Tag Archives: Stephen Harper

The Impact of COVID-19 on Democracy

Posted on March 22, 2020 by

James Madison said tyranny arises “on some favourable emergency”. The COVID-19 pandemic is today’s “favourable emergency.” It’s being used by unscrupulous politicians as a smokescreen for undemocratic behavior in Alberta’s Legislature and an excuse for Jason Kenney to enlist the … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Economy, Energy & Natural Resources, General Health Care, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , , | 51 Comments

An Interview with Beverley McLachlin, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada

Posted on October 6, 2019 by

I was delighted when Shelley Youngblut, CEO & Creative Ringleader of Wordfest, asked if I would like to interview Beverley McLachlin, former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, on stage before a live audience about her new book … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Justice, Feminism, Law, Rich and/or Famous | Tagged , , , , , | 23 Comments

The Rule of Law in An Age of Fear

Posted on January 8, 2018 by

“He who puts security before liberty deserves neither.” –Dennis Edney Q.C. quoting Benjamin Franklin Last week Dennis Edney Q.C. delivered the 2018 Milvain Lecture at the University of Calgary.  His topic was The Rule of Law in an Age of … Continue reading →

Posted in Law, Lectures, Politics and Government, Terrorism | Tagged , , , | 34 Comments

How to Get Rid of an Autocrat

Posted on February 12, 2017 by

Donald Trump isn’t the first Western politician to attack the judiciary, muzzle scientists, erode evidence-based decision making by making up alternate facts, disenfranchise voters, create two-tiered citizenship, push a corporate agenda, insult the very government leaders he needs to help … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 29 Comments

Another Fine Mess: Thanks Stevie

Posted on September 19, 2016 by

It turns out the famous Laurel and Hardy phrase “here’s another fine mess you’ve gotten us into” is a misquote.  What Oliver Hardy really said to the hapless Stan Laurel was “here’s another nice mess you’ve gotten us into”. At … Continue reading →

Posted in Energy & Natural Resources, Environment, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 35 Comments

The Wildrose Sips Leninade. Really?

Posted on May 1, 2016 by

Just when you thought you’d seen it all the Wildrose Official Opposition upped the ante on red-baiting. They’re using Members’ Statements, a part of the Legislature’s Daily Order of Business, to push their “NDP-are-commies” narrative. Members’ Statements  Members’ Statements give … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

Civil Disobedience the Wildrose Way

Posted on June 28, 2015 by

For a brief and shining moment we had détente. The NDP government and the Opposition met in the Legislature, engaged in healthy debate and came together to pass a landmark piece of legislation, Bill 1, which bans union and corporate … Continue reading →

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

An Open Letter to Stephen Harper about the Debates

Posted on May 24, 2015 by

Dear Mr Harper: I understand that you’ve decided not to participate in the traditional election debates hosted by the three major TV networks, Global, CTV and CBC. Incidentally, isn’t it convenient they’re known as The Consortium? Conjures up all sorts … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , | 20 Comments

5-5-15: Small “c” Conservatives Exposed

Posted on May 17, 2015 by

On May 5, 2015, NDP leader Rachel Notley brought the Progressive Conservative dynasty to its knees. Many Albertans, including Ms Soapbox, are over the moon. Others who voted for one of the two conservative parties are wandering around like Li’l … Continue reading →

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

The Interview We Wish We Had With Premier Prentice on Budget 2015

Posted on March 29, 2015 by

“I believe we show who we are, and how much we care, by what we do.”—Stephen Harper, Canada’s prime minister In his March 24 “State of the Province Address” Mr Prentice urged Albertans to receive his new budget in a … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Education, Energy, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , | 33 Comments