20 March 2016
The original "Little Red Hen" was written by Anonymous many years ago. Thanks to Ray Decorby for bringing this newer, Anonymous version to light!
The Little Red Hen (a northern version), by Anonymous
One day an industrious NWT resident, known as the little red hen, realized the rocks in the NWT held valuable resources.
“Who will help me find more mines?” said the little red hen.
“Not I” said the cow, this is a government town - we don’t need mines.
“Not I” said the duck, I like to stay close to home.
“Not I” said the goose, I am busy promoting part time, low paying, seasonal jobs.
"Then I will,” said the little red hen.
“Who will help me get permits for the mines?” said the little red hen.
“Not I” said the cow, but I will book lots of meetings so we can talk permits.
“Not I” said the duck, I don’t think I benefit from mines.
“Not I” said the goose, I am building a new park that will exclude mining forever. The park will create several summer jobs!
"Then I will,” said the little red hen.
“Who will help me build the mines?” said the little red hen.
“Not I” said the cow, I’m not done talking about your permits.
“Not I” said the duck. I am busy watching my kids play in a territorial hockey tournament at the multiplex.
“Not I” said the goose. My new park will be only slightly smaller than Switzerland but it is bigger than Belgium.
"Then I will,” said the little red hen.
“Who will help me enjoy the prosperity of the mines?” said the little red hen.
“I will shouted the cow joyfully.
“I will” exclaimed the duck enthusiastically.
"I will” said the goose eagerly.
And they did.
The mines brought years of prosperity and helped build roads, hydroelectric plants, arenas, hospitals, airports, schools and education programs. Airlines, and businesses that supplied equipment and services to the mines flourished.
When everybody was nice and comfortable; the cow, the duck and the goose got together for chicken dinner. Soon life became less comfortable, the old mines started to close and nobody wanted to look for new mines. The cost of living went way up, the government was forced to cut services and raise taxes, businesses failed, people left the NWT, schools closed, airlines cut flights and raised prices, tourism opportunities such as hosting the Canada Winter Games and the planned sporting facilities had to be canceled.
Darn that Little Red Hen!
