Category Archives: Energy & Natural Resources

The Trouble with Ezra Levant…

Posted on January 26, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

Ezra Levant is a Canadian media personality, an ultra-conservative political activist, author and lawyer who has made a brilliant career out of being half right.  In a recent episode of The Source, Mr Levant outlined the flaws in Neil Young’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Environment, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 58 Comments

Does Fort Mac Look Like Hiroshima?

Posted on January 22, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

Neil Young said many provocative things about the oilsands, but the one that became a lightning rod for criticism was this: “The fact is, Fort McMurray looks like Hiroshima”.*  He later explained that the reference to Fort McMurray was meant … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Environment, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , | 23 Comments

Neil Young is Right

Posted on January 19, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

“Take a second to really look at what you hear.” – Neil Young, singer/songwriter Neil Young knows how to rile up a crowd.  In a 15 minute press conference* to kick off his Honour the Treaties Tour with Diana Krall … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Environment, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 99 Comments

CNRL’s Primrose Problem: A Slow Motion Blow Out

Posted on December 29, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

When King Edward VIII abdicated the throne to marry Wallis Simpson it was scandalous.  When the Alberta government abdicated the regulation of Alberta’s natural resources to an industry-led agency nobody raised an eyebrow. The new Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) is … Continue reading →

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

Redford’s Performance Appraisal: The Building Alberta Plan

Posted on December 15, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

Alison Redford’s performance appraisal document landed on my doorstep a week ago.  It’s called “The Building Alberta Plan 2013 Edition”. In the real world a CEO undergoes an annual performance appraisal with the Compensation Committee of the board of directors.  … Continue reading →

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

One Dead Fish or More Big Ideas? The Quality of Debate in Redford’s Government

Posted on November 24, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

Premier Redford complains bitterly about the quality of debate in the Legislature; apparently we need more “big ideas” and less “parochial debate”.*  However her Environmental Minister continues to provide fatuous explanations for why it took nineteen days to issue an … Continue reading →

Posted in Disasters, Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , | 35 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

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