The Capitalistic Dream

I consider myself to be a politically and socially liberal person. Although some may consider me a naive idealist, I fully support the values set forth by largely socialist regimes.

In the article "Why Capitalism is Good For the Soul"  (http://www.insideronline.org/archives/2008/spring/chap3.pdf) by Peter Saunders, socialism is compared with capitalism and is largely critiqued as a nonviable political institution.

 Saunders writes:

"Where capitalism delivers but cannot inspire, socialism inspires despite never having delivered. Socialism’s

history is littered with repeated failures and with human misery on a massive scale, yet it still attracts smiles rather than curses from people who never had to live under it" (Saunders, 15).

Saunders characterizes socialism as an opposing, romantic ideology with little to no merit (despite the continuing success of countries currently embracing socialist values like Sweden and Cuba). However, recent actions by the Harper government to further a capitalistic agenda in Canada is transforming the image of the country from the progressive, northern peace-keeper, to the money-hungry, power-thirsty, gas-guzzling capital of the first world. An empire upon which Stephen Harper perches menacingly, rubbing his hands together, in a crisply pressed suit.

Allow me to paint a little picture of the initiatives recently adopted by the Canadian Conservative Party in the last few months:

1. In 2005 it came to the attention of the Aboriginal populous of British Columbia that Enbridge Inc. had proposed the construction of a major pipeline project. “The Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline” (http://www.northerngateway.ca/) was designed to extend from the Edmonton area of Alberta to the coastal community of Kitimat, BC to transport products excavated from the Albertan tar sands. Consisting of two pipelines, one a westerly flowing, 1,177km long pipe designed to carry 525,000 barrels of oil per day from the Albertan tar sands to Kitimat, and one easterly flowing, 1,177km long pipe designed to transport 193,000 barrels of condensate from Kitimat back to the Edmonton area. Construction is estimated to commence in 2014 pending government approval . Despite multiple criticisms, especially from aboriginal peoples, the Harper government is largely in support of the project due to extensive employment opportunities and potential economic growth. However, this proposed construction project taken together with the development of the Albertan tar sands  presents massive environmental concerns; most notably: land degradation; habitat destruction; species endangerment; decimation of traditional aboriginal lands; water contamination; and increased carbon emissions.Though reports throughout the Fall of 2011 and even into early 2012 stated that Harper wanted to leave the final decision about whether or not to construct the pipeline to Canadians (http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/story/2012/01/16/pol-harper-mansbridge-interview.html), more recent reports divulge details of negotiations with Asia about the pipelines imminent construction (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/industry-news/energy-and-resources/ottawa-clears-hurdles-to-resource-development/article2386106/). However, while the Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline promises to boost Canadian employment and stimulate the economy, the risks involved with its construction weaken the affluence of potential economic growth. Furthermore, economist Robyn Allen theorizes that “the premium price received for oil going to Asia would force up the price in Canada by $2.00-$3.00/barrel, an effect that would dampen the Canadian economy and counteract any benefits accruing from the pipeline”. Keep in mind, a large portion of eastern Canada operates on foreign oil. Raising the question, why export oil rather than supply all of Canada with "local oil"?

2. In February of 2012, the Harper government altered the definition of the Canadian recognition of terrorist to include environmental activists (http://www.vancouverobserver.com/sustainability/2012/02/10/are-canadian-environmentalists-terrorist-threat).

3. On March 29 of 2012 a $115 million dollar slash was made to the CBC budget (http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/cbc-sees-government-funding-slashed-by-115-million/article2386144/?utm_medium=Feeds%3A%20RSS%2FAtom&utm_source=Politics&utm_content=2386144) and the 35 year-running, Canadian youth volunteer program, Katimavik was eliminated from funding altogether (http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2012/03/28/katimavik-cuts-budget-2012-canada-federal_n_1385668.html). The CBC is a company encouraging the cultivation of creativity among Canadians, as well as giving Canada a strong and unique voice. Katimavik is an enlightening program which fosters community development, personal growth, and ultimately focuses on social improvement. The federal budget is, by and large, being revised to become business oriented, focusing on economic prosperity (http://www.dcnonl.com/article/id49491/--harper-government-cuts-52-billion-in-annual-spending-in-2012-budget\) as opposed to focusing on education, healthcare, or fostering creativity.

So, whilst we sit idly by watching a once great nation sink into an uneducated, unhealthy, money hungry tar pit, while we flush the pockets of oil companies full with cash, we can all rest easy knowing Harper is at the wheel, steering us toward that capitalistic dream of bigger-better-faster-stronger.