The NEP may have earned the libs political points but at the time it was formed Canada was facing a 350% increase in energy prices as a result of OPEC. While this was great for oil rich Alberta the rest of Canada was suffering. Something had to be done.
Once PET gutted the AB oil sector - it basically shut down and Trudeau was forced to buy oil from Venezuela at world prices + a big transportation cost.
His plan was ill conceived and we are still paying for his stupidity today
At the onset the Crow Rate help prairie farmers get their grain to market helped Canada maintain control of the mineral riches in BC. Had nothing to do with getting votes.
... And?
Sounds like your point is that there was a cost to building the railway West. Correct me if I'm wrong, but there was also a cost to construct it in Eastern Canada too.
The Wheat Board was for the broader good of wheat and barley growers in Canada. How is abolishing the Wheat Board good for Harper? He may gain a few votes but I argue he'll loose and equal amount.
Why wasn't that 'broader good' extended to all grain growers in Canada seeing how it was so good?
See what I'm getting at here yet?
Are Quebec and Ontario not apart of Canada? Do we not have to look out for everyone? Isn't that what a nation does?
... Not at the expense of people
So should Trudeau have left the East to freeze in the dark like Lougheed suggested?
Lougheed made that statement as a reaction to Trudeau.
Maybe the solution should have been that Trudeau mandate that all automobiles manufactured in Canada be sold for 1/3 their price and the higher cost of fuel is offset that way.
Any thoughts on what this (extreme) example would have generated?
