Author Archives: susanonthesoapbox

Danielle Smith’s Leadership Review: A Game of Power

Posted on November 2, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

“No one wants less power; everyone wants more.”—Robert Greene Danielle Smith, leader of the Wildrose party, put her leadership on the line after failing to capture any seats in the four Alberta by-elections. Her leadership review was to take place … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Top 10 Door Knocking Stories

Posted on October 28, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

As you know Ms Soapbox tossed her hat in the ring in the Calgary Elbow by-election. On October 27, 2014 the residents of Calgary Elbow tossed it back. Nevertheless, she is of the view that everyone should run for public … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , | 38 Comments

The Conservative Government Responds to the Deaths of Two Canadian Soldiers

Posted on October 26, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

Two Canadian soldiers were killed this week. The first, Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent, was run down by a car in a parking lot in St-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Quebec. The second, Cpl. Nathan Cirillo, was killed while standing guard at the National War … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Justice, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 12 Comments

By-elections and Marshall McLuhan’s Light Bulb

Posted on October 19, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

By-elections are like McLuhan’s light bulb. Marshall McLuhan, an Edmontonian who predicted the World Wide Web 30 years before it was invented, wrote books with evocative titles like The Mechanical Bride and The Gutenberg Galaxy, but none is more famous … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 12 Comments

Turkey Day at the Soapbox House

Posted on October 12, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

“There’s no such thing as too much turkey”.— Mr Soapbox Mr Soapbox is a peculiar man. He’s a wonderful cook who rises to any occasion but when it come to Thanksgiving (or Christmas for that matter) he believes that it’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Celebrations | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

194 ABCs and Why They Matter

Posted on October 5, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

The other day on the campaign trail I met a Bearded Dragon. He was curled up in the arms of a little girl, blinking sleepily in the afternoon sun. He practically purred when I stroked his chin. (Yes I know … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 16 Comments

Premier Prentice Fast Tracks Flood Mitigation

Posted on September 28, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

It started with another “feel good” press release. On Wed Sept 24, 2014, Premier Prentice announced that he was proceeding with two flood mitigation projects. He’ll divert the Highwood River to protect High River and create a dry reservoir in … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Jim Prentice’s First Week in Office–Straight out of the Corporate Playbook

Posted on September 21, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

“As of this moment, Alberta is under new management.” — Jim Prentice, 16th Premier of Alberta* Transition. There’s nothing more unsettling; no, strike that, nerve-wracking, for an organization than a change-out of senior leadership, particularly when the old leader is … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Education, Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Jim Prentice Names his Cabinet: New Brooms Sweep Clean or Do They?

Posted on September 14, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

By this time tomorrow it will all be over, Jim Prentice, the premier-designate, will have unveiled his new cabinet. Mr Prentice, the proverbial “new broom”, promised to sweep clean a cabinet larded with MLAs, who have enjoyed the unique privilege … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 12 Comments

How a “Fiscally Conservative” Government Facing a $20 Billion Debt Delivers on its Promises

Posted on September 7, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

“Tonight, we begin the work of advancing and protecting sound, conservative fiscal principles.” —Future Premier Jim Prentice, victory speech, Sept 6, 2014 It hasn’t escaped Ms Soapbox’s notice that the party that bills itself as fiscally conservative has us on … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Economics, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments