Legislative Assembly

this same problem with the Federal Government. We did succeed, finally in having them make grants to all municipalities in lieu of taxes equal to the actual tax that would be charged. I present this to the Government for their understanding and sincere consideration. Something should be done, possibly not all in one bite, but move to the end that they are recompensed, to a fair proportion and that this load is not being carried by our local taxpayers.

Now just a final word, and that is on the White Paper that was presented. Personally I have always been afraid of the economists, and I have always been told that the only person that can understand an economist is another economist. I think this document was produced in a rush, I think there was a dateline that hurried it. It is not impressive; there is only one point I would like to make and that is found on page fourteen of the White Paper, section five, and it reads as follows: “The principle that the implementation of the Development Plan must pro- vide for the highest possible degree of local involvement and for the fullest co- operation between all groups and persons involved in the process.”

But, in order to do this, in order to have it go through successfully, both of us, on both sides of the House have to get away from partisan politics, this playing “cat and mouse” and establish a sensible basis of progress for our own Province. (Applause) Mr. Speaker, we are just not big enough; we can’t afford petty “politic- ing” in this Province. The situation is serious enough to-day, it is almost beyond our control, so let’s all try and work to-gether, not for the betterment of any party, but for the benefit of our own home Province.

Just a final word. Whether the Premier believes it or not, I am very fond of him. I have seen him grow up as a young boy. He has been handed the control of our ship of state; he has been the captain for some months now, I want to make sure that he has an opportunity to either prove himself or otherwise, and I mean that sincerely. But I would suggest at the beginning that if he would remove some of the stokers that he has on the bridge with him and send them back to the stoke hole where they belong, grab the wheel himself and then steer the ship of state as I know he can . . . . if he leaves it to himself

Thank you. (Applause)