“ We are an ageing, declining, urbanizing, geographically diverse soul group. Our Government is characterized by an excessive work force incentivized by salaries and pensions that are not sustainable. The per capita cost of our government is at the breaking point. Sorry to be so blunt.”
‘ GET IT’ tighten our belts. Governments cannot perpetually seek more and more from its citizens. Premiers and elected members, regardless of political persuasion, will ultimately have no choice but to act, or run out of cash.
Governments have a formidable task, and I do not envy them. Their task is to balance our fiscal reality with the social responsibility they and we have to each other. That is the essence of community. As Newfoundland and Labradorians, we pride ourselves in nurturing each other. Yet, this balance must be achieved if we are to create a secure present and sustainable future for our children and grandchildren.
We are now at the time when we have to start doing rather than continually looking at the cause.
As fighting Newfoundlanders we have to enter this battle together, rather than fighting with each other: rich versus poor, union versus government, rural versus urban. Together we need to collectively take on the battle of the economy.
Government canvassed each of us for ideas. As expected they came in all shapes and sizes. Often there were opposing perspectives, different approaches and contradictory recommendations. All good. All correct from the perspective of the person presenting. However, government has to absorb and digest these with their‘ insider knowledge’. Then logically and prudently affect timely change.
Here are a few approaches or perspectives that should resonate with many of you:
1. First and foremost, we have to expect less of our government. Remember, each dollar it pays out by and large comes from each and every one of us. The more it spends, the more we pay. Inevitably, government has to spend less.
2. All unionized public sector employees need to understand that reductions are no longer a choice but a necessity. My dream( and a crazy one it is) would be to see all unions proactively working with government to address logical, structured cost reduction measures that get balanced from the perspective of both the employee and the overall fiscal situation. From the perspective of the bigger‘ WE’ rather than the smaller‘ we’. Better solutions can evolve by working together. Rather than take opposing sides, why not seek the most logical approach, together.
3. Understand that over a relatively short period of time, the levels of bureaucracy have to reduce. This will result not only in fiscal benefits but also in efficiency.
4. Public service pensions MUST change, both union and non-union. Rather than enter a dialogue on this most complicated subject, let me simply say from my perspective, the structure as it exists today is not sustainable.
5. Many government employees are ready and willing to retire. Initiate changes that would encourage early retirement rather than inducing these souls to stay, ticking off the days to retirement.
6. Be open to new ideas and approaches. The passionate voices against public-private partnerships need to listen. In some cases you are correct. In others, believe it or not, they are the wise option. Let’ s empower our elected officials to explore opportunities where such partnerships make sense and action them. Where they do not, move on. Embedding ourselves in a static belief will get us nowhere.
We have been called to action by the turbulent waters within which we now live. Our lives have collided with national and international events. A rogue wave, or two or three, has struck. Metaphorically, we are taking on water. We need to bail and row together. Understanding why the seas became turbulent is noteworthy but our immediate concern is to not sink. We need to make it to dry land. All hands on deck. Man the oars. Let us all pull together. Yes, yes, including you on the other side, and in the same direction. There will be time later to chat, even argue, about the rogue wave over a fine spot of tea. +
Charlie is a professional life coach, selfpublished poet, purveyor of lifestyle balance and a craftsman of well over 100 businesses. Charlie’ s main focus is encouraging us to join together to fight the economic challenges rather than fight each other. This op-ed was originally published in the Board of Trade Magazine.
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