Author Archives: susanonthesoapbox

Campus Alberta: Converting Universities into Trade Schools

Posted on October 13, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

I like engineers but this is ridiculous (and I’m not talking about Supercow, the U of C engineering mascot). The PC government just invested $142.5 million to expand the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary while at … Continue reading →

Posted in Education, Politics and Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 8 Comments

Redford backtracks on public participation–but only at the federal level

Posted on October 11, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

Premier Redford was asked to comment on the actions of environmental activists protesting a National Energy Board (NEB) review of the proposal to reverse Enbridge’s Line 9 oil pipeline.  The environmentalists say the NEB’s review process is too narrow and … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

McQueen’s Damage Control Strategy: The Erosion of Natural Justice Continues

Posted on October 9, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

“It is incredibly irresponsible and I think they’re trapped in an extremely ineffective strategy of damage control.”  — Rachel Notley NDP MLA* Environment Minister McQueen is back from her European junket.  She’s had a few days to consider Justice Marceau’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , | 13 Comments

Does Redford’s “Prerogative” Trump the Law?

Posted on October 6, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

When a Queen’s Bench justice compares Redford’s government to the corrupt regime of former Quebec premier Maurice Duplessis you know you’ve hit rock bottom. Justice Marceau made the damning comment in his ruling that the Redford government violated the principles … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 27 Comments

Dinner with Justin Trudeau: Gimmick or Doing Politics Differently?

Posted on September 29, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

“Have dinner with me, Susan.”  What a charming invitation.  Too bad it’s part of a fundraising campaign directed at 300,000 supporters of the federal Liberal party. But wait…let’s think about this for a moment.  For a $5.00 donation, Ms Soapbox … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Rich and/or Famous | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

A Dead Cat Bounce: Redford’s Approval Rating Up to 32%

Posted on September 22, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

It’s called a “dead cat bounce”.  It’s based on the premise that even a dead cat bounces when it slips off a 12th floor balcony and lands on the sidewalk (contrary to popular belief most sky-diving cats aren’t lucky enough … Continue reading →

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

A “Two Minute Tory” Spends an Evening with Ted Morton

Posted on September 15, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

Ted Morton, the former Finance Minister and unsuccessful PC leadership candidate, was holding court at the Manning Foundation.  He was going to give a speech on how a bunch of lefty carpet baggers (aka the “Two Minute Tories”) hijacked the … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , | 40 Comments

Janet Davidson is appointed Deputy Minister of Health

Posted on September 11, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

The Redford government just passed an Order in Council appointing Janet Davidson Deputy Minister of Health.  This decision has many implications, not the least of which is this:  Will Ms Davidson continue in her role as Official Administrator of Alberta … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , | 11 Comments

It’s Really Not About Access to Private MRIs

Posted on September 8, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

The dapper Dr Theman stands unfazed in a thicket of microphones and TV cameras and repeats for the umpteenth time that proposed changes to the doctors’ Standards of Practice will not, repeat, not, shut down private MRI and CT services—these … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care | Tagged , , , , , | 20 Comments

Banff and the Good Life

Posted on September 1, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

After a spirited discussion about Pamela Wallin, the Tory’s overspending senator, Ms Soapbox’s mother sighed and said ““Sometimes politics makes me so mad I need a rest!” Brilliant!  A rest was exactly what Mr and Ms Soapbox needed so we … Continue reading →

Posted in Vacation | Tagged , , , | 15 Comments