Author Archives: susanonthesoapbox

Do Albertans Have A Right To Know? (I’m taking bets)

Posted on September 23, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

In a classic display of clumsy timing Stephen Lockwood, Chairman of the board of Alberta Health Services (AHS), announced that the independent audit into allegations of expense account abuse at Alberta Health Services would be limited to auditing the expense … Continue reading →

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

How Peter Lougheed Became a Political “Giant”: In his own words

Posted on September 16, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

The internet was flooded with expressions of sympathy upon the passing of Peter Lougheed.   One of the most eloquent was a Twitter post by Justin Trudeau.  In 25 simple words he captured how we all felt:  “It is with tremendous … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , | 6 Comments

Transparency…it’s all in the eyes of the beholder

Posted on September 9, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

Transparency—it’s a wonderful concept.  But in order to be meaningful it must be applied across the board. Sorry, I got ahead of myself.  I’m talking about Premier Redford’s decision to implement the “toughest and most transparent”* expenditure rules in all … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

(While on vacation in Amsterdam Gerkin said…)

Posted on August 31, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

My husband and I are on vacation in Amsterdam and Alberta is a hundred light years away.  So rather than making a feeble attempt to stay current with Premier Redford’s latest shenanigans (Fort Macleod springs to mind) I’m going to … Continue reading →

Posted in Vacation | Tagged | 7 Comments

Alison Redford’s Fall From Grace

Posted on August 24, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

Alison Redford’s political career started with such promise.  She differentiated herself from her running mates in the PC leadership race with a clarion call for authentic leadership (openness, accountability and transparency).  However today she hit a (yet another) sour note … Continue reading →

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

“Hello Alberta. I’m listening.”

Posted on August 19, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

Premier Redford just announced another review—this one to ensure accountability when cabinet ministers and senior government officials report their expenses.  It’s the latest in a string of reviews, consultations and inquiries intended to demonstrate the premier’s commitment to doing business … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 15 Comments

Can Mr Merali Play Moneyball?

Posted on August 12, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

When asked why senior executives at Alberta Health Services are so generously compensated, the government’s response is either: I have no idea, those over-the-top supplemental pensions and extravagant expense accounts were before my time (Minister Horne) or the AHS has … Continue reading →

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

Alluadin Merali: Your guide to the Twilight Zone

Posted on August 5, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

The day that Alluadin Merali left his post as CFO of Alberta Health Services (AHS) was the day Albertans entered the Twilight Zone.  Like the ordinary folk in Rod Sterling’s TV show who find themselves thrust into a surreal alternate … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 32 Comments

The Redford & Clark dispute: Who really benefits?

Posted on July 29, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

Question:  How did the regulatory process for the Enbridge pipeline go so badly off the rails?  I’m talking about the “no benefit/no pipe” rhetoric coming from the Alison Redford and Christy Clark camps which threatens to upend Enbridge’s Northern Gateway … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments

There’s secrecy and then there’s secrecy: Bilderberg vs the Redford/Clark meeting

Posted on July 22, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

What’s up with Canadian premiers and their infatuation with secret meetings?   There are two types of secret meetings:  those that give the premiers an opportunity to test drive a contentious position to gauge political support (a “trial balloon”) and those … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , | 17 Comments