Other provinces aside, how is it petty in regards to Quebec. As someone who has no real desire to leave Alberta it would be great to get the Quebec perspective from a seasoned traveller such as yourself.
Other provinces we all get, Quebec is the only one.
I lived in Montreal for a year, but I didn't really pay attention much to the social programs and the equalization payments. My main complaint about Quebec was that it is hard to get a job as even a gas-pumper without being functionally bilingual. My French was never good enough. Also, they have strange laws about how many employees can be on a shift at the grocery store on Sundays - the lines would take almost an hour to get through.
Quebecors have different priorities, like social programs, but they have a cultural history of first, the Catholic Church providing those services and now the Provincial Government. I get the distaste for it from Albertans who feel like they are bank-rolling these programs.
I think it is funny, I've lived in BC, Alberta, and Quebec (and now Ohio and DC), but I only ever heard griping about equalization when in Alberta. I get the annoyance, but when comparing it to how states with senior ranking senators can rake in Federal dollars, let's just say I think Albertans complain a tad bit much for their scenario.
Living in DC, the big complaint is paying income tax but not having representation in Congress. I definitely feel that this is annoying, and there is about as much complaining about it as transfer payments in Alberta. But, you know what, at the end of the day, every state, every province, when federated, is going to have some local gripes, founded or not. To make an identity out of bitching about it, as Albertans have, takes it a step further. Although young, I was in Alberta when NEP was in full swing, in the lean years, and there was reason to complain, but I really think the whole "western-revolt" thing that came up from the Reform Party changed the rest of the country's view of Alberta. Alberta began to look like that guy that won the lottery, forgot that he was on welfare before, and then told everyone to quit being such freeloaders and moochers.
We all get dumped on, and we all get things that sometimes we don't deserve, take it in stride, and realize, there but for the grace of god.
Also, Toronto isn't out to get you either. Took me a while to learn that lesson, and realize that wait, there are perfectly reasonable business reasons why marketers and media cater to an area of the country that has over a third of the country's population in 100 mile radius.
Last edited by tripin_billie; 01-19-2011 at 04:50 PM.
But, you know what, at the end of the day, every state, every province, when federated, is going to have some local gripes, founded or not. To make an identity out of bitching about it, as Albertans have, takes it a step further.
Alberta does this far less, and far less effectively, than Quebec. Therein lies a sizeable chunk of the problem.
Actually, I'll give you that one. Maybe Albertans seem so whinny because they do it a lot, but aren't all that good at it?
Our whining is ineffective partly because our population is less than Quebec's (but also because the Liberals know we'll never vote for them, and the Conservatives know we'll never not vote for them).
I lived in Montreal for a year, but I didn't really pay attention much to the social programs and the equalization payments. My main complaint about Quebec was that it is hard to get a job as even a gas-pumper without being functionally bilingual. My French was never good enough. Also, they have strange laws about how many employees can be on a shift at the grocery store on Sundays - the lines would take almost an hour to get through.
Quebecors have different priorities, like social programs, but they have a cultural history of first, the Catholic Church providing those services and now the Provincial Government. I get the distaste for it from Albertans who feel like they are bank-rolling these programs.
I think it is funny, I've lived in BC, Alberta, and Quebec (and now Ohio and DC), but I only ever heard griping about equalization when in Alberta. I get the annoyance, but when comparing it to how states with senior ranking senators can rake in Federal dollars, let's just say I think Albertans complain a tad bit much for their scenario.
Living in DC, the big complaint is paying income tax but not having representation in Congress. I definitely feel that this is annoying, and there is about as much complaining about it as transfer payments in Alberta. But, you know what, at the end of the day, every state, every province, when federated, is going to have some local gripes, founded or not. To make an identity out of bitching about it, as Albertans have, takes it a step further. Although young, I was in Alberta when NEP was in full swing, in the lean years, and there was reason to complain, but I really think the whole "western-revolt" thing that came up from the Reform Party changed the rest of the country's view of Alberta. Alberta began to look like that guy that won the lottery, forgot that he was on welfare before, and then told everyone to quit being such freeloaders and moochers.
the Western revolt thing came into play long before the reform party formed. Trudeau as a prime minister was the fuel for creating a sense of Western Resentment.
And I don't count equalization as wellfare because wellfare is supposed to be temporary, Quebec seems to believe its a permanent part of their budget and because of that they pump up their programs beyond what the provinces that are donating money to it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tripin_billie
all get dumped on, and we all get things that sometimes we don't deserve, take it in stride, and realize, there but for the grace of god.
Alberta didn't just get dumped on, they didn't have a seat at the table and we're treated like the rich family friend that nobody understands but is a ATM. Quebec is absolutely opposite as the federal government trips over its crank to appease them. In a country thats suppossed to treat its citizens on equal standing, its never been the case because its easier to buy votes in Quebec and Ontario to hold onto a government.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tripin_billie
Also, Toronto isn't out to get you either. Took me a while to learn that lesson, and realize that wait, there are perfectly reasonable business reasons why marketers and media cater to an area of the country that has over a third of the country's population in 100 mile radius.
Nope Toronto's not out to get us, however they tend to believe that they are right minded and Albertan's are wrong minded backwards red neck hicks.
Its Ottawa that Alberta doesn't trust.
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My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings;
I have no issue with "helping our neighbours and fellow Canadians".... however, it should be done so they can provide "equal" (or as close as possible), services.
Not programs that a massively different or even unheard of in other provinces.
LOL, Okay, massive derail here, but I just finished watching your burnout videos on youtube. Seriously the lamest thing I have ever seen related to a member on this site.
for those of you who missed it, our very own tylerSVT:
1) Doing a burnout in any rear wheel drive car over... I dunno, 180 HP is not an accomplishment. You may think it is cool, but any real performance car enthusiast is mentally face palming at you.
2) Burnouts are the automotive equivalent of the grunting guy with the big gut and skinny legs at the gym that think he is 'benching' 3 plates, when he is bouncing the bar off his chest, and using 2 spotters to get 1 rep up.
3) Doing burnouts is one of the warning symptoms of clinical d-baggery. Uploading your burnout video to Motley Crue tracks, while looking at the camera during said burnout, hoping for a good screen cap, and not looking the road, give you a 100% positive diagnoses.
Sorry to pile on, but man, that was weak.
And oh yeah, I have no problem helping the other provinces. I am sure one day, when the need for oil tapers off, Alberta will have it's hand out too. And I say that as a born and raised tax paying Calgarian/Albertan.
Last edited by pylon; 01-20-2011 at 01:31 AM.
The Following 4 Users Say Thank You to pylon For This Useful Post:
LOL, Okay, massive derail here, but I just finished watching your burnout videos on youtube. Seriously the lamest thing I have ever seen related to a member on this site.
for those of you who missed it, our very own tylerSVT:
1) Doing a burnout in any rear wheel drive car over... I dunno, 180 HP is not an accomplishment. You may think it is cool, but any real performance car enthusiast is mentally face palming at you.
180hp.. really? Try doing that and let me know how it works out. I like how you claim "Any real performance car enthusiast is mentally face palming at you" How so??? Because i had old tires and instead of just throwing them out i wanted to smoke them off???
Quote:
Originally Posted by pylon
2) Burnouts are the automotive equivalent of the grunting guy with the big gut and skinny legs at the gym that think he is 'benching' 3 plates, when he is bouncing the bar off his chest, and using 2 spotters to get 1 rep up.
Because burning off old tires makes me feel so cool....
Quote:
Originally Posted by pylon
3) Doing burnouts is one of the warning symptoms of clinical d-baggery. Uploading your burnout video to Motley Crue tracks, while looking at the camera during said burnout, hoping for a good screen cap, and not looking the road, give you a 100% positive diagnoses.
It's sad that you took the time to search youtube for my car videos, then watch them, then come on here and comment on them just to stroke your own ego and make yourself feel so much better. Congrats!
P.S. the burnouts were all done in my buddies parents carwash parking lot where no one was parked and no one was around... If you want to question my safety and driving skills you should watch some of my autocross videos... i'm pretty sure i have more advanced driver training than you do.
Quote:
Originally Posted by pylon
Sorry to pile on, but man, that was weak.
And oh yeah, I have no problem helping the other provinces. I am sure one day, when the need for oil tapers off, Alberta will have it's hand out too. And I say that as a born and raised tax paying Calgarian/Albertan.
I'd probably work on getting that video down and blocking out your license plate before the police saw that thing. Or someone could just forward it to them...
Anyways back on subject what goes around comes around the oil isn't going to last forever! I'm sure other provinces has given Alberta money in the past so just enjoy it.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by henriksedin33
Not at all, as I've said, I would rather start with LA over any of the other WC playoff teams. Bunch of underachievers who look good on paper but don't even deserve to be in the playoffs.
LOL, Okay, massive derail here, but I just finished watching your burnout videos on youtube. Seriously the lamest thing I have ever seen related to a member on this site.
for those of you who missed it, our very own tylerSVT:
1) Doing a burnout in any rear wheel drive car over... I dunno, 180 HP is not an accomplishment. You may think it is cool, but any real performance car enthusiast is mentally face palming at you.
2) Burnouts are the automotive equivalent of the grunting guy with the big gut and skinny legs at the gym that think he is 'benching' 3 plates, when he is bouncing the bar off his chest, and using 2 spotters to get 1 rep up.
3) Doing burnouts is one of the warning symptoms of clinical d-baggery. Uploading your burnout video to Motley Crue tracks, while looking at the camera during said burnout, hoping for a good screen cap, and not looking the road, give you a 100% positive diagnoses.
Sorry to pile on, but man, that was weak.
And oh yeah, I have no problem helping the other provinces. I am sure one day, when the need for oil tapers off, Alberta will have it's hand out too. And I say that as a born and raised tax paying Calgarian/Albertan.
What does that video have to do with this thread. I'm all for calling a dude out in the context of a thread, but that was a bit much, no?
LOL, Okay, massive derail here, but I just finished watching your burnout videos on youtube. Seriously the lamest thing I have ever seen related to a member on this site.
Tyler is a kid, cut him some slack, jeez you were probably doing dumber things at his age.
LOL, Okay, massive derail here, but I just finished watching your burnout videos on youtube. Seriously the lamest thing I have ever seen related to a member on this site.
for those of you who missed it, our very own tylerSVT:
Hehe
Quote:
Originally Posted by TylerSVT
Im actually really conservative in it. I rarely drive it hard.
