Author Archives: susanonthesoapbox

Why Ms Redford will be Confirmed as PC Leader: The Wikipedia Factor

Posted on November 23, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

The pundits say Ms Redford will be confirmed as PC party leader.  They’re right, but not for the reasons they think.  Here’s why: The party cannot endure another leadership campaign.  True, the skirmish between PC leadership candidates (he’s an idiot, … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Alison Redford’s Vision for Alberta–“Trust Industry” (gulp)

Posted on November 20, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

Brian Mason (NDP) is right.  The only way to find out what’s going on in Alison Redford’s head is to pay to attend a function in her honour. So on Monday night, Mr Soapbox and I were milling about at … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 34 Comments

Running with Scissors: Another AHS CEO Bites the Dust

Posted on November 17, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

It’s like running with scissors.  It’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. On Oct 17, 2013, Duncan Campbell took over as interim CEO of Alberta Health Services, replacing Dr Chris Eagle who abruptly resigned with two years … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 19 Comments

Bill 32: Why is the Opposition in an Uproar over Billboards?

Posted on November 13, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

It should have been a no brainer—passing into law a bill aimed at improving public safety.  Instead Bill 32:  Enhancing Safety on Alberta Roads Act turned into a roadmap for bad governance culminating in a motion that the government was … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , | 20 Comments

The Trouble with Hubris: Doug Griffiths’ Bill 28 goes into Freefall

Posted on November 10, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

Like Icarus, strapping on wings of feathers and wax, Municipal Affairs Minister Griffiths attempted to glide Bill 28 Modernizing Regional Governance Act through the Legislature.  It sparked an uproar among municipal officials and disintegrated under the Oppositions’ scrutiny. Griffiths and … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Edmonton’s $3 Billion Super Lab: Where’s the business case?

Posted on November 6, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

Is there anyone left in the PC government with a lick of common sense? Last week the NDP revealed that the government intends to outsource lab services to a private corporation and has initiated a Request for Proposal (RFP) process … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 46 Comments

Consultation 0005: Greater Transparency or Interfering with a Doctor’s “Right” to Get Rich?

Posted on November 3, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

 Do doctors have the “democratic” right to charge whatever the market will bear for “uninsured” medical services?  Or do the principles of universality and accessibility under the Canada Health Act still apply to the practice of medicine in Alberta? Apparently … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Debt is debt, except when it’s hope

Posted on October 29, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

Sometimes Question Period is downright funny.  Witness this exchange on the provincial debt between Opposition Leader Danielle Smith and Premier Redford.* Ms Smith: In Medicine Hat earlier this month the Premier said this about debt: it’s not debt; it’s hope. … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

Congratulations Mayor Nenshi!

Posted on October 27, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

John Macfarlane, editor of The Walrus,* asks the question:  When did society turn against its best and brightest and more importantly, why?  He was bemoaning the fact that Torontonians had elected Rob Ford—a man he described as wearing “his ignorance … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government, Rich and/or Famous | Tagged , , , , , | 13 Comments

The Smith vs Mason Debate: An Enlightening Evening

Posted on October 20, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

“Tonight we will witness a debate of Epic Proportions!  “In the Right Corner, the Freedom Fighter—Danielle Smith!!!  In the Left Corner, the Protector of the People—Brian Mason!!!”  Mount Royal University was hosting the ninth and final debate between Wildrose leader, … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Education, Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 8 Comments