Sunrise in Napan
The Task Force Breakfast
I was present at the breakfast with the premier this morning. Although the report had already been released, the breakfast served as a formal acceptance of 14 of the 16 recommendations, and the announcement of funding to that end. Not long ago, a similar process saw $25 Million being injected into the Acadian peninsula. This actually led to a lot of speculation here since English/French rivalries still make up a good deal of local politics. In light of the government's budget cutbacks this year, and a perception that French areas receive more funding, people suspected the Miramichi package might ring in lower. It didn't. The Times & Transcript broke the story in its morning paper and Miramichi received a full $25 Million to "top up" its development fund, separate from any pre-existing funding or programs that are active now. It led to a rather buoyant breakfast.
For me, it was my first time in the Rodd River Lodge hotel. They have a great banquet room which was filled by 230 eager listeners as the speakers presented. Star of the show was Premier Lord. After the announcements, I got a chance to speak to my MLA, Michael "Tanker" Malley, who could best be described as the ultimate "grass roots" politician. He was on cloud nine. Tanker took me over and introduced me for the first time to the premier. I suppose I can say that my business received the first benefit from the new fund... the premier asked to buy a cartoon. *grin*
The ironic thing was that while this fund clocked in at $25 Million, a local millworker's fortune overshadowed it. On Monday, a worker at the local UPM mill won the largest ever cash prize in Atlantic Canada-- $30 Million-- in the Lotto Super 7 draw last week.
1 Comments
1Wp0eK The best blog you have!
4:06 AM
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