Supportin' Morton!

From Don Braid's column in the Calgary Herald, Saturday, July 23rd:

PC leadership candidate Ted Morton, who calls for much stronger stands in federal provincial relations, says he wouldn't do it that way:

"You strengthen the (Conservative) party by setting the record straight," he says. "You also help Ontario by setting the record straight - and you help the Hudak Tories there, too."

Read more: http://www.calgaryherald.com/news/Braid+Next+Tory+leader+must+Alberta+first/5149322/story.html#ixzz1TTCVwHBz

Now, I was handed that column to read while helping my wife at the Millarville Farmer's Market where she sells her photographic art each Saturday during the summer months. A farmer's market is instructive for it's lessons in economics. Lessons liberal politicians, like Ontario's McGuinty would do well to learn.

When my wife sells one of her pieces at the market, two important things happen. First, we have currency which we can exchange for goods and services of equal value (And in a free market, we get to decide which goods and services meet that criteria, but that's a discussion for another day.). Second, we gain confidence that she can provide something of value, and as a result our confidence (consumer confidence) goes up. As a result of our confidence with the newly acquired currency in hand, visit our fellow vendors, buy our vegetables, eggs, etc.

When we sell less, the opposite happens, and they sell less.

Similarly, when Alberta does well, the rest of Canada benefits. The Alberta oilfield is full of pickup trucks, they weren't made here.

Ontario Premier Dalton McGuinty doesn't comprehend very basic economics and is oblivious to the fact that Ontario is now one of the "have-not" provinces and now receives billions from Alberta via equalization.

Ironically, back when Ontario was a net contributor to "equalization" McGuinty was advocating for it's demise.

I'm confident that Ontario voters will demonstrate that they have a much better grip on reality than their Premier, by how they cast their votes come October.

His reward for making Ontario a "have-not" province will be to "have-not" the job of Premier.

Back here in Alberta, I'll be Supportin' Morton, because Ted Morton is the one leadership hopeful that understands that what's good for Alberta, is good for Canada.