Déjà vu all over again all over again

An infamous traitor praises the provincial government, though it's not clear why:

Recently in response to a shortage of skilled trades, the provincial government has (and rightly so) invested money in the College of the North Atlantic to increase programs so we have a trained labour force to build the Lower Churchill, the smelters, the refineries and other anticipated megaprojects. This is in response to a projected shortage of workers for projects that are still on the drawing board - progressive planning and forward thinking, for sure.

Training people for imaginary jobs is what passes progressive planning and forward thinking?

Artifice

The St. John's Bored of Trade is concerned about genuine imitation prosperity:

St. John's Board of Trade Chair Outlines Issues for Prosperity

The chair of the St. John's Board of Trade Derek Sullivan discussed prosperity at the St. John's Rotary Club luncheon Thursday. Sullivan outlined a number of issues that he feels will help build prosperity in the capital city and the province as a whole.

He says the federal government has to invest in Marine Atlantic to help build an access to mainland markets. Sullivan says the Board of Trade continues to call for an elimination of the province's payroll tax. He cautioned against what he calls artificial prosperity created by increases to the minimum wage, and encourages government to consult with the
business community on the matter.

The St. John's Bored of Trade would appear to be indifferent to the much more artificial prosperity created by the still-inflating provincial public sector, and the even-more-inflating provincial public sector payroll.

Funny, that.

Help not wanted

Labour gives labourers a reality check:

Advice for Tradespeople From Union - Feb 17, 2009

A union official has some advice for tradespeople from this province, living away, who may be thinking about coming home for the work on major projects. The president of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, Local 579, Gus Doyle, says best check first to see if there is really any work available. He says a lot of people are under the misconception that there is a lot of work in the province, now. He indicates those returning and looking to join the local of a union, need to realize that there is a local preference policy in place regarding time of residence and availability of local workers. He says if there are no local workers available, then there may be jobs but many people think they can get work as soon as they get home and that is not the case.

Where, oh where, might many people have got that idea from?

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Economists

No matter what you're hearing about other places, the Newfoundland economy, and Labrador is doing fine, unless you're looking for something more out of the provincial treasury, in which case there's a recession on.

Or, unless you can actually look at, and understand, factual things like statistics.

He can fly, he can fly, he can fly

Think of a wonderful thought,
any happy little thought:

Oram Talking Positive to Central Newfoundland
January 23, 2009

Business minister Paul Oram was preaching the positive in Grand Falls-Windsor. He says the hub of central Newfoundland in industry and business faces a bright future. The minister spoke at last night's Exploits Business Excellence awards banquet. Oram says with its identity and background, Grand Falls-Windsor and surrounding area has the right attitude facing the challenges presented by the closure of AbitibiBowater's paper mill. Oram says a government task force is working to offset the impact of the mill closure and he sees lots of potential for future growth.

Just don't forget the pixie dust.

Pollydanna

Skinner! doesn't like negativitude:

Skinner Calls on People to be More Positive About Economy - Jan 22, 2009

The Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development says people need to be more positive when it comes to the economy. Shawn Skinner admits it's vital to be cognizant of the global economic situation...but there needs to be a balance between the good and the bad, so we maintain a positive outlook. Skinner says if that happens, when the economy turns around the province will have gained momentum. He suggests focusing on the success we're having and trying to grow more success. Skinner was speaking to the International Personnel Management Association, Newfoundland and Labrador Chapter luncheon.

In related news:

One by one the July days passed. To Pollyanna, they were happy days, indeed. She often told her aunt, joyously, how very happy they were. Whereupon her aunt would usually reply, wearily:

"Very well, Pollyanna. I am gratified, of course, that they are happy; but I trust that they are profitable, as well—otherwise I should have failed signally in my duty."

Generally Pollyanna would answer this with a hug and a kiss—a proceeding that was still always most disconcerting to Miss Polly; but one day she spoke. It was during the sewing hour.

"Do you mean that it wouldn't be enough then, Aunt Polly, that they should be just happy days?" she asked wistfully.

"That is what I mean, Pollyanna."

"They must be pro-fi-ta-ble as well?"

"Certainly."

"What is being pro-fi-ta-ble?"

"Why, it—it's just being profitable—having profit, something to show for it, Pollyanna. What an extraordinary child you are!"

"Then just being glad isn't pro-fi-ta-ble?" questioned Pollyanna, a little anxiously.

"Certainly not."

"O dear! Then you wouldn't like it, of course. I'm afraid, now, you won't ever play the game, Aunt Polly."

"Game? What game?"

"Why, that father—" Pollyanna clapped her hand to her lips. "N-nothing," she stammered. Miss Polly frowned.

"That will do for this morning, Pollyanna," she said tersely. And the sewing lesson was over.

Every village has its idiots

Even Potemkin Villages:

Business excited about fiscal statement

Empty cupboards

From the Ministry of Truth, a report about the Ministry of Business:

Province Attractive To Business
July 6, 2008

Interest in Newfoundland Labrador as an attractive place to do business is growing. The Minister Responsible for Business, Paul Oram, says wherever he travels there is a great buzz about this province being a fantastic place to do business. Oram says there are a lot of companies inquiring about the potential to do business here, especially with the economy booming as it is now. Oram says oil continues to drive the economy, but he also sees great opportunities for growth in areas like Ocean Technology; Information Technology; the fishery and agriculture. He stated all of this will benefit rural areas of the province.

OK, so now we can add to the lexicon of the economic Potemkin village not only those old chestnuts "opportunities" and "potential", but now we shall all grow fat and happy on a steady diet of "buzz" for dessert.