In a new deal, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador will help to fund employee pensions at the Corner Brook paper mill. It’s the latest in a string of deals for the mill, worth some some 250-million dollars.

In this case, government intentions are good, but mistaken.

The litany of failed businesses that have received government handouts and bailouts shows that elected officials are just not cut out to be bankers and venture capitalists.

Newfoundland and Labrador doesn’t need more of the same. Instead of subsidies, the provincial government should create the environment so that the people who know how to create sustainable, prosperous businesses can do what they do best.