Enough with the studies already

If one costly study wasn't enough, now taxpayers are on the hook so that a working group can further "hammer out" or "fast-track" a post-secondary education solution. Sigh.

Of course the headline in the Telegraph Journal this morning "Saving Saint John" gives us the impression that the Graham government, or specifically Ed Doherty, is now siding with the public [Saint John] on the post secondary education file, when in retrospect, this is just the conclusion of another political gimmick, a smoke screen of sorts.

In other words, they have created a phony war where they are the good guys standing against the bad decisions made by task forces and studies. The very same studies which they commissioned in order to take the focus off their lack of leadership for cripes sake. Make no mistake, this is not Ed Doherty standing up for the public, it is an exercise where tax-dollars are used to keep the focus off their lack of governing, or better yet, cleaning up a mess they created.

Government not ready to make the difficult decisions

And let me tell you, this government is becoming legendary for not governing. At this point, almost every bold idea is tied up in a study or task force paid for by taxpayers and lead by unaccountable academics and consultants. And at the end of the day, we all know what this current regime will do with the info when push comes to shove. That's right, they will become weaked-kneed and side with what is popular, not with the dificult decisions that need to be made in order to move the province forward and get us back on track.

Let's face it, if this government was serious about being fully accountable and doing what is right for the economy, then they wouldn't have unilaterally raised taxes without consulting New Brunswickers first. I'm certain senior C.D. Howe institute fellow Jack Mintz would agree.

So enough with the studies and task forces already. Start leading. It's what NBers are paying you to do.

Update

Speaking of costly studies or panels paid for by our hard-earned tax dollars, if you're wondering, still not a big fan. Though the receiver in this particular case doesn't surprise me considering he once mused about a multimillion-dollar taxpayers' subsidy deal for Canadian NHL teams.