Quote:
Originally Posted by crazy_eoj
If the province capitulated to the energy industry, it surely has capitulated even more to it's employees?
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If the government was able to capitulate to its employees, it's because voters were distracted with tax cuts that were only possible because government services were subsidized by energy royalties. So yeah, it's a big circle of selfishness. The energy companies got a favourable royalty regime and a veto on government policy, public sector employees got handsome contracts, voters paid the lowest taxes in the country, and the Conservatives stayed in power. What could go wrong?
I don't blame the energy companies. They exist, after all, solely to turn a profit for their shareholders.
I don't blame government employees. Like everyone else, they're out to secure the best compensation possible.
I don't even blame the Conservatives all that much. They just did what they could to get re-elected every four years.
I blame the voters who thought they could have the lowest tax rates in the country by far and still have the kinds of schools, roads, and hospitals as everyone else in the country. We're the ones who sold our kids' future for a few thousand more dollars in our pocket for tips to Mexico and dinners at Earls.