It's not a zero sum game

I take exception to the comments made in the Telegraph Journal today by UNB Saint John political scientist Don Desserud:

"the N.S. deal underlined the difficulty New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island face in having Atlantic neighbours blessed with sizeable oil and gas reserves.

Namely, the misnamed Atlantic Accords do nothing for the provinces that lack those resources and yet have to compete, to some extent, with their neighbours to attract investment and new residents."

This statement is completely and utterly false. Firstly, the fact that he is implying that their successes and new investments will not benefit the neighbouring provinces in any way shape or form is way off base because everyone knows economic development is not performed in a bubble.

For instance, if competition is increased in one area of the region, this will be good for all areas. Furthermore, say the economy starts booming in Halifax, that's going to mean good things for many cities and towns in Atlantic Canada, especially if shared infrastructure such as the Atlantic gateway and incoming ports are strengthened.

Secondly, there is a lot of commonality, both historically and geographically, which exist between the maritime provinces. With that in mind, it would make perfect sense for NB and PEI to try to find ways to partner with NS on numerous projects. In other words, it would reduce the pressure and burden on other Atlantic premiers as they wouldn't have to make the yearly pilgrimage to the Alberta oil patch with cap in hand in hopes they will throw a few sloppy seconds our way.

I guess that is why I don't see the successes of our Atlantic neighbours as a zero sum game. I see it as an opportunity for the entire region.

Update

On the subject of "the whole is greater than the sum of the parts", the formation of this group can't be good for the Atlantic region. Can you say Newfoundland & Labrador firewall?