NFLD Premier Orders Canadian Flags Removed Over Revenue Dispute

[yvr girl]

<snip>

ST. JOHN'S -- Newfoundland Premier Danny Williams has ordered the immediate removal of Canadian flags from all provincial government buildings in protest of failed talks with Ottawa over offshore revenue sharing.

"They're slapping us in the face. I'm not willing to fly that flag anymore in the province," an angry Williams told at a news conference Thursday in St. John's.

Williams continued his fiery attack on the federal government Thursday, a day after he broke off talks with Ottawa on reaching an offshore revenue deal.

The premier accused federal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale of negotiating in bad faith at Wednesday's meeting in Winnipeg.

"It's also quite apparent to me that we were dragged to Manitoba in order to punish us, quite frankly, to try to embarrass us, to bring us out there to get no deal and send us back with our tail between our legs," said Williams.

Williams had said he would not continue negotiations past Christmas.

http://www.canada.com/national/story.html?id=6cfce470-6d55-4d1c-9d1e-c173ec8447b7

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. I know that Newfoundland was not part of Canada

until around 1939, I believe. As I recall, the colony (I assume it was a colony of Britain, or was it simply an independent province or country under the British Commonwealth? Please enlighten me!) had gone bankrupt, and joined the Canadians in order to get a debt bailout. Is this the cause of the underlying resentment between Newfoundland and the rest of Canada? Or did Newfoundland get some sort of special deal for joining Canada that the Candian government now wants to change?

This is one Yank that would like to know.

[metis]

2. Nfld

joined Canada in 1949.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

3. Oops!

Sorry about the slipup. But wasn't it done mainly for economic reasons? Does Newfoundland have special economic perks or rights that the other provinces don't?

[jim3775]

4. Fair deal...

Williams went too far, he was offered a perfectly fair deal and he stormed out of the talks. Nfld. has an unrealistic sense of entitlement about the offshore oil and gas that dates back to the '60's.

[Spazito]

5. Williams is showboating, imo....

when is the next election in Newfoundland, I wonder? They are entitled to fair proceeds from their resources as are other provinces, no more and no less, imo.

[Hand]

6. He sure is!

He's always creating these me-centric spectacles. Last year he started making verbal offers directly to striking civil servants in the middle of union negotiations. Got a lot of ink and air time, but didn't get any further toward a settlement.

Goodale had it right when he said that Williams wouldn't take "yes" for an answer. He'd rather have the issue than the solution... sound familiar?

:grr:

[V. Kid]

7. Yup

It just seems silly/dumb/freakish. He should really grow up -- it's hard to take him seriously.