Prentice Has a Winning Strategy - if he can get Harper on side?

Whispering in the Wind (WITW 68) March 11, 2015

Both Prime Minister Harper and Premier Jim Prentice are facing huge political challenges in what has become for the general public, a year of uncertainty, anxiety and hesitation.  Stephen Harper has chosen fear and emotion as his method for re-election – the fight against terrorism and insurrection.  For Jim Prentice, his approach is more subdued and more businesslike. 

Jim Prentice Has a Plan

Premier Jim Prentice is struggling with a provincial economy that has literally gone from boom to bust in less than a year.  The economic turnaround has rattled Albertans who are now facing a new set of realities, realities that were never expected.  Premier Prentice announced that his government will be tabling at the end of March, a 10 year fiscal plan along with yearly budget estimates that acknowledges an expected $7 billion short fall in government revenues – it is expected that Mr. Prentice will then announce a provincial election.  So what can Albertans expect in the estimates?  The more obvious; big time program spending cuts and major delays, if not cancellations of important capital projects.  Also in the mix is the real possibility of re-introducing healthcare premiums to individuals; the possibility of a provincial sales tax; and re-negotiating of provincial employee contracts.  From my perspective, the intent of the 10 year business plan will be to address the $7 billion revenue shortfall, a reality that will continue to plague the province’s coffers as long as the international oil prices remain low.  What I gathered from all of the interviews Premier Prentice has given to the media, the premier has a strong view that the Alberta economy is resilient and has economic assets that should not be ignored in these very difficult times.  A key plank in getting off of the oil price roller-coaster is a more diversified economy – and if that’s the case Mr. Prentice should take heed of Jeff Johnson’s paper on resource upgrading and diversification.  Another bit of advice that I would like to offer Premier Prentice, to the person who is going to lead Alberta out of this economic mess – don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.  Also Premier Prentice, always keep in mind that Alberta is a part of Canada so it is important to meet with the prime minister and insist upon a “nation building” exercise that includes a national energy strategy, an aboriginal development strategy, and a useable environmental development strategy. One final thought for Mr. Prentice:  the province is being shocked to its core.  Not only do we need a fiscal plan, we need a vision that Albertans will buy into.