Time to cultivate new ideas, Ernie.

• Author: Michels, Bob
• Position: The Way it is - New Ontario prime minister, Ernie Eves, and development for Northern Ontario - Brief Article - Column

Spring has sprung and summer cannot be far behind! After eight depressing months of little snow and much frost, 9-11 and its aftermath and income tax time, all but the quick and the dead are compelled to rise up in jubilation at the first sign of budding leaves. Everyone I meet of late is stepping just a bit livelier, has a smile on their face and exudes unbridled optimism.

Well, almost everyone. Supporters of the federal Liberal party and those who used to love to hate Mike Harris are the notable exceptions.

I will not comment on the Chretien-Martin fiasco or on John Manley - the minister of everything - except to wonder if the normal political cycle leading to self-immolation has finally begun.

The new government of Ernie Eves is really the BIG news. In the tradition of Mike Harris, a promise made is a promise kept. Witness Mr. Eves delivering on his promise to establish a dual campus medical school in Sudbury and Thunder Bay. Unlike Mike Harris, Mr. Eves' ministers are actually talking with labour and one can hardly hear any shouting or slamming of doors. Funding is flowing in ever-increasing amounts for education and health care. Reasonableness seems to be displacing confrontation and a kinder and gentler administration may be in the offing. Nothing seems to be written in rock and new ideas are being encouraged.

Well, in that spirit, here is an idea for your consideration Ernie (I think that, being kind and reasonable, he would want me to call him Ernie). First, Ernie, acknowledge that when it comes to employment and economic development in Northern Ontario most of what governments over the past 20 years have tried has, indeed, failed. I am sure you know that from 1996 to 1991, the population of the Greater Toronto area increased by 10 percent, over 400,000 persons, while many communities in the North saw declines of 10 per cent - continuing a 20-year trend.

The North's resource sector remains locked in the cyclical ravages of the commodity markets - added value is still an illusion rather than a reality. In too many northern communities, high-tech is fewer analog party lines, maybe 56k modem access. Youth out-migration supports the trend to a rapidly aging and skills and knowledge-obsolescent population.

It is time to seek new ideas, Ernie. Tax-free municipal bonds are not the complete answer. Consider using a process borrowed from the...