Energy East & New Western Partnership
Foundation of Western Economic Development
It shouldn't be a surprise to the east of the rise of economic prosperity of western Canada. Our nation is already very vast with plenty of resources and economic opportunity throughout however the Western Provinces of British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan have taken things to another level with the New Western Partnership. And it hasn't got as much attention as you would think but the Energy Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) proves how ahead of the game and serious the region is on taking a leadership role in regards to policy and economic development framework of a National Energy Strategy for Canada on a provincial and federal level. They have exercised there provincial powers to attract global investment into strengthen there individual and regional economies. The east can learn a thing or two in regards to co-operation, I can't help but feel for Atlantic Canada with the exception of New Newfoundland & Labrador the mainland has become under stress as old established communities continue to fight tough economic and demographic trends that don't weigh in their benefit. A monumental and historical commissioned study/report titled Now or Never: An Urgent Call to Action for Nova Scotians commendably does an excellent job of highlighting these challenges, and it is encouraging because it seems to put an emphasis on taking appropriate action and does not sugar coat the facts.
Making Things Easy
Last month Ontario and Quebec primers Kathleen Wynne and Phillip Couillard had a meeting that resulted in a list of demands their provinces desired in order to have their support for the proposed Energy East Pipeline. Saskatchewan Primer Brad Wall took immediate offense to what seemed as a self-righteous bold act for two have not provinces boosting and adding conditions. However Alberta's new primer Jim Prentice was more refined and smooth understanding the game he came to Ontario wooing the benefits of the pipeline and agreed on the needs in principle of mitigating as many Green House Gas (GHG) factors as possible in the development. The pipeline GHG conditions Ontario and Quebec have asked for seem to be an attempt to show leadership and power of influence in regards to "climate change" and energy development, something many Eastern Canadians have been championing. However this shouldn't be about political posturing anymore and saying all the right things to earn political value points, the reality is Western Canada has it's act together in regards to offering international businesses a true value proposition, not just in its natural resources but in the regions commendable effort to streamline business and make things EASY! Brad Wall I think was probably a little upset because the "environmental card" was getting played and to him old, he doesn't want more conditions and bureaucracy but instead more action and enthusiasm.... maybe even gratefulness? That might be a bit much.
It's About Attitude
It's not talent, natural resources or anything else that makes the west more attractive for investment than eastern Canada in my personal and business opinion, it is simply just an easier place to make a living and do business at this time in history, there is no territory to protect, only grow. The best export Western Canada can bring to the East is a different type of natural resource, it is an attitude of hard work and getting things done. Not writing 12 reports before making a decision to appease 1000 stakeholders but to make a decision, take a path, and do whatever it takes to get the job done. A National Energy Strategy will become a main theme and story in 2015 that is my prediction, wither or not the Eastern/Atlantic Canadian provinces will set aside pride and do what is needed to get people at work on this Nation Building project, is yet to be determined.