Tag Archives: Horner

Jim Prentice Names his Cabinet: New Brooms Sweep Clean or Do They?

By this time tomorrow it will all be over, Jim Prentice, the premier-designate, will have unveiled his new cabinet. Mr Prentice, the proverbial “new broom”, promised to sweep clean a cabinet larded with MLAs, who have enjoyed the unique privilege … Continue reading

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 12 Comments

The Tory Airplane Scandal–Excuses, Excuses

“I am optimistic that your review will assist in securing Albertans’ continued confidence in their government and trust in their elected officials.”—Premier Redford’s letter to the Auditor General requesting a review of her compliance with the Travel and Expense policy, … Continue reading

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

Alberta’s Rogue Politics and Politicians

Is Alison Redford a rogue politician or does she belong to a rogue party? A rogue is a dishonest or unprincipled man (or woman), a scoundrel, villain, miscreant, reprobate, good-for-nothing, ne’re-do-well, wretch, louse, crook. The word “rogue” entered the lexicon … Continue reading

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 28 Comments

Mr Hancock’s Cockamamie Apology

“I’m truly sorry that we allowed government to become a distraction from the vital work we’re doing on issues that matter to Albertans.”— Premier Dave Hancock to PC party supporters, May 1, 2014 Bill Clinton apologised for slavery, Tony Blair … Continue reading

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 21 Comments

The Progressive Conservatives Prepare for War–Really!

“Our organization cannot lose the grassroots donation battle to our opposition if we hope to win the war in 2016.”—Ron Renaud, PC Chief Financial Officer Win the war in 2016???  The “war” metaphor Before we get sucked into the “war” … Continue reading

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , | 19 Comments

Redford and Mandela: Hypocrisy and Hope (Part 2)

“He would continually bring people back to the table.  That was his greatest strength”—Ms Redford on Nelson Mandela* Sadly, Ms Redford never learned how to bring “people back to the table” here in Alberta.  So she resorted to the meat … Continue reading

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

Redford and Mandela: Hypocrisy and Hope

The Redford government’s capacity for hypocrisy knows no bounds.  In the same week that Redford’s PC government passed two corrosive pieces of anti-labour legislation, Ms Redford reflected on what she’d learned as a young lawyer working with Nelson Mandela to … Continue reading

Posted in Politics and Government, Rich and/or Famous | Tagged , , , , | 29 Comments

The Auditor General’s Report: Alberta’s “Enron” Moment

God bless Merwan Saher, Alberta’s Auditor General!  He grabbed the government by the scruff of the neck and gave it a shake for dragging us into the abyss of “Enron” accounting.  Sadly, the government refuses to budge and opaque financial … Continue reading

Posted in Politics and Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 23 Comments

Budget 2013 (If you want to play with the Big Boys, you play by Big Boy Rules)

 “Opening new markets across Canada and around the world has become job one for this government.”—Finance Minister Horner on the 2013 Budget priorities, Alberta Hansard p1440. That simple sentence tells you all you need to know about Budget 2013 and … Continue reading

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , | 16 Comments

Alberta: Poised on the Fiscal Cliff. Again!

The Alberta Progressive Conservatives are in deep trouble when the only PC making any sense is Ron Liepert (yes, that Ron Liepert, Alberta’s former finance minister and one man wrecking crew).  Mr Liepert says it’s time for the government to … Continue reading

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