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Shifting Sands: Part III

Why Cape Breton shakes in the echo of this distant boom

SINCLAIR STEWART

From Tuesday's Globe and Mail

Latest comment posted at 2:09 PM EDT 29/01/08

As young adults from the East race to high-paying jobs in the West, they leave behind worried towns. ...Read the full article

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  1. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: I will always wonder whether forcing increased migration from Atlantic Canada to Alberta was the true motivation behind the CPC flip flop/betrayal on the Atlantic Accord?

    It has never been explained to us in the 'culture of defeat' as to why that stunt was attempted in the first place.
  2. Gary Thomson from Surrey, BC, Canada writes: People from the East have been flocking to BC and Alta for employment for years. Far better that they work some in Alta. and return with their wages and invest it in their communities than they stay in Alta. and become just another self-righteous, right wing a__hole.
  3. martha stewart from Canada writes: Lets blame Alberta for EVERYTHING. So much simpler that way. If only these people could have stayed back east on welfare it would all be so much better...
  4. ralph klein from wild rose country, Canada writes: An eastern hymn

    Alberta is the promised land, or so we have been told-
    Though they rape the land for texas tea , they pave their streets with gold.

    Their politicians shriek , they shout, ' heed us , draw near , turn right'-
    and we outside , we stoop , we strain-- resist with all our might.

    In truth it is a mere red state , a backward land the've found-
    but as i type my bags are packed for Calgary i am bound.
  5. Globe Insider subscriber content
    A Big Black Dog With Two Tails from Leduc County AB ex St. John's, Canada writes: New England was referred to as The Boston States when that was the preferred destination for economic emmigrants leaving Atlantic Canada. Then it was Tronna. It's been Fort Mac for decades. Plus ca change, plus la meme chose. In addition, churches are dying in rural Alberta and several times a year there's a story in the Edmonton papers about another school shutting its doors, even as the birth rate elevates.
  6. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Martha Stewart writes:

    'If only these people could have stayed back on welfare it would all be so much better...'

    No, Martha -- If only these people could have been left to benefit their own resources, control their own ports and territorial waters, employ a fraction of the university educated students that they export to the rest of the World... the region might be as well off as it was before Confederation...

    I only blame Albertans when they do things that are stupid!
  7. Chris E. from vancouver, Canada writes: The Maritimes are looking a lot like old Ireland - an unspoiled place with a pleasant population, and many living and working elsewhere.

    If they can appreciate what they've got, they should keep it that way and enjoy. There aren't many places left like that in the industrialized world.
  8. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Chris E. from vancouver, Canada:

    Although a Newfoundlander, Ron Hynes said it best for a number of Atlantic Canadians:

    'I don't want to leave
    But you can't live for free
    You can't eat the air
    And you can't drink the sea...'

    Old Ireland and Atlantic Canada have corny songs in common too.
  9. Jean Malice from Calgary, Canada writes: Yes this is really the blame game brought to you by Toronto/Ottawa globe and mail pseudo intellos! A province, PEI, a Province? Let me laugh, a little town perhaps... Atlantic Canada, why don't you cut the number of politicians, civil servants that your micro provinces employ? Might get you somewhere, less expenses, less taxes and some dead wood unloaded! Become one Province, administer yourself and stop relying on Ottawa for everything! If you complain that your youth is going west for employment, beware we'll get people from elsewhere so they can get their wellfare cheque courtesy Albertans... Time for the West to separate from this joke of a country called Canada, separation from the central Canada diktat always served by CPC or Liberals, the buying off Maritimes game every elections, the hypocrisy, the Harper who comes from Calgary but serves the Manulife and BCE of Toronto! Separation! From the Liberal/CPC/NDP Quebec vote buying corrupt bunch and their media lackeys including this rag! Separation! Separation!
  10. ghostofpatbuchanen buchanen from Victoria, Canada writes: The Maritimes got absolutely bent over by Upper and Lower Canada but Stephen Harper is not John A McDonald. Harper was on the nose when he said there was a culture of defeat in Atlantic Canada. This story ends with the anecdote that illustrates it. A guy's two elder kids are succeeding in Alberta but he wrangles back his youngest daughter so she can be a loser in Eastern Canada instead of a productive worker in the West.
    And yes, I'm a self-righteous Albertan a_hole. Better that than a lazy, indolent, self-righteous tree-hugging, enviro-wacko from the world's armpit, aka Surrey.
  11. Flames Forever from Canada writes: Hey Gary Thomson..you don't like Albertans??...what does BC stand for ??bring cash.. and we have plenty of it to fuel your economy
  12. CatMan Due from Canada writes: I grew up in Alberta, as did both of my parents and two grandparents. I am so grateful that the people from Atlantic Canada have come here to help build the province. I am also pleased to know that every single Canadian that moves here also has the added plus of making Alberta need one less immigrant from wherever. I hope more Atlantic Canadians move out here, so the idiots in government, the chambers of commerce, small business, large business can stop whining about more immigration for Alberta. We need to get balance back, so the immigrants start migrating back to Hong-couver and Northern Jamaica Quebec and the next great Muslim city Toronto.
  13. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Jean Malice from Calgary, Canada:

    I liked your idea of cutting the number of politicians, but then you lost me when you went into the old semi-hysterical Albertan rant about freeing Alberta that always make me laugh... Free Alberta for what? Further corporate exploitation and uncontrolled growth that it already cannot handle?

    What is it in your day to day life that makes you not free as an Albertan?

    PS. I hear that it is 48 degrees colder in Calgary than Halifax --

    Perhaps Albertan crankiness and temperature are inversely proportional...
  14. John Birmingham from Calgoronto, Canada writes: So much for Harpers 'culture of defeat'. Capers have been following jobs in the ROC for years. Hardly defeatist.

    So many people here have ties to the Maritimes and central Canada, here in Alberta, that fortunately the A_holes that think its 'theirs' are quickly becoming a silenced minority. Alberta's simply fortunate to be sitting on oil. Some nutbars seem to think they're 'better' because they were born with a particular natural resourse. Weird.

    I was a JT's Pub this fall. Fun place. Full of I gather University students. Was actually chatting with I think guy in the article.
  15. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: John Birmingham from Calgaronto, Canada:

    Exactly -- which I why I keep telling the Ralph Klein types on these threads that if we sneeze, Alberta will catch a cold!

    Maybe, they haven't actually figured out that a lot of our 'creeps and bums' from the 'Culture of Defeat' can actually vote in Alberta's elections...
  16. Carlos Nadie from Anytown, Canada writes: ghostofpatbuchanen buchanen from Victoria: This story ends with the anecdote that illustrates it. A guy's two elder kids are succeeding in Alberta but he wrangles back his youngest daughter so she can be a loser in Eastern Canada instead of a productive worker in the West.' Been sniffing those oil and gas fumes a bit too much, ghost? There are lots of jobs, and productive people here in NS. People may like the money in AB, but many also have the good sense to buy property - and otherwise invest in - their eastern home for when they get the chance to go home. AB may represent jobs and money, but NS is home, and family. When my wife and I retired to NS, the most envious were the transplanted maritimers who were pretty well unanimous in their wish to move home.
  17. Proud Canadian from Canada writes: No real story here. Farming communities all over the Country are now ghost towns as a result of the young leaving for the cities.

    Migration within our own Country helps keep it strong. I for one am very glad that we have the Alberta boom going on when the manufacturing sector is suffering.

    Hopefully when the Alberta boom goes bust, another part of the Canada will take its place.
  18. Winston Churchill from London, Canada writes: I agree with Proud Canadian. All of us born here are the product of people who moved off the land, sometime from somewhere.

    Don't know why a story about emigration from the maritimes to Alberta led to attacks on Ontario, and charges that Ontario stold Maritime prosperity. When I remember back to grade 8 history, I think that part of the deal at confederation was that 'Canada' assumed the debt of Lower Canada and the Maritime colonies. Ditto with other provinces. Ontario's debt wasn't assumed because it didn't have any. If Ontario stold prosperity it was from Michigan and Ohio, and it has more to do with decisions made in Detroit than by some secret cabal in Ottawa.
  19. Geoffrey May from Canada writes: The oil sands economy has more than provided an escape from chronic Maritime unemployment .The wages paid in Alberta are so much higher than in the maritimes, that people are chucking what were considered decent jobs to make a killing in Fort Mac .Profitable businesses in my community have closed, because their owners have gone west .I even know of a millionaire loto winner , who has gone west to make more money .
    The situation has allowed governments to turn a blind eye to maritime de-economy.
    Not only do the tar sands produce the worlds most carbon intensive fuel, it has also created the worlds most carbon intensive work force commute,home to the maritimes every three weeks.
  20. Chris Eaton from Fredericton, NB, writes: What the article and commenters all leave out of this is that Maritime cities are not suffering from this in the same way. In fact places like Moncton and Fredericton are doing well. They're not growing at Alberta speeds, but they are growing with decent economies.

    The rural way of life is dying off here in New Brunswick, but its not entirely to do with Alberta. Its simply people following the jobs, and the jobs aren't in rural areas.

    (Its really a shame so many people leave. I came from Toronto to live out here instead, and you couldn't make me go back for all the money in the world. I make enough to have a decent living, and you can't beat the friendly people and quality of life.)
  21. Globe Insider subscriber content
    david beed from Cole Harbour, Canada writes: Winston says Ontario had no debt at the time of confederation which is true . Ontario at the time of confederation also had no capital. Nova Scotia had 50% of Canada's liquid assets at the time of confederation .Within two short decades the new federal government made sure through tarrifs and a western focused immigration policy that the only way Nova Scotia industrialists could make wealth in the new Canada was to invest west.
    Remember please the real reason Canada came together .The United States had just finished their civil war and still possessed a huge and experianced warlike population.The British colonies north of America felt stronger together than as individuals.The people of Nova Scotia had become weathy off of the American war by replacing the coastal shipping fleets that were the 19th century superhighways.The Nova Scotia shipping fleet was the fourth largest in the world in the 1860s.It is only since the implementation of the free trade agreement that these natural trade patterns have started to be rebuilt.
  22. Rae Vandenberg from Canada writes: In my mind I am contrasting this story with the ones about no opportunities on Native reserves. People move where the jobs are - even if it means leaving family behind. That's always been the case.
  23. Rae Underhill from Toronto, Canada writes: I am amazed that in 2008, there are those that still carry the opinion that Maritimers are lazy, alcoholics on welfare with an attitude of defeatism. Supposedly intelligent people with opinions of Maritimers but who have never lived or worked there. And who I suppose base their opinions of us on the trailer park boys.
    I grew up in the Maritimes. I went to school, university and have been working since I was 16. I come from a hard-working family, truck drivers, electricians, pulp and paper workers. Without which most of you would not have food on your tables, paper to write on and lights in your homes. My parents instilled in me a work ethic that is a common thread of fellow Martimers that I encounter while living here in Toronto. We leave because we want to work and come back to the place we call home. I am proud of my maritime roots and hold my head high.
  24. BC Refugee in AB from Canada writes: Well put Rae...the work ethic of Maritimers (and NF) is only matched by that of the rural Albertans...and that is from someone who has worked all across the country. My parents instilled a work ethic in me that has served me well (although we do differ on calling the Maritimes home....I left 15 years ago and when I go visit dad now there is nobody I know left in town so it no longer feels like home to me...that and the unfortunate resentment/envy against AB that has started to creep into some Maritimers...)
  25. Globe Insider subscriber content
    Greg Ast from Nanoose Bay, Canada writes: Don't write stories about the hollowing out of Newfoundland without exposing the fact that thousands of ex pats are returning with cash made in the west and the south to buy a piece of the rock and retire.

    The retirement industry will be the second biggest industry in Canada by 2010. NFLD will do just fine with that industry because once born in Newfoundland, you will always return.
  26. david waye from Halifax, Canada writes: Martha Stewart From Canada, Once again you read into something that is not there. No one is blaming Alberta. There is simply a point being made about how Towns all over the country fight to stay alive at times when the young people have to move in order to STAY OF OF EI OR WELLFARE, YOU FOOL. At one time, Martha, Cape Breton had a greater work force per capital then most of Canada. It was big Business who came in, sucked what they wanted out and then left. And if you thing that this will not happen in Alberta or anywhere else in Canada, just wait. It has gone on and on and IT WILL KEEP GOING ON. So, don't you or anyone else be so smug about the people of Cape Breton, or Newfoundland or New Toronto for that matter. Yes, New Toronto, Where did all those big companies go. They just up and moved and if you wanted to keep your job, you had to move, if they let you. Get of your high horse, Sister.
  27. bill thecat from Canada writes: Here we go again. The usual rants from east and west coast for something that is just economic reality. I was in Argentia, Newfoundland a few years ago and a local was complaining about 70% unemployment, mainly due to the fishery moratorium. I felt sorry at first, then I looked around the town. Most people had nicely kept houses and relatively new vehicles. There was no poverty, no largess either, but no poverty. Then I realized how they got by. Keep in mind that this is 10 years into the fishery moratorium... most were living on the dole or assistance. FOR 10 years??? There comes a time when you have to admit that a community is no longer viable. If that means your sons and daughters must move, then so be it. The resentment that BC refugee cites above is unfortunate, since most of us here in Ab. enjoy the company of folks from the east (well maybe those east of Toronto), and welcome them here to share the economy. Sorry some of the folks above see this with bitterness and resentment, but they are probably the same people that are sitting in Argentia waiting for the Cod to return.
  28. Globe Insider subscriber content
    Jimmy K from Toronto, Canada writes: Everything isn't Alberta's fault. This has been the trend for the past 100 years, rural areas are dieing. What should we do about it, give everyone free EI cheques so they don't have to move to find work and can live off the rest of us? Come on. If there are no jobs there, the young will leave. Period.
  29. 4th Generation Loyalist from Toronto, Canada writes: I am from the Martitimes and have spent many summers in Calgary. Was there last weekend as a matter of fact. I have my Oldst brother living in Cowtown looking for work and my closest Cousin in Fort Mac. I love that Canadians are finding jobs within her borders! The real problem is that there is not enough technical education in schools from the time kids are 13yrs and on to show them that Trades work is valuable to the economy and to themselves. Instead they teach them to sit in front of a computer all day, Which I do within the construction industy mind you but if there was more focus on teaching pipe-fitting, welding, electrical, carpentry, etc etc then we'd all be better off. Why doesnt the Fed. Gov't look at this issue and mandate that ok, we are going to beef up that side of the education plate and give these kids and ourselves better options?

    Makes sense to me!

    I live in Toronto, NewBrunswick is Home, I'd love to spend my summers in Banff and long to Live in Kelowna and raise a family. I am a Canadian and I love all of her. Why can't everyone else???
  30. Go Oilers Go! from Canada writes: John Birmingham from Calgoronto, Canada writes: So many people here have ties to the Maritimes and central Canada, here in Alberta, that fortunately the A_holes that think its 'theirs' are quickly becoming a silenced minority. Alberta's simply fortunate to be sitting on oil.

    John that's what so many people like you can't figure out; the oil and resources aren't 'ours' as in only for Albertans.

    It is 'ours' in terms of who is actually putting in the work to bring the commodity to market.

    Anyone is welcome to come to Alberta to make a better living for themselves; no one in Alberta has an issue with that in fact we welcome it.

    For Canadians not participating I'm sorry but the oil isn't 'yours'. Don't worry though you still benefit tremendously from the boom. All the oil companies making record profits and workers making high wages pay lots of income tax. Income tax that gets redistributed across Canada in the form of equalization on top of that which is part of general revenues.
  31. Sue Hickey from Grand Falls-Windsor, Canada writes: I am lucky to be living here in Newfoundland. I know many, including friends and relatives, who are working in Alberta - AKA 'the sucking pit' - and the litany is the same: 'you don't go to Alberta and work to live, you just live to work.' None of them enjoy it in Alberta. They love the money but yearn for the Rock (that includes Labrador). There is almost a mystical attachment to the land (and I lived and visited many places outside NL and Canada) that I think is only really understood by our aboriginal peoples and to a lesser degree, Maritimers. Our spirit is here. I think you leave a part of it behind when you move away. Some say 'well in Alberta you can go to Calgary or Edmonton and you can visit Banff and Jasper and go skiing...' but they don't do those things. (And I don't like those cities...I've been there).
    Newfoundlanders have always gone away to work but they make it back here -in one form or another. People like 'Martha Stewart,' who fears to use a real name, don't seem to understand the mystical ties that link Newfoundlanders to the land and make fun of people who either want to stay here or dream of returning.
  32. Vern McPherson from writes: Sue Hickey from Grand Falls-Windsor, Canada writes

    A passionate and true assesment Sue. Thank you. It's unfortunate d others do not fully understand those sentiments.
  33. Vern McPherson from writes: Go Oilers Go! from Canada writes: 10:20 :

    For once you make true statements. But remember Alberta owns it's resources because the issue was clarified when your province was broke and there was little or no oil production.

    It's become unfortunate some Albertans lecture others on politics and 'values and all that gear as if they came to believe they suddenly instinctively knew something the rest of us didn't once the oil and riches began to flow.
  34. bruce martin from Bear River NS, Canada writes: I just returned to Nova Scotia after a week of skiing in SE British Colombia. I grew up in the Maritimes but worked for many years in Saskatchewan, and travelled extensively throughout western Canada and the US. Although I moved back here for family reasons I really miss the can-do attitude of the west, the friendliness, lack of pretension, the variety of outdoor activities available, the positive attitude of the people and the ethnic diversity, not to mention the scenery and the wide-open spaces. There is a forward-looking feeling feeling in the west that contrasts to the backwardness that seems to characterize the Maritimes, an area that has never seen a new idea that they liked. Don't even get me started about the taxes and user fees that are imposed on us here because provincial governments can't stop trying to buy votes.

    I feel sorry for those people who prefer a comfortable mediocrity in familiar surroundings in the Atlantic provinces, and even more so for their children who will probably face the same out-migration pressures. I know I will end up back west as soon as possible.
  35. Vern McPherson from writes: Jimmy K from Toronto, Canada writes: Everything isn't Alberta's fault. This has been the trend for the past 100 years, rural areas are dieing. What should we do about it, give everyone free EI cheques so they don't have to move to find work and can live off the rest of us? Come on. If there are no jobs there, the young will leave. Period.

    ---------------------------------------------------------

    Jimmy of course its not Alberta's fault. It's no one's 'fault'. There is nothing new about people travelling to where there is work when no work to their liking is available where they happen to live. That has been going on for generations.

    I think the reporters were simply telling the story like it is. And the way it is is that that little town just got emptied out pretty much for very sound reasons. Don't forget production miners there earned a 100 grand easily prior to the mines closing so they are used to working and making money. And they were not Albertans. They did not have to migrate to Alberta to learn how to work. OK !!!

    To infer otherwise is missspeak LOL !!
  36. j wilson from vancouver, Canada writes: New Waterford may have built a shining new school in the seventies, but it was hurting plenty by the eighties. The out-migration isn't new to Cape Breton or many other communities in rural Canada.
    The unemployment rate in the cities in the Maritimes is better than it's been for generations - this doesnt help someone who lives in NW, which is a good 5 hours from Halifax.
    If youre going to move from home for a few months for temporary work, you can pick either Halifax or Fort Mac, but you'll make a third of what you'd make in Fort Mac by going to Halifax. Or Saint John or St. John's. Or Toronto.
    So you go to Fort Mac. The story here is that, unlike previous generations, if you leave home, you dont have to leave for good. Its all in the angle.
    Another angle might be, instead of another hoary old 'Cape Bretoner has to leave home to find work' article, how about an article on how this out-migration is now being seen from Southwestern Ontario, an area that would welcome some of the Maritime unemployment rates.
  37. Rick Drysdale from Canada writes: What exactly was the point of this article.

    To point out the obvious?

    People have been leaving disadvantaged home towns since it became easy to travel. They have been leaving the Maritimes ever since the mines closed and the mines opened in Ontario.

    At least it shows people have initiative to go someplace to earn a living instead of sitting home bitching , collecting the pogey cheque.
  38. W Ross from Up North, Canada writes: An interesting counter to this story would be the one, albeit with much smaller numbers apparently, about the folks wanting to go back to the Maritimes and to a decent job. I moved West 8 years ago getting a job in ON as a successful IT manager. I've been trying to get back to NS for 2 years now to a similar position with no joy, despite 30 years IT experience and even willing to take slightly lesser pay (but a significant purchasing power and tax base).

    When there are open positions, and there aren't many advertised at least, I am treated as CFA (even to the point of someone telling me that I sent my CV from a 'bad address', i.e. one in ON). The provincial governments talk about programs to bring folks home, but that word isn't getting down to employers who still seem stuck in the CFA mentality. I may be just an old and gray IT 'boss' and we come a dime a dozen, but the same story is out in the trades as well and that is just not smart.

    So yes, folks move to where the work is and as long as the Maritime employers continue to have some of these old attitudes, they will find their towns clearing out of young people and solid earners permanently and filling up with retirees and foreign vacationers. Great for cyclical spending and not so good if you need your pipes fixed.
  39. Marty York from Canada writes: So what is the problem? I high tide floats all boats. Alot of money is coming back in to that community that otherwise would not have. People should go where the jobs are, rather than illusionary wealth with transfer payments and high taxes.
  40. Globe Insider subscriber content
    Jimmy K from Toronto, Canada writes: Hey, bottom line, there isn't much industry in these areas anymore after the mines closed, but we should be happy that these people are able to find work (very well paying work I might add) within another area of Canada where the 'mines' aren't closed at all. A little while ago I wouldn't be surprised if half of them took themselves, their skills, and their families to the United States (Boston), never to return.
  41. Matthew McGarvey from Ottawa, Canada writes: BC Refugee in AB from Canada writes: Well put Rae...the work ethic of Maritimers (and NF) is only matched by that of the rural Albertans...and that is from someone who has worked all across the country

    Nice, romantic and self-aggrandizing sentiment, but a pile. Ever worked a farm in southern Ontario? Ever worked in a law firm on Bay St.? Toronto is a 'Thank God it's Monday' town.

    I've never seen an article about the demise of small town Ontario. Go to Welland, or Brantford, or Paris, and the decline is far worse than the east, because there is no beauty or tourism to make up for it. In my family's homestead farm township, probably 90% of the farms are now corporate owned rather than family owned; where is the national program to preserve that lifestyle? Or does it only include fishermen and miners?

    And of course, everyone has to descend into stereotypes - lazy easterners, redneck Albertans, immigrant Torontonians, blah blah blah. The only surprise is there is so little anti-French, Quebec is favoured to our exclusion - bashing in the commentaries; I suppose that's because the bigot blinders are on so tight nobody knows they are there.

    Truth is, we're all pretty much the same in our core values - what we like most is to gripe about each other, envy each others' good fortunes and blame someone else for everything that goes wrong while romantically adhering to some rose-coloured view of our own background. Meanwhile, wherever you go (with some small and tragic exceptions) we have a truly enviable lifestyle and standard of living, opportunities for betterment, great education and health care (despite all the moaning you hear, every single day), and both natural beauty and resources.

    We should all think more like 4th Generation Loyalist, and start appreciating all we have to offer each other.
  42. Ted Smith from Canada writes: Matthew McGarvey from Ottawa, brilliant post, you summed it up nicely. Many Ontario towns and cities are struggling big-time as well, and many folks struggle with the decision to leave their families to go to the work.

    Also, Alberta has always been a place where people come to work, then retire elsewhere (mainly BC or Arizona). What's the big deal?
  43. Stephen McPherson from Bradford, Canada writes: As a second generation 'come from away' - that's a permanently displaced Cape Bretoner - this story could easily have been dusted from an 1950's or 60's copy of the Cape Breton Post. That is to say; this is really, really old news. Economic refugees have been fleeing the shores of Cape Breton for over half a century, not unlike the great Highland Clearances of 1745.
  44. m v from Mississauga, Canada writes: Thank god for the oil sands. If it wasn't for the oil sands many of these maritimers would still be on EI watching tv and drinking beer for 40 weeks a year while the rest of the country is working to pay for them. Small towns like those in Atlantic Canada have no future in the global economy. Its sad but its a reality they need to face. There have been no jobs in Cape Breton for years and that is not likely to change in the future. What industry in their right mind would want to invest in a region of the country where people only want to work long enough each year to become eligible for EI. I lived in the maritimes and saw the culture of defeat first hand. Companies that had full time jobs could not hire enough workers because people would rather work for 10 weeks and then collect EI than work full time all year round.

    While the young that move to Alberta will probably miss their homes and families, moving is the best option for everyone. Those that move will earn good money and avoid wasting their lives sitting around on pogey. Many that move to Alberta will come back or send money back and as a result benefit the small Atlantic towns they left.
  45. John Cameron from Red Deer, Canada writes: I think it must take real courage to sell up a paid for home anywhere else and not just East of Ontario and move to a new place where housing costs are much higher.

    There are lots of families here where the kids make the first move and the parents realize they won't be seeing much of the grand kids especially since it seems to cost more to fly across this country than anywhere else.

    The parents often end up following on the kids lead, an agonizing decision I am sure.

    All I can say is WELCOME.
  46. Globe Insider subscriber content
    MJ M from Ft McMurray, Canada writes: I moved my family to Fort McMurray 7 years ago from a small town in the Ottawa Valley primarily for increased career opportunities for me and my wife. It has worked out really well for us both professionally and personally. Our kids love it here and to them it's now home. This article reminds me of a conversation I had with my Dad when I was in my 20's. My Father was the second son in a Northern Irish catholic family, so from about the age of ten he knew he would have to immigrate somewhere to have a life. He moved first tom England and then to Canada. There are two things that this article remind me of, the first was me whining about losing my professional support system moving so far away to which his response was It may be scary, but not anywhere near as scary as boarding a Turkish trawler in Portsmouth with nothing waiting for you in Canada except 200 pounds at the Royal bank in Halifax...I said you win. The second was we had visitors inPeterborough where I grew up over who had just been to Ireland(my Mother also immigrated from Ireland in the 50's separately) and the guy asked him why he didn't want to go back. They had been talking about the circumstances of thier repesctive immigration experiences here around the same time. The other guy was wasping about the Ireland he remembered and that of his recent trip and my Dad's response was he had no desire to move back to subject his kids to the same traumatic experience and future life he had experienced. His take on people who moved back(this was the 70's) was they were being selfish and robbing thier kids of a decent future. That day my opinion of my Father whom I love very much went up a notch. People from poor parts of the world have been moving for a better life economically for 500 years, it has only become a tragedy in the last 50.
  47. Sean L. from Toronto, Canada writes: 'It wasn't so long ago that New Waterford was a thriving coal-mining town of more than 12,000 people. '

    So? It was not long ago that some other town, in some other place was a thriving buggy-whip manufacturing center.

    Change is inevitable. Adapt or become extinct. If more people moved to where the jobs were, instead of waiting for federal 'equalization' to keep unsustainable regions populated with false hopes of economic recovery, this country would be much better off.

    I'm sure New Waterford is picturesque, and it is sad for the denzions that it is shrinking, but they can either sit and wait, or they can move where the jobs are a build a new life.

    And the same goes to the auto workers in Ontario. Don't sit there waiting for another empty promis from Buzz and Dalton about re-opening some doomed factory for a few more years. Go get a new job in a new industry. You are responsible for you.
  48. Duh Work Farce Virtually Alive from Canada writes: If this Black Gold Rush to Alberta keeps going Nova Scotia could soon become Nova Ghosta. Gold rushes are particularly hard on the women and young ones. It's a shame. I admire the honest down-to-earth common sense and common decency of Nova Scotians.The world's money supply has always been rather out of balance. Now Canada's money supply is tilting west and going for the gold has sure made an unholy high tech mess out of Vancouver, formerly the friendliest little big city on the planet. Shame how one man's boom is always another man's gloom and doom. Happier to have a room, a 'shroom and a flower on the bloom.
  49. dwayne harvie from Canada writes: Note that at the start of the 20th century coal was the hydrocarbon of choice and New Waterford was attracting immigrants to well paid jobs from all over the world, the Alberta of its time. During the 1930's the Maritimes sent Alberta relief. Wonder what the next century will bring?

    Done the Alberta thing and love the province - the people are just dry land Maritimers
  50. Kay Ay from Canada writes: Anyone from CB or who actually knows someone from there realizes all the idiots going on about EI & beer drinking are just grasping at stereotypes.
    The atlanic provinces have the highest rate of university grads in the country and the rest of the country is benefitting from that.

    I am from Cape Breton but have not lived their since I was 18.
    I think I had a near perfect childhood surrounded by family and friends and history and wish my kids could have the same. But it's not to be.
    I have worked consistantly since finishing univesity in four different provinces. As my boss in AB once said: 'the only problem with you guys from back east is you always want to go home'.
  51. Ricky for a Centrist Canada from Canada writes:
    Glyn - once again, you find a way to turn a non-Native-related story into a veiled cheap shot at Natives.

    Well done.
  52. The Bubble from Canada writes: GlynmHor is an American Oil Worker who foments hatred between Canadians.
  53. The Bubble from Canada writes: So what's so bad about pogey and beer? It's what made Canada great, that and all the weed we grow.
    Don't forgit yer Canadian roots boys.
    Life is still a joke.
  54. Neiland Robert from Canada writes: 'We're seeing highly skilled people leaving on an education we paid for.'

    Ummm.... who paid for? The parents? It surely wasn't the taxpayers.
  55. Neiland Robert from Canada writes: Gary Thomson from Surrey, BC, Canada writes: 'People from the East have been flocking to BC and Alta for employment for years. Far better that they work some in Alta. and return with their wages and invest it in their communities than they stay in Alta. and become just another self-righteous, right wing a__hole. '

    Better that they stay in Alberta to the detriment you describe, rather than being some high strung, far flung, lofty left wing ideolgue tree hugger.

    What nerve. $%#@
  56. M Poland from Calgary, Canada writes: Robert Miller--you confuse me. What is it that makes a Nova Scotian less free than an Albertan? You write of Nova Scotians being 'forced' by the Atlantic Accord to migrate. What? the federal government is herding Capers across the Canso Strait even as we speak? Prodding them to work? I doubt it. Alberta is lucky to have hard-working people who want to prosper, to get ahead, come here from all over the world to join us in building a great province. Despite the naysayers like basser basser, Vern the tw@t and others of their ilk, Alberta is a great place to raise a family. As for the crack about 'bums and creeps', I'll have you know that Ralph Klein gave that speech to the Newcomer's Club of Calgary, and he received a standing ovation. Odd? Not at all. He merely asked for the cream of immigration, and not the dregs. Why not? I know many good people from Nova Scotia and elsewhere who have put down roots in Alberta [and they vote their conscience, and not necessarily what Granddad did, either]
  57. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: GlynnMohr from Skywall: Your comments are nonsense! You either don't get it or are selling something. You still haven't come clean on where exactly 'Skywall' is. The resources in Nova Scotia are potentially quite numerous (fishing, forestry, mining, offshore oil and gas, tidal power, ports) and the local population ('these people' that Martha Stewart talks of) could develop a thriving local economy as in the pre-Confederation days. It is somewhat offensive when you consider how many subsidies have been poured into the Tar Sands -- which continues right up to today. Albertans, of course, have amnesia about their own province's subsidies. While the Feds continue to fund the oil sands, my understanding are a private Irish company and a British company are the main players in developing Tidal Power in the Bay of Fundy. Instead of tax-payers continuing to fund something that obviously needs no further help in developing (ie. Tar Sands), I always thought that the idea of a subsidy was to stimulate economic activity in an area that private companies might be hesitant to start. (ie. alternative energies like a Tidal Power projects.) PS. I am actually a 13th generation Nova Scotian having returned after living in TO, USA, the West and Quebec-- My ancestor, Senator William Miller, was the 'step-father' of Nova Scotian confederation in 1867 -- clearly a mistake in retrospect under the current terms. PSS. Bruce Martin, you have only been back in this province a few weeks -- tell us about it in two years when you come to again appreciate what NS living has to offer. PSSS. Everyone should read David Beed's post again as it is a very sensible one.
  58. Neiland Robert from Canada writes: Robert Miller from halifax writes: 'If only these people could have been left to benefit their own resources, control their own ports and territorial waters, employ a fraction of the university educated students that they export to the rest of the World... the region might be as well off as it was before Confederation...'

    Cry me a gawd damn river. I had to move to Toronto for my profession. You think that easy or pleasant, given that I am an Alberta Boy?

    People do what they gotta do. It's not Alberta's fault that your province is more of Tourist Destination than an economic engine. Get over it.
  59. GlynnMhor of Skywall from Canada writes: Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: 'GlynnMohr:... when you consider how many subsidies have been poured into the Tar Sands -- which continues right up to today.'

    There are no government subsidies for the oilsands, Robert.

    And if the Nova Scotians could still make money building wooden sailing ships, then they would be doing so. The fact they are not and can not has nothing to do with government policy.
  60. Neiland Robert from Canada writes: 'Maybe, they haven't actually figured out that a lot of our 'creeps and bums' from the 'Culture of Defeat' can actually vote in Alberta's elections... '

    Well yes, they can vote in Alberta's elections. Thank God there is less than 10,000, otherwise Alberta might be turned into a welfare state.
  61. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Sean L from Toronto:

    You are correct on one point of your post -- actually a big improvement for you.

    Change is inevitable -- Torontonians also will soon find that out (if they haven't figured it out already.)

    Loved the fact that the Red Sox shared the World Series Trophy with the City of Halifax a few weeks ago before it had even made its trip to the White House. Don't recall the Blue Jays ever sharing though...
  62. Neiland Robert from Canada writes: Robert Miller: I have got to say, after reading your posts... I find you to be just a bitter sod....and an exemplary model of that 'Culture of Defeat'. Is it any wonder the young people move and don't come back? Come back to what? A bitter older N.S. generation that despises success?
  63. Neiland Robert from Canada writes: Robert Miller: 'Loved the fact that the Red Sox shared the World Series Trophy with the City of Halifax a few weeks ago before it had even made its trip to the White House. Don't recall the Blue Jays ever sharing though... '

    What a wet noodle. Piece of advice Bobby: Pull your lip over your head and swallow.
  64. Lowen Wrainger from Canada writes: That's why we have a COUNTRY called CANADA, so we can go where the work & possibly pay is! Local roots are fine, but we're in this together, so let's co-operate and make each other feel welcome!
  65. Northern Pike from Kitchener, Canada writes: Hmmm, conjure stories up about people not working on the east coast and then complain about supposedly supporting them? The only common issue here would be jealousy. Some Albertans much like Ontario and Quebec are quick to stab in the back. A time when Albertans were starving did NL send fish, a time when SARS hit TO did Atlantic Canada send potatoes, fish, etc.., to help. The difference is Upper and western Canada love to gain success of the backs of others, to claim fame when goings get good, and trash everyone else at the same time. To conjure up stories and attack others, places that helped them, when these areas are succeeding in the face of suppression, greed, and jealousy. Petty when the times are tough and damn well ignorant and arrogant when the times are good. NL should have an extremely diversified resource base but instead resources are being shipped out, feds are taking their ton of cash out of the pot from those succeeding, and others are being held back by Canada. There's no other word but exploitation. Wonder how well Alberta would be doing if A) they had a Quebec between them and the US and B) how much of an economy would they have if hard-working east coasters weren't there. My brother works near the oil sands, there are hardly any Albertans there. Why? Cause they can't compete when it comes to hardwork. The ones bitter in Ontario and Alberta are bitter cause in order to get decent pay and/or a job they have to do something. Put these people back east and they wouldn't last a winter.
  66. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Winston Churchill from London:

    You will, of course, remember your book on the History of the Americas where you mentioned the strategic importance of the City of Halifax several times, and neglected to mention burghs like Toronto and Calgary...

    Yes, of course, Senator Williams Miller's decision to support Canadian Confederation may have been the biggest mistake that a Nova Scotian ever made...

    Deal with it, Neiland Robert...
  67. Neiland Robert from Canada writes: Northern Pike writes: 'The difference is Upper and western Canada love to gain success of the backs of others, to claim fame when goings get good, and trash everyone else at the same time. To conjure up stories and attack others, places that helped them, when these areas are succeeding in the face of suppression, greed, and jealousy. Petty when the times are tough and damn well ignorant and arrogant when the times are good. '

    You can't be serious. It would seem to me Alberta is doing nothing but welcoming workers with open arms.... how does this translate to your characterization? It would seem that on one account you are right: This is about Jealousy.

    In case, Mr. Ontario, you haven't figured it out... Alberta has always been a place where people are left to their own devices... to succeed or not succeed... free of interference. If there is any foreboding sense of arrogance you pick up on from posters... it is this:

    'Alberta is sick of being led by the nose by Ontario and Quebec Liberals. We are doing well, and the Minority Government is ours. If all you bring is negativity and a defeatest attittude to the table, just go on back to where you came from.'
  68. Neiland Robert from Canada writes: 'Yes, of course, Senator Williams Miller's decision to support Canadian Confederation may have been the biggest mistake that a Nova Scotian ever made... Deal with it, Neiland Robert... '

    Great attitude. Can we cut you off of social assistance now?
  69. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: I know the well meaning Canadian spirit in which this comment...

    'We're in this together...'

    ROFLMAO!!!

    'Culture of defeat', 'Creeps and bums', 'these people', 'welfare state...' Do I need to go on here?
  70. Neiland Robert from Canada writes: Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: 'I know the well meaning Canadian spirit in which this comment...'

    You have a serious chip on your shoulder old man. You have said you think it is a mistake that Nova Scotia ever became Canadian... So what is the point of going on about it? Maybe you can strike up a conversation with the immigration department of the country of your liking?
  71. Sean L. from Toronto, Canada writes: 'Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: You are correct on one point of your post -- actually a big improvement for you.'

    I suppose that your definition of an improvement is aligning my point of view with your inflexible & emotional views.

    I have long lost hope of ever seeing a logical position argued by you, so I am dissappointed that you agree with any of my points.
  72. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: GlynnMohr of Skywall:

    Still not telling us where Skywall is, eh?

    Of course, there have been billions in subsidies to the oil patch:

    http://justtransition.wordpress.com/2006/12/12/subsidies-in-the-oil-patch/

    However, you also have shown a remarkable past tendency to deny both climate change and credible scientific reviews from the National Academy of Science of the United States on the effects that the Tar Sands have had on water depletion in the West...

    You clearly have a vested interest in promoting Tar Sands development... which brings me back to my first post up there...
  73. Go Oilers Go! from Canada writes: Vern McPherson from writes: 'It's become unfortunate some Albertans lecture others on politics and 'values and all that gear as if they came to believe they suddenly instinctively knew something the rest of us didn't once the oil and riches began to flow.' Vern I think in many instances Canadians in different regions (Provinces) misunderstand what others are saying. You clearly feel that some Albertans are 'lecturing' others on politics and values. Disregarding trolls on G&M post boards I don't see that. The only thing most Albertans say is the same thing you do...don't lecture me. In fact many Albertans would say people in Central Canada like to 'lecture others on politics and values and all that gear as if they came to believe they suddenly instinctively knew something the rest of us didn't' because they live in Central Canada. The Alberta psychy is pretty easy to understand. Trudeau came in and messed things up with the NEP, and now most Albertans simply want Ottawa to stay out of our business. Maybe that comes across as preaching or lecturing to those in Ontario or Quebec, but that isn't the intention. Albertans aren't saying 'do and think as we do'; it's more like 'do whatever you want...just don't tell us what to do'.
  74. Go Oilers Go! from Canada writes: Northern Pike from Kitchener, Canada writes: My brother works near the oil sands, there are hardly any Albertans there. Why? Cause they can't compete when it comes to hardwork.

    Wow...you are a complete dullard. No Albertans in Ft. Mac? OK and there is no water in the ocean.
  75. Robert Miller from Halifax, Canada writes: Northern Pike from Kitchener, Canada:

    Excellent Post -- However, what chance does a country that doesn't know its history have in the long run?

    All that I can understand from 'these people' is that their vision for Atlantic Canada is to be the servants of the new Sheiks in the Oil Patch...

    That's quite a vision for a new Atlantic Canada ghetto that you have there, Sir John A. Harper!

    Thanks but I actually like Danny's 'maitres chez nous' idea much better.
  76. Michael Wideski from Pago Pago, American Samoa writes: Northern Pike is not ENTIRELY off base when he says there are few Albertans up here. But it isn't a fear of hard work. The Easterners will take any job that comes along, for the m