Tag Archives: Stephen Harper

An Open Letter to Stephen Harper about the Debates

Posted on May 24, 2015 by susanonthesoapbox

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 susanonthesoapbox

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 susanonthesoapbox

“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

How to Stay Under the Radar When Bill C-51 Becomes Law

Posted on March 22, 2015 by susanonthesoapbox

Bill C-51 is an omnibus anti-terrorism bill that grants CSIS new information sharing powers and converts CSIS from a covert intelligence gathering organization to a covert enforcement agency. No wonder Canadians don’t know what the heck is going on!   … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Justice, Politics and Government, Privacy and Surveillance | Tagged , , , , , , , | 21 Comments

“Look in the Mirror”

Posted on March 8, 2015 by susanonthesoapbox

“In terms of who is responsible we all need only to look in the mirror.  Basically all of us have had the best of everything and haven’t had to pay the cost.”—Premier Jim Prentice musing about Alberta’s $7 billion budget … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , , | 39 Comments

Ralph Nader’s Open Letter to Stephen Harper

Posted on February 24, 2015 by susanonthesoapbox

February 18, 2015 The Right Honourable Stephen Harper, P.C., M.P. 80 Wellington Street Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2 Dear Prime Minister: Many Americans love Canada and the specific benefits that have come to our country from our northern neighbor’s many achievements … Continue reading →

Posted in Crime and Justice, Politics and Government, Privacy and Surveillance | Tagged , , , , | 23 Comments

Lessons Prentice Learned at Harper’s Knee

Posted on November 30, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

Somewhere between the time that Premier Hancock stepped down and Premier Prentice ascended to the throne, the PC caucus turned into a bunch of sniveling crybabies. Not to worry, Mr Prentice will save the day with a maneuver befitting his … Continue reading →

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

Jim Prentice’s First Week in Office–Straight out of the Corporate Playbook

Posted on September 21, 2014 by susanonthesoapbox

“As of this moment, Alberta is under new management.” — Jim Prentice, 16th Premier of Alberta* Transition. There’s nothing more unsettling; no, strike that, nerve-wracking, for an organization than a change-out of senior leadership, particularly when the old leader is … Continue reading →

Posted in Alberta Health Care, Education, Energy & Natural Resources, Politics and Government | Tagged , , , , , | 6 Comments

Dinner with Justin Trudeau: Gimmick or Doing Politics Differently?

Posted on September 29, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

“Have dinner with me, Susan.”  What a charming invitation.  Too bad it’s part of a fundraising campaign directed at 300,000 supporters of the federal Liberal party. But wait…let’s think about this for a moment.  For a $5.00 donation, Ms Soapbox … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics, Rich and/or Famous | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

Conrad Black and Danielle Smith

Posted on May 12, 2013 by susanonthesoapbox

Conrad Black, the Canadian media mogul and convicted felon* was in Calgary last week to have a “conversation” with the Calgary business elite (and me) over lunch at the Calgary Petroleum Club. The big question is why does Baron Black … Continue reading →

Posted in Lectures, Politics and Government, Rich and/or Famous | Tagged , , , , , , | 12 Comments