I have to admit I’m grateful for the desperate cold that we have been suffering these past weeks. Surprised but grateful. Grateful that our political masters have apparently solved Global Warming. And surprised that all it took was the simple…
NDP Alberta: we can be better
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…
Canadian Oil – Thank you Mayor Nenshi. No thank you, Mayor Corderre.
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…
Regulating behaviour: You can’t suck and blow (or can you?)
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…
Poor Judgment
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…
Challenges of Youth
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…
Alberta has no clothes
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…
Balancing the Budget
Ted shines in this article. We have the principal benefit from Mr. Lougheed’s reign, lets use the damn thing – the “notwithstanding clause” – and get the public service under control. So now is the time for Alberta to use…
Please Don’t Feed the Animals – A Lesson from Alberta to Alberta
This statement tells you a lot about our government and our culture and is provided by a good friend: Alberta Provincial Social Services (welfare) is proud to be distributing this year the greatest amount of money ever. Meanwhile, Alberta Parks,…
Ralph and Rod – R&R
Ralph Klein and Rod Love were an unparalleled political team who did more good than the already great acknowledgements. Superlatives are simply not adequate. Not only did they create great political dynamic and fiscal dynamic but their leadership transitioned to…