Equalization, the Atlantic Accord and other Public Issues
The choice between an improved equalization formula and the exclusion of offshore resource revenues from that formula (as per the Atlantic Accord) is big in many Atlantic Canadian minds right now. Nova Scotia has opted for the improved equalization formula.
Despite dichotomies such as "have" and "have-not" when describing provinces, the equalization is really about the equalization of public services, such as libraries. If the policy works, it should bring benefits to all of the provinces, since serious gaps in services levels between regions can cause serious problems such as rapid migration and displacement of labor forces, increased poverty (in all regions), and social tensions. If it were to become a policy of income re-distribution, it would shown throughout history to be quite ineffective.
Provinces can have vibrant economies and still be considered "have not." The point here is that you do not want a scenario where public services in one region are significantly better than in others. In that scenario, people will leave good jobs in one region to take good jobs in others, just to get the better health care and education.
Library services can be an important focus here for equalization. We know that the public loves their libraries, and understand the importance of great collections in schools and universities. Take the example of the university professor who always has to pay to get an interlibrary loan from another Canadian university. If all the good resources are at other universities, why wouldn't he/she leave a good job in the Atlantic Region for an equally good job out west?
Does the principle of comparable services across regions apply to libraries? Which of the formulae is likely to better serve our clients in the long run?
Despite dichotomies such as "have" and "have-not" when describing provinces, the equalization is really about the equalization of public services, such as libraries. If the policy works, it should bring benefits to all of the provinces, since serious gaps in services levels between regions can cause serious problems such as rapid migration and displacement of labor forces, increased poverty (in all regions), and social tensions. If it were to become a policy of income re-distribution, it would shown throughout history to be quite ineffective.
Provinces can have vibrant economies and still be considered "have not." The point here is that you do not want a scenario where public services in one region are significantly better than in others. In that scenario, people will leave good jobs in one region to take good jobs in others, just to get the better health care and education.
Library services can be an important focus here for equalization. We know that the public loves their libraries, and understand the importance of great collections in schools and universities. Take the example of the university professor who always has to pay to get an interlibrary loan from another Canadian university. If all the good resources are at other universities, why wouldn't he/she leave a good job in the Atlantic Region for an equally good job out west?
Does the principle of comparable services across regions apply to libraries? Which of the formulae is likely to better serve our clients in the long run?
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