Remember how popular the National Energy Program was in western Canada in the 80s? Of course it wasn't. Apparently British Columbia Premier Christy Clark forgot that.
Or she has her own motives for forgetting.
The National Energy Program (NEP) was initiated in 1980 during the recession to share the natural resource wealth of the have-provinces (mostly Alberta) with the whole country. As natural resources generally fall under the juristiction of provinces, western Canada saw it as an intrusion into their business affairs. And it was. Alberta's GDP (Gross Domestic Product - market value of all officially recognized final goods and services produced within our province) fell drastically and it took years for Alberta to recover.
And now BC's Premier wants to see that happen again.
Why? Because there's an election in BC. Because it's a gut reaction to show bravado and tell your voters you can make them wealthier. Yes, Enbridge wants to run a pipeline through your province and will pay for that right but how does that entitle Ms. Clark to royalties? It's political grandstanding, first and foremost.
Is there a risk to running a 1,177-kilometre pipeline through sensitive natural areas? Of course. Especially with Enbridge's brutal record of late (another leak this weekend!)
Christy, make THAT your main issue. Win votes THAT way. British Columbia is a beautiful province and should stay that way. Talk about money and it overshadows that important issue.
-bri
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