Tag Archives: Liepert

A $6 Billion “Bitumen Bubble”…Really?

Posted on January 27, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

It’s the “bubble’s” fault.  According to Alison Redford a “bitumen bubble” triggered a nose dive in oilsands crude prices resulting in a $6 billion shortfall in Alberta’s resource revenues and leaving Albertans $6 billion short for the upcoming budget.*  Ouch! … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , | 21 Comments

Alberta: Poised on the Fiscal Cliff. Again!

Posted on December 30, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

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

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

Budget 2012 – The “Hockey Stick” Budget

Posted on February 12, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

Don’t you just love accountants?  I’m serious.  Every year accountants are given the thankless task of preparing “The Budget” and every year, bless their little number crunching hearts, they deliver—only to see their hard work go off the rails and … Continue reading →

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

Bill 24 – The Democratic Process is Swiss Cheese

Posted on December 4, 2011 by susanonthesoapbox

Alberta’s Privacy Commissioner nailed it when he said that the government’s propensity to override the public’s right to information under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIP) was turning FOIP into “Swiss cheese”.* This is deeply distressing … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 3 Comments

The Game of Clue

Posted on November 6, 2011 by susanonthesoapbox

I love a good mystery, everything from the bucolic Midsomer Murders BBC series to a “whodunnit” board game like Clue.  I wrestle my daughter for the privilege of being Miss Scarlett and pout if I can’t have the miniature candlestick … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , | 17 Comments

The House of Mirrors

Posted on October 23, 2011 by susanonthesoapbox

Recent statements by Finance Minister, Ron Liepert, confirm my suspicion that politics is like a House of Mirrors.  Not a transparent glass house (no stone throwing allowed), but the maze-like puzzle boxes you find at amusement parks and the midway.  … Continue reading →

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

Alison’s Cabinet

Posted on October 16, 2011 by susanonthesoapbox

Alison what were you thinking?!!!  Oops sorry, that was my inside voice, let me try that again.  *Ahem*.  Premier Redford I have a question (quite a few actually) about your recently announced Cabinet appointments. Let’s start with your promise that … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 18 Comments

The Blue Moon And Its Impact on Oil Sands Development

Posted on July 24, 2011 by susanonthesoapbox

Once in a blue moon something remarkable happens in the world of politics—disparate opinions begin to align.  Last week the Federal government, the Alberta Federation of Labour, Greenpeace and Environmental Defence agreed with former Premier Peter Lougheed:  the pace oil … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Russian Stacking Dolls

Posted on June 26, 2011 by susanonthesoapbox

We’ve all seen Matryoshka dolls, those wooden Russian stacking dolls that open up to reveal a smaller doll nestled inside.  You keep opening the dolls one by one until eventually you find the smallest innermost doll—a baby doll carved from … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged | Leave a comment