"It's more than a little ironic Robertson would criticize the royalty program considering that initiative was supported by former NDP Premier Dan Miller," says Sultan, a former Chief Economist of The Royal Bank of Canada. "We have a booming oil and gas sector that is creating thousands of jobs, with the highest raw gas reserves in B.C.'s history and the NDP want to throw a wrench into it. Do they not recall what happened when investment fled this province in the 1990s?"
Sultan was referring to the following quote by Robertson in the Vancouver Sun: "Do they really need a subsidy to drill for that resource?" asked Robertson. "That oil has been there 250 million years. It's worth more and more every passing year. Why not wait until you can do it without subsidies?"
Sultan says Robertson's comments are just the latest in a series of disturbing messages that show the NDP are moving further to the political left and aren't interested in developing resources that create jobs and pay for government services.
In March, NDP MLA Michael Sather called for the province to restrict foreign investment and review the North American Free Trade Agreement with the aim of restricting trade.
"Extraordinary advice, considering foreign investment played a major role in restarting the Pulp Mill in Port Alice," says Sultan.
"I must admit, after all my years of studying economics, even I can't figure out the logic of the NDP's economic strategy for the province - except to say it is destructive," added Sultan. "It is truly mystifying that after the dramatic turnaround in B.C.'s economic fortunes since 2001, the NDP continue to advocate regressive economic policies that have failed everywhere they've been tried. Perhaps the NDP are breaking new ground in the world of economics that experts and investors haven't even thought of themselves. I can't wait to see the totality of their economic strategy for B.C."
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A clear message from Carole James and the NDP?
Victoria - Following are some direct quotes from the NDP economic leaders:
"Do they really need a subsidy to drill for that resource?" asked Robertson. "That oil has been there 250 million years. It's worth more and more every passing year. Why not wait until you can do it without subsidies?"
- NDP MLA Gregor Robertson, Vancouver Sun, August 9, 2006
"I've been very clear about the fact that I think tax incentives, targeted tax incentives, for successful industry is part of the role of government, to ensure that we can diversify our economy and provide jobs for British Columbians."
- NDP Leader Carole James, Terry Moore Show, CFAX, January 14, 2005
"It's all short-term strategy and it's an unfair subsidy to big business."
- NDP MLA Gregor Robertson on oil and gas royalties, Vancouver Sun, August 9, 2006
"We can't keep schools, or hospitals going without jobs...We should be offering tax incentives for businesses creating meaningful jobs in these regions."
- NDP Leader Carole James, Grand Forks Gazette, September 24, 2003
"Again, it was New Democrats who really kicked off the oil and gas sector in the northeast of this province."
- NDP Leader Carole James, Terry Moore Show, CFAX, January 15, 2005
"Would the Premier agree that we should approach the federal government to restrict foreign takeovers of companies in British Columbia?"
- NDP MLA Michael Sather, Hansard Premier Office Estimates, May 16, 2006
