Originally posted by J-hop
It is an interesting debate. I think the whole program is a waste of money but the same people are going to bitch either way
(1) use Ontario company and Alberta man bitches about not using Alberta company in this down turn
(2) use Alberta company and Alberta man bitches about even more tax dollars wasted due to overpaying relative to the competition.
Also, maybe there is something I'm missing but what are these "do-dad's" the Aim Energy Pros CEO is talking about?!?!? There is nothing non-standard about the products they are offering as far as I can see. Poor argument IMO
I donno man, it's really difficult say.
The things that come to my mind:
Depending on how much stuff they swap, this might render possibly millions of dollars worth of Alberta held inventory useless for months (causing local businesses to hold on to inventory longer than usual), if we're bringing in new inventory from an Ontario business. This could reduce cashflow for local businesses.
This whole program could lower the sales volumes for said products, taking away sales from local business.
Since we're using an Ontario business, if they're incorporated in Ontario, provincial corporate tax on said sales will be paid to the Ontario government (I'm talking about provincial corporate tax, not PST/HST which won't apply since the service is being provided in Alberta).
I've been on the receiving end of RFP's that are "tailored" for a specific vendor. When I read this, I totally understand what happened (if true).
In my opinion, during an economic crisis, you don't meddle or fuck with local economics. This is a program to get votes and "make the people happy", and justify the carbon tax. You do this stupid shit when the economy is good and booming when it won't make a difference or meddle with shit, you don't do it now at a time like this.
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