~ 55 ~

Monday, March 22nd Vancouver, BC

Almost every golf club in the world is closed on Mondays for course maintenance after the weekends. Premier Jordan occasionally took advantage of that, and used the privacy for ‘productive rounds’ with leaders of the business community. He had suggested the Monday game to Ted, and was anxious to hear everything he had to say.

They met at the clubhouse, grabbed a golf cart and headed for the first tee. The club pro had lent Ted a set of clubs, he had none of his own. He’d grown up learning the game, and had been a caddy for a few summers earning pocket-money as a kid, but it had been many years since Ted had time in his life for golf.

As they played their way along the front nine, the men commiserated on how things were falling apart in the rest of Canada – all the events since last August – and how well they were faring up, there in BC.

After finishing the ninth hole, they went into the clubhouse for a sandwich and a drink, before starting the back nine. They sat in the snack bar, looking out over the rolling fairways, Ted casually asked, "What’s going on over in Alberta? What’s behind all their internal conflicts?"

"It’s all about resources, Ted. Albertans don’t have a problem joining the U.S., it’s the oil and gas companies in Alberta. They’re putting intense pressure on Halsted to resist any and all attempts at a referendum in that Province. As you know, both here and in Alberta, they have been able to carve out a very lucrative patch for themselves. Remember, they wrangled huge tax incentives, grants and low interest loans over the last 30 or 40 years that gave them a huge edge on competition. They were able to bring product to the marketplace at a fraction of the costs of their U.S. competitors."

"Now, with the big fields coming on stream – the Tar Sands technology is extracting oil and leaving behind just beautiful tan sand – and now that world demand and especially U.S. demand is way up – they don’t want anyone in their oil patch. Not the government – not the U.S. – not anyone. We have the same thing right here in BC. I’m getting hit with the same pressure, but not to the extent Halsted is."

"See, Ted, the oil barons know as soon as Alberta becomes a state, they lose all the advantages they have spent damn near a half a century twisting arms and lobbying for. Not only out there, but in Ottawa too."

He had focused intensely, nodding and listening – all the while encouraging the Premier to continue. As Jack wound down, Ted had what he needed and knew what course of action to take.

"Now, Ted, how are things going. How are things progressing?"

"Very well, Jack, very well indeed. Everyone is quite pleased with the initiatives you have put forth for the Province, and most are in place. As you know, my focus is on the Island somewhat – but I’ve kept track of the mainland’s progress as well. By the time this Province becomes a State, you’ll be ready to handle the influx of new citizens from the south, and with the political support you’ve maintained throughout every part of the Province, I believe the citizens of British Columbia will be happy to follow as their new Governor leads them to Statehood."

Jack listened closely as Ted continued, "Keep in mind, Sir, that this is not finished. We are all counting on you to stay the course. Keep everyone balanced if you can and don’t commit to any side issues. Above all, no matter what you may hear, treat everything with a high degree of scepticism. Better yet, ignore it if you can. The indications are, Sir, before this year is out, we will be addressing you as Governor Jordan."

Jack Jordan smiled. They finished their drink and walked out to play the back nine. Of course, the Premier won, handily.