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Provincial: Words of wisdom
Commentary by Jeff Burgar
for South Peace News
Fifteen years or so ago, one heard a few business people in Peace River offer the opinion the big mill in that town, Daishowa, “hasn’t really done much for Peace River.’’
Interestingly, just a few years ago, similar thoughts could be heard in High Prairie.
“Business is pretty solid here. Tolko hasn’t helped me out at all,’’ said more than one, and it has to be said, slightly misguided entrepreneur. That was then. This is now.
Tolko’s 175 well paying jobs, along with a raft of jobs at Buchanan Lumber, are shuttered and slashed payrolls no longer contributing to the local economy. Take $20 million or so out of direct injection, not counting the spin-off effects, and you have to have an impact. You can’t sweep it under the carpet or ignore it.
This isn’t unique to our community. Anyone travelling to other towns and cities around Alberta is blind to not see the effects of recession hitting everybody.
Many years ago, Gordon Buchanan said, “Forestry has good times and bad times. If you don’t put money in the bank in the good times, you sure as hell won’t last through the bad times.’’ Truer words were never spoken.
In fact, all Albertans know well the boom and bust economy Alberta goes through. We should, but do we act on it?
The stories are true of young men and women leaving school to make big money in the oil patch. Jacked up trucks, a new house and every toy one could want in the driveway is either a sign of good times, or a sign the bubble is about to pop. Two years ago you could take your pick. Now it’s obvious much of the boom was once again, hot air.
Fortunately, at least in today’s understanding, the old adage that “government is the last to stop spending, and the first to start,’’ still holds true in Ed Stelmach’s Alberta.
Our premier says he will continue infrastructure spending, building and expanding highways, schools, and yes, perhaps even building the new High Prairie hospital.
Sky high construction costs continue to drop due to recession. Our provincial budget is coming in almost $2 billion less deep in the hole due to savings. This is good news and the spending steadies our economy.
Meanwhile, following Buchanan’s advice isn’t bad for private enterprise and individuals and even smaller governments like our M.D. and Town and settlements.
“Put money in the bank. Take it easy. Get your ducks in a row. Look before you leap. Do your due diligence. Twice or three times or more.’’
Some people call this being “negative.’’ Perhaps their idea of being positive is driving fast at night with no headlights.
Buchanan’s advice is good advice in good times, and good advice in lean times.
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