Author Archives: susanonthesoapbox

Motion 503: Calling all Hypocrites and Homophobes

Posted on April 13, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

In the same week that the Alberta government debated and rejected Motion 503, Rob Anderson, Wildrose House Leader, made an emotional plea to put an end to name-calling—specifically “Lake of Fire Party” and “homophobe”. It was a bizarre week. Here’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , | 24 Comments

The Carpay Decision and a Canary

Posted on April 6, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

One can’t help but feel Dr Allen’s pain. In fact many of us have felt Dr Allen’s pain, although not to such a debilitating degree. Dr Allen is a 36 year old dentist from Okotoks. In Dec 2007 he injured … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care | Tagged , , , , , , | 40 Comments

The Premier’s Penthouse

Posted on March 30, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

“We run a $40 billion corporation that matters an awful lot to the people of Alberta and the economy of this country”—former Premier Redford in the Legislature, March 4, 2014 Excuse me??? The “government” is not a “corporation”, its premier … Continue reading →

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

Thank You Alison Redford

Posted on March 23, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

Alison Redford did two things right during her short stint as Alberta’s 14th premier.  She jumped before she was pushed and she implemented an expense disclosure policy that, like ball bearings underfoot, created chaos by exposing the PC government’s culture … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 56 Comments

Alison Redford: The Puppet Premier?

Posted on March 18, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

On March 17, 2014, following Premier Redford’s tearful introduction of her daughter Sarah to the Legislative Assembly, the ND Opposition leader Brian Mason rose to ask the Premier a critical question:* “I regret having to ask this question, but it … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 31 Comments

TransAlta and the Court of Public Opinion: A $66 million fine or multimillions in profits?

Posted on March 16, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

Last month TransAlta kicked a damaging allegation into the court of public opinion:  did it manipulate the electricity market by improperly shutting down six power plants during peak demand hours in order to jack up power prices and make millions … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 21 Comments

Alberta’s “Traffic Court Reform”: One Step Closer to a Police State

Posted on March 13, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

Justice Minister Denis is touting “Traffic Court Reform” as a “citizen-friendly” dispute resolution process to “resolve” traffic tickets.  It’s also the first step into a quagmire that erases our civil liberties in order to save money (and help the minister … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Justice, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , | 17 Comments

Breakfast with Hillary Clinton

Posted on March 9, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

Hillary Rodham Clinton was in Calgary last week to give the keynote address at a breakfast meeting of 2500 Calgarians who paid about $500 to hear her speak.  Luckily my friend, the Zen Banker, invited me to attend as her … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Environment, Politics, Politics and Government, Rich and/or Famous, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 14 Comments

The Edelman Trust Barometer: Who do you trust?

Posted on March 2, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

The 2014 Edelman Trust Barometer is here and it’s good news—unless you work in government or business in which case you’re facing what Edelman delicately calls “a significant trust deficit”. Edelman is a global public relations company that surveys trust … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 18 Comments

Where are the Ethical Lawyers?

Posted on February 23, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

In the last three months Albertans have witnessed a shocking display of raw power.  The Redford government calls it “delivering the responsible change Albertans voted for.”  The rest of us call it the abuse of majority power to crush the … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Justice, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 35 Comments