Voicing concern on MRI dispute

Letter to the editor - Dear Editor,

I would like to add my voice to ongoing dispute between the Towns of Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor regarding the location of the new MRI unit. I would concur with most that an independent, non-partisan individual with recognized expertise concerning the matter at hand is best positioned to make the decision. The enhancement of health care provision in Central Newfoundland will benefit us all, regardless of where we call home or the MRI is located.

The greater concern to many is what has fast become an adversarial relationship between Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor. Both towns have always enjoyed a healthy competitive relationship, but this was mostly confined to the hockey rink. Of late, it appears to have spilled over as the communities compete for investment, government services and so on.

It is hard to find fault with either community's leaders, many of whom were elected for the explicit purpose of representing the best interests of their community. However, as government centralizes its services, it has the effect of throwing a bone between two salivating dogs, and no one should be surprised that a tug of war ensues. Dating back to the days of the Wells government calling for proposal for post-secondary institutions in Central Newfoundland, we have been pitted against each other, supposed allies turned foes by competition. Incidentally, there is still no university.

This is unfortunate, because now is a crucial time for Central Newfoundland, a time that demands cooperation, partnership and a shared vision.

Newfoundland and Labrador is enjoying the benefits of the oil and gas boom, and government has done a commendable job of ensuring those revenues trickle down to all residents. However, the fact remains that the bulk of benefit - both in terms of employment, private sector investment and spin-off spending - has naturally accrued to the Avalon metro area. The west coast of the province will soon enjoy a new university status for Sir Wilfred Grenfell and its tourism performance remains strong. What of Central Newfoundland? The mark of great communities is a buoyant private sector built on the strategic advantages of the region and the skills of its people. We have plenty of work to do and some of our core industries are operating beneath a cloud of uncertainty.

The communities of Central Newfoundland are forced into a relationship based on interdependence. If the mill in Grand Falls-Windsor takes a hit, Gander shares the bruise. If Bishop's Falls struggles, the effects are felt in Botwood. The nature of or region, its history, its economics, its geography and its culture, demands partnership. Consider how many of your communities residents commute to other towns to work, to procure services, to shop, to camp, to visit family ... we are in it, together, through thick and thin.

It would be unrealistic to expect elected officials to surrender opportunities for their communities. However, perhaps we need to consider a more collaborative approach to certain growth sectors, such as tourism and so on. This should be carried on in the spirit of true partnership where towns share a regional vision, resources, ideas, investment and risk. Such an approach will create benefit, wealth and growth for the entire region outside of the stringent confinement of our town boundaries.

Gary Vey

Gander