Category Archives: Politics and Government

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

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

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

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