?

By making the speech it had alienated some party members and most importantly - voters, but is it truly a look at the big picture in that he had the foresight to market himself in a manner which reflects an heir of optimism. Now that the election is lost, if it is to occur, McFadyen will be portrayed with an angelic white glow. The fact that this man was daring enough to announce publicly such an ambitious concept bodes well for him in years to come, especially if a team is placed in Winnipeg. If a team actually comes to Winnipeg, Hugh McFadyen will be seen as the man who made it happen, the man with the vision, and the man who supports progress and a better Manitoba.

Over the next 4 years of NDP government, we get to say “I told you so” as the province declines even further, but if an NHL team arrives in Winnipeg within the next decade, Hugh McFadyen will be the one who can legitimately say “I told you so.”

What's Your Excuse?

To begin, I first have to acknowledge the inspiration a certain Proud and Unapologetic Winnipegger has been. During the past election, this individual ran a rock solid campaign which endeavored to defeat an incumbent minister. Unfortunately for Seine River, and for Manitoba, this individual did not win the election. He was a class act all the way until the end, conceding the election to the incumbent Minister of Health. His ability to run as a real contender until the final act of conceding commands respect, and he should rightfully be praised for a valiant effort. This loss is more like a set back, and with 4 more long, grueling years of NDP government, gives ample time to prepare for the 2011 election. We need an individual like this now, and especially in the years to come to attempt to repair the damage caused by not just 8 years, but by 12 years of NDP negligence.

Speaking on the election which closed yesterday, I am pleased and (incredibly) disappointed with the citizenry as a whole. Pleased in a sense that the voter turnout crept up slightly to 58%. Although voter turnout was slightly higher than 2003, and higher than the dismal turnout in the past mayoral election, it is nothing to brag about. 2003 marked one of the lowest voter turnout rates in provincial election history. A whopping 56% of voters went to the polls 4 years ago. Compare that with yesterday’s 58%. You’re telling me that ONLY 58% of people in this great western democracy of Canada, more specifically in this once great province of Manitoba do not exercise their rightful franchise? That is completely unacceptable.

There is only two, count them: 2 things, people have to do to live in this country. The first civic obligation is pay taxes. No amount of complaining will ever eliminate the need to pay a tax. Low taxes in Manitoba today (especially with the NDP victory on Tuesday) are as likely as Gary Doer admitting fault in the Crocus scandal. In fact, re-electing the NDP will increase the likelihood of paying higher taxes, for a longer period of time. Although some provinces enjoy greater prosperity and do not pay provincial tax, Manitoba is far from the same boat. Obviously the majority of Manitobans don’t believe paying less tax is important, as is evident by the re-election the NDP. The second civic obligation Manitobans should (should have to) do in order to live here is vote. Voting takes a maximum of 20 to 25 minutes out of the day, once every 4 years. Is it really too much effort for Manitobans to go to the polls and cast their ballot? Make an informed decision. For everyone’s sake, get out there, inform yourself and make a decision. Manitobans clearly do not realize exactly how important it is for every person to vote. For example – Bonnie Mitchelson in River East has won the election by 63 votes. Voting is such a simple task that must be done, that there is NO EXCUSE for Manitobans not to take part.

Let’s recapitulate.
2 civic obligations individuals must do to live in Canada:
1 - Pay tax
2 - Vote

Reality:
1 - Pay too much tax with little to no benefit of doing so and make it less viable for future governments to lower tax rates
2 - 58% of the population voted on May 22 in the provincial election

Maybe people need more encouragement to vote. After all, voter turnout in Afghanistan for the legislative assembly was just over 50%. Sound familiar Manitoba? Here is the difference: Some Afghans have an excuse – They could be killed. What’s your excuse?

What could possibly motivate Manitobans to get out to their respective polls and vote? I thought the answer was 8 years of NDP government. By winning the election, the NDP have consequently and inadvertently given Manitobans an even better reason to get out to the polls in 2011: 12 years of NDP Government!