A few years ago, B schools across North America started teaching "strategic" planning and every group under the sun needed a "vision" and a "mission" and a "strategic plan". Consultants made millions working on the documents, most of which I'd venture got tossed on a shelf right after the weekend retreat or "planning session".
Now we have a government that seems to be spending all its time working on plans and strategies.
Ed Byrne is the latest one to announce a call for proposals to develop a strategy, this time on wind generation of electric power. Nice idea.
Too bad Hydro has been supporting demonstration projects since 2001 trying to see if it is feasible to generate significant amounts of wind power in the province in a way that is environmentally safe.
"In recent years, there have been some advancements in technology that could lead to opportunities to reduce the cost of producing energy by wind power. As such, we believe that it is in the best interest of the province, the ratepayer and for current and potential wind power proponents, that we step back to review the current situation to determine how best to proceed."
Psst Ed. Here's a free suggestion. A radical concept.
Let the private sector keep developing test projects. If they are feasible, then let the private sector fund and develop them and feed the power into the Hydro grid. Let the environment department keep monitoring the projects and making sure they are environmentally sound.
I the meantime find something else to announce besides yet another study and proposal for a strategy.
It's a bit like the joke about The Method actor, seeking his "motivation" to walk across the soundstage toward the camera. "Don't worry", yells the director, " I'll tell you when you get here."
What's the strategy, Ed? I'll tell you when you get here.
