» Defensiveness Cynthia Dunsford, MLA: Stratford-Kinlock, PEI

Published in April 18th, 2007

It would appear that Tourism Minister, Philip Brown does not know how the Province plans to deal with losses on the PEI’s provincially owned golf courses. Instead of providing Islanders with the ideas behind the numbers, Brown chose to say this instead,

I’m surprised the Opposition has no faith in the Island’s golf industry and the Island’s tourism industry.

Deflection, projection, rejection, fabrication…all signs of defensiveness without provocation.

This type of answer, on the part of Minister Brown, is part of the reason I believe the current government is tired and tattered, not to mention a tad irresponsible. Islanders deserve an answer, not the Liberal Party, not any party….Islanders. To tell the Opposition/Islanders that they have no faith in the golf industry, or the tourism industry, in general, is insulting.

This week I have visited many Stratford residents who also want to know the answer to this question:

How does the Department of Tourism plan on reducing the golf course losses by half?

5 users responded in " Defensiveness "

David said, in April 19th, 2007 at 12:14 am

While I might agree the level of reaction by the Minister does seem a tad over the top.
But the real answer to the question is as I am quite sure any business person could tell you.
The reason seems quite simple…Government owned courses are more than just Golf Courses they are part of the overall tourism picture for PEI.
Simply put I would say the reason is quite simple that when a privately run business may have a slow year or slow season the owners will react by cutting costs, either bay laying of people of cutting advertising or cutting the level of service.
I doubt the same is done at Government operations like golf courses where they are part of the overall tourism package. They have a budget for each course…if the money coming in doesn\’t quite pay the bills than they just pull a bit more out of the taxpayers kitty. Which overall may not sound like the best move but when you look at the big picture it is understandable. I doubt any private company would pay to design or build a world class golf course like this…but the Government chose to do so to promote the whole golf marketing in more aggressive manner. I am quite sure that if we took the Golf Courses in the same light as other Government ventures I am quite sure it wouldn\’t sound so bad. I am quite sure that other Golf Course owners on PEI are glad those courses are in existance.

Cyn said, in April 19th, 2007 at 1:06 am

That is still not an answer. It is a white-washed attempt at excusing poor business practices. If the government continues to lose money in these ventures then why are they still in business at the expense of Islanders?

Big picture? What big picture?

The question remains: How does the Department of Tourism plan on reducing the golf course losses by half?

If it is simply a matter of absorbing losses because of a so-called master plan, than why bother projecting losses?

Christopher Gillis said, in April 19th, 2007 at 1:09 am

You are correct in saying government is not administered the same as private enterprise. That is why people are able to do a master of business administration vs master of public administration. The two are fundamentally different entities.

Budget’s for government organizations can be shifted. That is what people seem to forget. It is not a matter of taking more money out of the taxpayers “kitty”, it is a matter of re-adjusting business plans; plans that have been developed by well trained government employees albeit with final approval by politicians who perhaps lack the same level of education and experience. Budgets are NOT set in stone although re-election popularity might be.

If government wishes to participate in the free market economy they have an obligation to do so in the best interest of the populous. Taking more money out of the proverbial kitty, according to your argument Dave, is not it.

David said, in April 19th, 2007 at 8:43 pm

Cyn.
To a degree I also believe Governments shouldn\’t always lose money. However the shear notion that a Government will be run like a business is just wouldn\’t work in somewhat socially conscious society. Should Governments run strictly as money making venture? Well if you answered yes than I am guess your support Private Health Care and fees. How can a health system ever operate at a profit when you don\’t charge for the service directly. I know in the US that some states have companies that run Hospitals for profit in fact in several states there are former islanders who are doctors at these places. Also in Education to run it like a business we would have to use Private School Buses…do You support privates school bus contracts carrying our children? If you answered yes to either questions than I would I say you are not running for the right party. You need to maybe read some Liberal Philosphy and understand what the Liberal Party stands for.
Chris…
In order for Governments to participate in the free market and operate like a true business for profit many things would need to change..just the sheer fact that taxpayers money is used to build the courses. Actually an excellent example in Charlottetown of a Government enterprise competing with a private Business is the CARI complex. Government money was used to construct and operate but yet they still can\’t make it work. But overall the complex is good for the city and for the University and while it may not make a profit is a good complex to have. The same can said for the Winter Carnival/That Capital Commission project while the event may not break even the spin off benefits do wonders for businesses around the city during an otherwise slow period.
Governments have a responsibility to invest in projects that will promote and benefit the province and it\’s people and yes some of them may not make money but the lasting and spin off affects will in many cases be quite good. I wonder when the Irving\’s or McCain\’s asked for money to build or expand the plants if the Governments had said NO would those facilities be there today.
Cyn…if you are opposed to this or opposed to Governments helping,promoting, or being involved in business or social programs than maybe you should look at which party you should run for. Many projects over the years have been developed and build and supported by Liberal Governments. There have been failures, losses and some successes.

Cyn said, in April 19th, 2007 at 10:15 pm

David,
I assure you I do not have to read anything to find out what the Liberal Party stands for. Education and health care are indeed part of a social justice piece.

Liberals understand that good social policy is good economic policy. People become healthier, better educated, more secure, better equipped to be strong players in the economy. And, in turn, a stronger economy will produce greater social justice for us all.

Liberals believe in a strong, just society, strong public health care, equality for all, respect for human rights and a Charter of Rights and Freedoms that protects all Canadians including all minorities from prejudice, racism, and inequality.

Tell me, again, where you see owning and operating golf courses fitting in?

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