It’s like running with scissors. It’s only a matter of time before someone gets hurt. On Oct 17, 2013, Duncan Campbell took over as interim CEO of Alberta Health Services, replacing Dr Chris Eagle who abruptly resigned with two years left to go on his five year employment contract. Duncan
Continue readingAuthor: susanonthesoapbox
Susan on the Soapbox: Bill 32: Why is the Opposition in an Uproar over Billboards?
It should have been a no brainer—passing into law a bill aimed at improving public safety. Instead Bill 32: Enhancing Safety on Alberta Roads Act turned into a roadmap for bad governance culminating in a motion that the government was in contempt. Transportation Minister McIver What did the government do
Continue readingSusan on the Soapbox: The Trouble with Hubris: Doug Griffiths’ Bill 28 goes into Freefall
Like Icarus, strapping on wings of feathers and wax, Municipal Affairs Minister Griffiths attempted to glide Bill 28 Modernizing Regional Governance Act through the Legislature. It sparked an uproar among municipal officials and disintegrated under the Oppositions’ scrutiny. Griffiths and the Premier responded to the crash and burn with a
Continue readingSusan on the Soapbox: Edmonton’s $3 Billion Super Lab: Where’s the business case?
Is there anyone left in the PC government with a lick of common sense? Last week the NDP revealed that the government intends to outsource lab services to a private corporation and has initiated a Request for Proposal (RFP) process to award a $3 billion, 15 years contract to a
Continue readingSusan on the Soapbox: Consultation 0005: Greater Transparency or Interfering with a Doctor’s “Right” to Get Rich?
Do doctors have the “democratic” right to charge whatever the market will bear for “uninsured” medical services? Or do the principles of universality and accessibility under the Canada Health Act still apply to the practice of medicine in Alberta? Apparently some physicians feel they’re underpaid (join the club) and want
Continue readingSusan on the Soapbox: Debt is debt, except when it’s hope
Sometimes Question Period is downright funny. Witness this exchange on the provincial debt between Opposition Leader Danielle Smith and Premier Redford.* Ms Smith: In Medicine Hat earlier this month the Premier said this about debt: it’s not debt; it’s hope. So let’s take some of the Premier’s other quotes and
Continue readingSusan on the Soapbox: Congratulations Mayor Nenshi!
John Macfarlane, editor of The Walrus,* asks the question: When did society turn against its best and brightest and more importantly, why? He was bemoaning the fact that Torontonians had elected Rob Ford—a man he described as wearing “his ignorance like a badge of honour”—to be their mayor. Mayor Rob
Continue readingSusan on the Soapbox: The Smith vs Mason Debate: An Enlightening Evening
“Tonight we will witness a debate of Epic Proportions! “In the Right Corner, the Freedom Fighter—Danielle Smith!!! In the Left Corner, the Protector of the People—Brian Mason!!!” Mount Royal University was hosting the ninth and final debate between Wildrose leader, Danielle Smith, and NDP leader, Brian Mason. We expected to
Continue readingSusan on the Soapbox: Campus Alberta: Converting Universities into Trade Schools
I like engineers but this is ridiculous (and I’m not talking about Supercow, the U of C engineering mascot). Supercow U of C Engineering Mascot The PC government just invested $142.5 million to expand the Schulich School of Engineering at the University of Calgary while at the same time hacking
Continue readingSusan on the Soapbox: Redford backtracks on public participation–but only at the federal level
Premier Redford was asked to comment on the actions of environmental activists protesting a National Energy Board (NEB) review of the proposal to reverse Enbridge’s Line 9 oil pipeline. The environmentalists say the NEB’s review process is too narrow and public participation is too limited. Premier Redford said: “I think
Continue readingSusan on the Soapbox: McQueen’s Damage Control Strategy: The Erosion of Natural Justice Continues
“It is incredibly irresponsible and I think they’re trapped in an extremely ineffective strategy of damage control.” — Rachel Notley NDP MLA* Environment Minister McQueen is back from her European junket. She’s had a few days to consider Justice Marceau’s decision which flayed her department for refusing to allow an
Continue readingSusan on the Soapbox: Does Redford’s “Prerogative” Trump the Law?
When a Queen’s Bench justice compares Redford’s government to the corrupt regime of former Quebec premier Maurice Duplessis you know you’ve hit rock bottom. Justice Marceau made the damning comment in his ruling that the Redford government violated the principles of natural justice by refusing to allow an environmental coalition
Continue readingSusan on the Soapbox: Dinner with Justin Trudeau: Gimmick or Doing Politics Differently?
“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 and four of her closest friends and relatives get a
Continue readingSusan on the Soapbox: A Dead Cat Bounce: Redford’s Approval Rating Up to 32%
It’s called a “dead cat bounce”. It’s based on the premise that even a dead cat bounces when it slips off a 12th floor balcony and lands on the sidewalk (contrary to popular belief most sky-diving cats aren’t lucky enough to land in a rose bush). Skydiving cat (really) This
Continue readingSusan on the Soapbox: A “Two Minute Tory” Spends an Evening with Ted Morton
Ted Morton, the former Finance Minister and unsuccessful PC leadership candidate, was holding court at the Manning Foundation. He was going to give a speech on how a bunch of lefty carpet baggers (aka the “Two Minute Tories”) hijacked the PC leadership selection process to the enduring detriment of the
Continue readingSusan on the Soapbox: Janet Davidson is appointed Deputy Minister of Health
Janet Davidson The Redford government just passed an Order in Council appointing Janet Davidson Deputy Minister of Health. This decision has many implications, not the least of which is this: Will Ms Davidson continue in her role as Official Administrator of Alberta Health Services? Is she legally allowed to perform
Continue readingSusan on the Soapbox: It’s Really Not About Access to Private MRIs
The dapper Dr Theman stands unfazed in a thicket of microphones and TV cameras and repeats for the umpteenth time that proposed changes to the doctors’ Standards of Practice will not, repeat, not, shut down private MRI and CT services—these private clinics fall through a gap in the legislation and
Continue readingSusan on the Soapbox: Banff and the Good Life
After a spirited discussion about Pamela Wallin, the Tory’s overspending senator, Ms Soapbox’s mother sighed and said ““Sometimes politics makes me so mad I need a rest!” Brilliant! A rest was exactly what Mr and Ms Soapbox needed so we packed up the car and set off on an over-night
Continue readingSusan on the Soapbox: Minister Horne Reacts to the Preferential Access (Queue Jumping) Report: It’s not good
Justice Vertes released the results of the Preferential Access (Queue Jumping) Inquiry this week. Health Minister Horne heaved a huge sigh of relief. Vertes found that allegations raised by Dr Duckett (former head of Alberta Health Services) and Dr Sherman (Liberal leader) were unfounded and there was no evidence that
Continue readingSusan on the Soapbox: “Show me the money”: The Alberta Medical Association Channels Jerry Maguire
Dr Giuffre & Minister Horne To borrow a phrase from Renee Zellweger in the movie Jerry Maguire, Dr Michael Giuffre had me at hello. He battled Health Minister Fred Horne for months, finally getting the Health Minister’s signature on the AMA Agreement settling doctors’ compensation. We were pleased. Tensions eased…
Continue reading