Author Archives: susanonthesoapbox

Is this Premier Redford’s “Bill Clinton” Moment?

Posted on December 2, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

Last Wednesday Premier Redford defended herself against the Opposition’s allegation of conflict of interest with this bold statement: “I was not the Justice minister at the time that the government made that decision.”* Some of us are wondering whether Ms … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Through the Looking Glass

Posted on November 25, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

On Apr 23, 2012, the day that Alison Redford’s PC government was re-elected, Albertans fell down a rabbit hole.   On Nov 24, 2012, they crashed through the Looking Glass and their rate of descent is rapidly approaching terminal velocity. What’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Baby Whisperer vs the Bully Boy

Posted on November 18, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

In this corner we have Dr Michael Giuffre, the new President of the Alberta Medical Association (AMA).  He’s a pediatric cardiologist who was dubbed the Baby Whisperer by a frantic parent after he’d soothed a screaming baby. In the opposite … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

Remembrance Day: Ask the Question WHY?

Posted on November 11, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

My friend was paying for a coffee when a young barista asked him a question that left him speechless:   “Why are all the men wearing red flowers on their jackets?”  Are you serious?  Um yes…So my friend gave her a … Continue reading →

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

How The Tories Took Away Our Voice: The Responsible Energy Development Act (Bill 2)

Posted on November 4, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

While we’ve been frothing about the government’s refusal to admit that there’s something fundamentally wrong with a political party accepting a $430,000 campaign donation from a single benefactor, Redford`s government is quietly going about its business—eliminating our right to stop … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Welcome to the Noodle Bed: Alberta’s Healthcare Delivery System is Reorganizing…Again!

Posted on October 28, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

When former premier Stelmach said he was willing to let local hospitals make decisions like buying light bulbs for their own operating theatres I thought he was kidding.  Turns out I was wrong. This week Stephen Lockwood, chairman of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Hanging By A Thread…Or Why I Like Paying Taxes

Posted on October 20, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

We’ve just spent three and a half days tethered to the house next door.  All of our drinking, cooking, showering and flushing water came to us through a blue rubber hose that snaked across my neighbour’s yard, went up over … Continue reading →

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

The Philosophy of Will Mac: Its Application to CNOOC’s Takeover of Nexen

Posted on October 14, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

William McElcheran is a Canadian artist best known for a series of bronze sculptures called “The Businessmen”.  Calgarians will be familiar with “The Conversation”—two life-sized chubby businessmen complete with hats, overcoats and brief cases, deep in conversation outside the Hudson’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

There’s something about Justin…

Posted on October 7, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

Justin Trudeau is like litmus paper.  Mention his name at a dinner party and the conversation erupts as people declare themselves to be in the “pro” and “anti” camps.  The “anti” camp (usually men) roll their eyes and complain that … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | Tagged | 10 Comments

The CNOOC Takeover of Nexen: Net Benefit to the 1%

Posted on September 30, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

Many Canadian opposed to CNOOC taking over Nexen are reluctant to say so lest they be labelled economically naive or xenophobic.   I’m neither so let me tell you why my spidey senses are tingling: #1 CNOOC is a state owned … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments