Paul,
What seems truly disturbing is the fact that there are many great innovative ideas that are forced to turn to Internet "Crowd-Funding" for financing because our Government simply is missing the boat on small business innovation.
Most of these start-ups are seeking 1/100th the financing that Government ladles out to these large corporations. And what are we getting out of those loans, Job Funds and Loan Guarantees? The minute the money dries up...the big guys pull out.
Blackberry, Convergys, Xerox. All within a month of Dexter losing the election. Hmmm Cooke's loan - well we know where that's headed. Forestry companies...similar. Ships Start Here...when? Wait for the Federal election or an announcement on changes in procurement.
Meanwhile, small businesses with great ideas and chances for true innovation practically beg for a pitance of what is given the large players. Only to end up refused or forced to look for "angel investment".
How many small start-ups could have come from the money wasted courting the big players? Could the outcome have been any worse?
Time for this Province to adjust it's thought process and look at where we came from and what built our economy.
Time to stop climbing into bed with the "Players". We only end up f**ked and feeling used afterwards. (Excuse the language)
As for Cooke and their taking $25 million. We'll see what come out of that "sound" investment.
But, imagine what could have been done with that money.
My opinion, for what it's worth.
Terran