buffered by oil

The Economist is reporting that the global economy has been holding up despite various perils like "investor panic and a credit crunch." However, this stability is tenuous and readers are advised to remain cautious, no matter where they live in the world.

As a conscientious media monitor, I am moved to consider what affect a potential recession would have on my home province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL).

The search for an answer starts with Canada, of which NL is a province. Canada's economy is historically influenced greatly by that of it's southern neighbour, the United States. Some major causes of panic on the market originated in the US, and as such their economy will likely show clear effects. Thus, Canada is poised to feel them as well.

However, Canada has been slowly wrenching itself free of America's economic grip and as such has become an attractive destination for foreign investors. Our economy is more secure as Canadians are traditionally less likely to take major risks. And an influx of production of our abundant natural resources is pumping dollars into our government coffers and potentially shielding us from (or hiding) various economic perils.

Along with the protection given to us as citizens of a wealthy nation, our provincial economy has been improving as well. Just in terms of revenue stream, our government has recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a consortium of oil companies. Once finalized, this project (Hebron-Ben Nevis) will pump about $16 billion into the province over 25 years.

This massive number ignores the other economic benefits, many of which are near-immediate, that the project will bring to the province. The number of jobs alone will surely increase the population and inject further millions into regional economies. Not to mention the family members who will be looking for and making their own work.

One expects that premier Danny Williams intends to avoid the types of problems that are still being faced in Alberta thanks to a booming oil and gas industry. Shortages in all areas of social services and infrastructure plague the province despite record budget surpluses and salaries.

The proof that Williams is planning for a major economic boom in our province can be found in the many initiatives his government has undertaken in the four years of his first term as premier.

Millions of dollars have been invested in infrastructure and education. Mandates to reduce poverty, violence, and crime have been reinforced by action plans and policy amendments. Immigration policy has become a priority for the current government. And within government itself major overhauls are occurring with respect to health care, governance, and bureaucracy (though stimulated by scandal).

So as the world goes through its rapid transformation into a truly global village, our province is preparing itself. And while the global economy takes a natural stumble, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador will begin to enjoy a new era of prosperity.

criminal offensive

I read an article today about the rising rate of armed robberies in our city. This concerns me, as I would suspect it does most people.

In the article, they interviewed a corner store owner who said that the courts need to take a hard look at the problem, and in essence make the laws tougher.

I have a problem with this as an exclusive stance towards how to solve the problem.

People must ask themselves "who is committing these crimes?" Most likely the offenders are folks who are struggling intensely with their current situation and are so desperate that they are willing to terrify innocent cashiers to make some quick cash.

The second question people must ask themselves are "Are the lawful consequences of armed robbery more or less harsh today than in the past?" Most people probably don't know the answer to this question. And why should they - most people have never committed an armed robbery.

What, then, will stricter laws do to prevent would-be robbers from picking up a knife and threatening someone in a convenience store? Are criminals more 'in the know' regarding courtroom procedures and the justice system?

Of course not. Many, if not most armed robbers are either under the influence of a mind-altering substance (or worse, experiencing extreme withdrawal), and are unconcerned with the long-term consequences of their actions. So stricter laws do nothing but make their lives even more unbearable than they already are, sending them further into depression and making them even more prone to commit crimes.

It is time that, when we call for action to reduce crime, we demand that these crimes be prevented as opposed to punished more severely. We must call for more inclusive education systems, more robust poverty reduction plans, and a child care system that ensures a high standard of socialization for every single child.

People that are taught from an early age to respect and accept instead of reject and isolate one another will be more likely to detect the early signs of a troubled individual and work to integrate them into a safe society.

Yes, punishment that fits the crime will still help to prevent repeat offenses, but it will not bring back the sense of trust that exists in our towns and cities. We must prevent violations by fostering a community spirit.