Tag Archives: Ric McIver

Kenny Controls the Narrative, Why is this a Surprise?

We’ve been so focused on Jason Kenney’s public rhetoric that we didn’t see him transform the Progressive Conservatives and Wildrose MLAs into a bunch of hush puppies ready to recite whatever speaking notes he gives them. The transformation took less … Continue reading

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 38 Comments

Bill 17: A Unicorn or a Chimera?

Last week the NDP government introduced the Fair and Family-Friendly Workplaces Act (Bill 17).  It’s intended to update workplace legislation that became increasingly outdated under Progressive Conservative rule. Premier Notley describes Bill 17 as a balanced middle of the road … Continue reading

Posted in Economy, Employment, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , | 11 Comments

“Phasing Out” the Oilsands

At a recent town hall meeting Mr Trudeau reiterated his position on climate change.  He said: “You can’t make a choice between what’s good for the environment and what’s good for the economy.  We can’t shut down the oilsands tomorrow.  … Continue reading

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Environment, Politics and Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 17 Comments

Lessons From Rex Tillerson*

If Rex Tillerson, the former head of ExxonMobil and Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of State, taught a class on pipeline strategy Brian Jean would be stuck at the front of the room wearing a dunce cap and Rachel Notley … Continue reading

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , | 26 Comments

Responding to Orlando

Can we talk about that which cannot be named? On June 12 forty-nine people were massacred at a nightclub in Orlando. Alberta’s political leaders expressed their horror at the senseless slaughter. All but one of the politicians recognized that the … Continue reading

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

Notley’s Budget: Myths and Facts

The NDP government unveiled its budget on Thursday.  The conservatives reacted as if the government dropped a neutron bomb on the people. Wildrose leader Brian Jean worried that parents driving their kids to hockey practice would end up in the … Continue reading

Posted in Economics, Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 26 Comments

“Kudatah”: It’s not a joke

Ms Soapbox is deeply troubled by last week’s failed Kudatah. The Kudatah (or “coup d’etat” for those who know how to spell) was George Clark’s attempt to overthrow the NDP government. George blames the NDP for the economic downturn. He … Continue reading

Posted in Crime and Justice, Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 49 Comments

Notley’s Royalty Review

Rachel Notley is driving Brian Jean and Ric McIver crazy. Every time they think they’ve backed her into a corner on the energy file she comes out with a creative and pragmatic solution which has the industry’s backing. What’s the … Continue reading

Posted in Economy, Energy & Natural Resources, Environment | Tagged , , , | 39 Comments

Five Resolutions for Rachel Notley

Ms Soapbox’s first round of New Year’s resolutions for a politician (Alison Redford) were ignored, but she’s a persistent soul and will try again. This time she’s prepared five resolutions for Premier Rachel Notley. Stay the course on your climate … Continue reading

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Economy, Education, Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 23 Comments

Refugees? Paris? Wait, what?

What’s the difference between these two sentences? Sentence “A”: “You terrorist, you don’t belong here.” Sentence “B”: “You might be a terrorist, you don’t belong here.” Sentence “A” was uttered by two white males who attacked a 31 year old … Continue reading

Posted in Crime and Justice, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 25 Comments