On a recent trip to Kenya, my friend and his family crashed head on into an example of why some developing countries cannot grow and prosper. As they were about to board their flight from Nairobi, the clerk at the exit gate said there was a problem with their boarding passes. Before she returned them and before they could board the flight, they were told they must pay $800 to correct the "problem."
Perhaps the most controversial aspect of the budget was the decision to increases various medical fees. Ultimately, the budget delivered yesterday won't break the bank -- assuming the government's fiscal projections are correct. This budget nudges the province in the right direction. But it leaves something to be desired.
The once-mighty NDP, led by rookie leader Dwain Lingenfelter, is poised for a humiliating defeat. There is a degree of panic in the party leadership and it is illustrated in their platform. Sensing little chance of winning, the NDP has resorted to old left policies in a desperate attempt to shore up support from unions.