"Keeping taxes low and restraining spending leads to a vibrant economy; it leads to new jobs; it leads to better opportunities; and it leads to a shrinking deficit." - George Bush Sr.
By now most of us know that Saskatchewan, and Saskatoon in particular, is going through its biggest economic boom in recent history. Why look no further then the multi-million dollar development going on at Saskatoon's River Landing. If art history can tell us anything about the economy it is that an abundance of wealth and artistic opportunity have a positive relationship. Not to mention that real estate prices are soaring, consumption per capita is out pacing the rest of the country, unemployment remains low, and for the first time in a long time Albertans are moving east to settle in the flatlands. Many Saskatchewan residents are discovering a new found sense of pride and hope in the future of their province.
However, underneath the glamor of consumption, urban development, and real income growth, lies an alarming situation that only now is coming into the public eye. The issue being the health care shortage. Relatively low wages and poor working conditions have been sending Saskatchewan doctors and nurses into exile for more than a decade with no clear signs of returning. Why come back when working in Alberta involves better working conditions and higher real average income(accounting for the higher cost of living). Though the shortage is a difficult enough issue on its own, it is further emphasized by the boom. As population in the province grows, the ratio of doctors and nurses per person will continue to decline. That is unless a disproportionate amount of health care workers decide to move back to the province, however that is unlikely and there is a more reasonable answer.
First consider the opening quote. The idea it suggests is quite simple to grasp but less easy to apply, especially in Canada with its prided public health care. The situation here would have more to do with finding balances among spending and tax rates rather than minimizing them. The provincial government must keep taxes relatively low to continue to entice business, consumerism, and aid in population growth, but must find some point where they can increase health care funding. Government spending needs to be increased in order for the shortages to be filled. Because no one likes a tax hike this situation may be a tricky one to smooth out. The people of this province must understand that if we are going to live with public goods, such as health care, we are going to have to pay taxes.
First consider the opening quote. The idea it suggests is quite simple to grasp but less easy to apply, especially in Canada with its prided public health care. The situation here would have more to do with finding balances among spending and tax rates rather than minimizing them. The provincial government must keep taxes relatively low to continue to entice business, consumerism, and aid in population growth, but must find some point where they can increase health care funding. Government spending needs to be increased in order for the shortages to be filled. Because no one likes a tax hike this situation may be a tricky one to smooth out. The people of this province must understand that if we are going to live with public goods, such as health care, we are going to have to pay taxes.
Thus the old saying holds true, we simply cannot "have our cake and eat it too." Rationality must kick in sometime and help people to understand that a tax increase will not necessarily hurt the economic boom, nor will it fix the health care shortage entirely. However, if the government can manage to spend tax money effectively then the consequences of the shortage may be minimized. I do not really have any answers, just suggestions and insight which I hope has helped shine some light an important issue facing our province.
One thing I do know is that with provincial elections soon approaching television campaigns have already begun. Personally I have seen advertisements for both the Sask Party and the NDP and guess what? Both have had a strong focus on the health care shortage. Thus this real crisis may be the tipping point in what I think may be one of the province's closest elections. Though the Calvert Dynasty may want to relax and stand in awe of what they may believe to be NDP accomplishments, the metaphorical work day does not end until five and the Premier should be cautious to not clock out early.
