Originally Posted by
yyzflightpath
The auto industry (also potentially the green energy industry) in Ontario, and oil and gas development out west have both received massive subsidy supports far beyond the $ value bombardier or likely any Quebec corporation ever received.
Please provide an example where the government of Canada has ever cut a cheque to an oil company. I know this is a beloved myth in certain circles but I can find zero actual times that any government has cut a cheque to an oil company to keep them in business.
Originally Posted by
yyzflightpath
You guys can go ahead and believe you are being rational and logical, but in reality you're just perpetuating small minded Canadian regionalism to the detriment of this country.
It strikes me that the one being small minded and regional is you. Besides, you said there were no reasons. I was kindly showing you that you there are reasons. The fact you are not happy about that does not change the facts. And, of course, if that's not good enough then there is always this from our current Prime Minister.
https://m.facebook.com/watch/?v=680559242068813&_rdr
Originally Posted by
VFR Only Please
In my Ontario childhood it was always explained that part of the tax on gasoline went to develop Alberta's oil industry and hence Canadian energy autonomy.
I have no doubt you were told that, but it simply is not true. If you can provide a source that contradicts me, I'd be happy to read it.
Originally Posted by
VFR Only Please
And then what did we see during the 1970s energy crisis? Bumper stickers in Alberta saying "Let the eastern bastards freeze in the dark!" Gosh, thanks.
Yes, there was a lot of well deserved anger out west at the time. Perhaps you forgot something called the National Energy Program wherein the Prime Minister of Canada, a fellow by the name of Trudeau, decided to nationalize the oil industry. All the companies fled Canada, taking their equipment with them. In case you want an example of how well this works out, Venezuela recently nationalized their oil industry and are a shining example of how well this works. So, Trudeau drove an economically prosperous province into a recession (some would argue depression) that took 15 to 20 years to recover from. Since I lived it, watching my parents both lose their jobs (neither worked in the oil industry), my sibling lose their house and my friend's families all suffering similar fates... there was a lot of anger against central Canada and the seat of power. If you ever wonder why the name Trudeau is still seen as a curse out west, just remember this one person was hell bent on destroying the country to support 2 provinces... one of which you seem to have lived in at the time. Your benefit at my expense. Before you go lecturing me on the events, just tell me you lived through it in any province that wasn't Ontario or Quebec.
Democracy is all about numbers and getting reelected... sadly. The truth is, you only need to win in two provinces to become the ruling party. Any politician trying to get elected will put their resources into giving those two whatever they want even if it is at the expense of the remaining eight provinces and two territories. Liberal, NDP, Green or Conservative, it matters not.
https://www.elections.ca/content.asp...t=index&lang=e https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/House_...mons_of_Canada Good governance would have a party concerned about all the nation's stake holders. But that doesn't happen often as most of the effort is placed into getting to the seat of power. To do that, you need to win at least one of the two big provinces and several others or, just the big two. It is the reality of our nation.
Originally Posted by
UltraFan
In all honesty, does Canada even need an air force? And I'm saying that with all due respect. They have good relationships with everyone. They don't have "archenemies". They have a big strong ally who will defend them if not as a friend then as a buffer zone.
Yes. Yes it does. I'm not sure where this concept that we should just leave our own national defense to someone else and hope that they will bear the expense out of the goodness of their heart. Have you followed the news lately? The citizens of the USA are not happy they have been footing the bill for the defense of other nations since at least the 60's. If we want their help, we need to pay for it in one form or another. It would be a lovely day when we don't need a military to defend sovereignty but today is not that day.
Originally Posted by
UltraFan
My point is two-fold:
1. Canada's geographic, climatic and political position makes them an extremely unlikely target for any foes, and
2. Even if Canada buys all fighters in the world, their offensive capabilities will still be nill - they are too far from any adversary. (Except one, but Canada attacking the US is less likely than Vulcans attacking Clingons.)
Do you realize we are sitting on some of the largest reserves of precious metals and fresh water in the world? Why do you think the Russians have been rearming the arctic? They aren't likely to launch a full scale attack but they are likely to just move in and claim a stake like they did in the Baltic. What then? Roll over and let them have it or hope the Americans come to the damsel in distresses aid? Currently, we are part of a block of nations that use their limited resources as a single unit to prevent such things... but if we are a non-contributing member, others may not wish to risk their resources and lives to protect your freeloading backside. Just something to think about.
The worst thing about all of this is how badly we procure anything for the military. Every politician wants their stamp on things they know nothing about... and when the military does things right (Vice Admiral Mark Norman) people get punished for getting in the way of the politician. Until swarm technology and drones are good enough to do the job, we need something at least capable of presenting a deterrent. No one likes to pay for defense... it's exactly like paying for car insurance. You fork over money in the hopes you will never have to use it but you are always happy that it is there the day you need it.