NL Marks 60th Confederation Anniversary With Whispers

01/04/2009 03:44
No tributes, no ceremonies and no parties are planned to mark the 60th anniversary on Tuesday of Newfoundland and Labrador joining Canada.

Premier Danny Williams had planned last fall to hold a celebration to mark both the anniversary and the province's recent designation as a so-called "have" province, as Newfoundland and Labrador no longer qualifies for equalization.

But Williams said with the national economy in disarray and many people in Newfoundland and Labrador still mourning the 17 people killed in the March 12 Cougar helicopter crash, it would be wrong to host a party.

"It's not a time for celebration, and it's not appropriate," said Williams, noting the government had already scaled back its have-status plans well before the Cougar crash.

Williams said the quiet marking of the anniversary has nothing to do with his endless political wars with the federal government.

"We are very proud as a province to be part of Canada," Williams said Monday in St. John's.

"Canada is a great country and despite the fact that we may have differences of opinion from time to time with various governments, that certainly wouldn't impede an overall celebration," said Williams.

"But, at this particular point in time, we just really sincerely feel that it's not appropriate."

Williams said some members of the legislature may rise on Tuesday to pay tribute to the Confederation anniversary.

Marking the diamond anniversary so quietly stands in contrast to previous anniversaries. In 1974, a full year of celebrations — including concerts and even a tribute record album consisting of songs composed just for the event — was organized. In 1999, then premier Brian Tobin presided over Soiree '99, which marked the golden anniversary as a tourism marketing event.

SINC SAYS:

If leading by example scores political points, St. Albert’s city council could take a lesson here and cancel the birthday bash they have planned on the taxpayers back.

Are you reading this council members?

I said, are you reading this council members?


SAT