The most distressing thing about the Trudeau purchase of the TransMountain Pipeline is the appearance that Alberta is now on the same footing as Quebec with its Bombardier subsidies and Ontario with its auto bailout. Notley is right, as she…
Who wants regulation of alcohol counselors and alcohol treatment facilities? Who cares? Whose interests are served? Ralph Klein, our beloved premier, often asked in Cabinet meetings, “Who wants this law and why?” What a brilliant question. Who wants regulation of…
In the early 90s, I resisted any thoughts of Alberta separating from Canada. I had thought about separatism and found the ideas attractive. The economics and political implications seemed attractive. Though difficult, separation also seemed practicable. Easier achieved than Czech…
Today, April 2, is the anniversary of Ralph Klein’s passing. It’s the fifth anniversary. It’s therefore appropriate that we take a minute and remember what a great politician looks like. I was never sure if Ralph was inclined to be a…
This is the anniversary of the NDP victory in Alberta. This is what I wrote in my personal diary one year ago today. “Well, the sun rose, and I am now calm, but deeply ashamed and disappointed. Alberta exceptionalism is…
Who would have thought that we would have to look to Mayor Nenshi to save our bacon? However, he did stand up to his peer in Montreal, and credit must be given without reservation. But that is not my main…
An old law professor of mine said you can’t suck and blow at the same time. Turns out you can. The councillors that so strenuously object to Uber have many arguments that, on their face, sound compelling. People do not…
It is the height of irony that the Province of Alberta and the august panel which determines judges’ salaries should give Provincial Court Judges a massive salary increase and at the same time pin these judges to mandatory sentences without…
The relative youth and immaturity of the new ND caucus for Alberta can may mean that the civil service will be more in charge than ever. Stories abound from earlier Ministers who had vast experience and knowledge being flummoxed and…
The young child cried out, “The emperor has no clothes”. Only then did the emperor realize what he had to do – get dressed. In the late 1970s when I moved to Alberta, I was a self-selecting economic/political migrant. I…