Tag Archives: Redford

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

The Redford Government’s Descent into 1984

Posted on December 16, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

On Nov 21, 2012* the Redford government took Albertans to the threshold that divides the world of reason and accountability from Orwell’s 1984.  We’re teetering on the brink, trying to hack our way through the double-think, newspeak and historic revisionism … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , | 17 Comments

We are not the Borg!

Posted on December 9, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

The Borg is an alien race that exists in the Star Trek universe.  Its sole purpose is to assimilate all other species, usually by force, into the “hive mind” in order to achieve perfection. OK, hold that thought… …now consider … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , | 8 Comments

Is this Premier Redford’s “Bill Clinton” Moment?

Posted on December 2, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

Last Wednesday Premier Redford defended herself against the Opposition’s allegation of conflict of interest with this bold statement: “I was not the Justice minister at the time that the government made that decision.”* Some of us are wondering whether Ms … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 15 Comments

Through the Looking Glass

Posted on November 25, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

On Apr 23, 2012, the day that Alison Redford’s PC government was re-elected, Albertans fell down a rabbit hole.   On Nov 24, 2012, they crashed through the Looking Glass and their rate of descent is rapidly approaching terminal velocity. What’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

The Baby Whisperer vs the Bully Boy

Posted on November 18, 2012 by susanonthesoapbox

In this corner we have Dr Michael Giuffre, the new President of the Alberta Medical Association (AMA).  He’s a pediatric cardiologist who was dubbed the Baby Whisperer by a frantic parent after he’d soothed a screaming baby. In the opposite … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care | Tagged , , , | 9 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

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