Stagg Editorial- December 1994

Hanging together is often put forward as a preferable alternative to hanging separately. Rogues or patriots often have these two choices. The question in most cases is whether those hanging together or hanging separately are rogues or patriots, scoundrels or martyrs.

Newfoundland has a ravaged economy where a disturbingly high number of "care givers" are drawing salaries in providing "training" and "consultation" to those unemployed in the fishery. The very phrase "unemployed fishermen" is rapidly taking on a separate employment category. In fact being classified as an "unemployed fishermen" is of course a means to an end.

The question in Newfoundland is whether those who are employed in supposedly helping this category of the unemployed really have the best interests of the unemployed at heart. Is it possible that many who are now supplying services to "unemployed fishermen" have merely moved laterally from one form of government paid job to another which now calls for the delivery of services to the unemployed?

Should Fisheries Minister Brian Tobin be asked to publish a list of those who are providing services either by way of incorporated companies or by personal services contracts? Is there a point to revealing what the salaries of these "care givers" might be? Is there anything to be gained by comparing the income and security of income of these "care givers" to those whom they profess to serve and train? Are there any parasites out there salting away R.R.S.P.'s and growing fat off the misery of the unemployed?

Is everybody hanging together or is there a real need for some to hang separately?

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