The right-wing mantras of no new taxes and tax cuts have become so embedded in political discourse that suggesting a tax increase, regardless of the social good it may do, has become almost taboo. Even liberal and left-wing politicians have become reluctant to insist on levels of taxation necessary for
Continue readingTag: Alberta
Dead Wild Roses: The Edmonton Journal Saturday Editorial – Grade ‘A’ Propaganda
The amount of horseshit per square centimetre in this Edmonton Journal editorial must violate the laws of physics, it just isn’t reasonable to pack this much fail into one column of newspaper. Who wrote this tepid work of Tory apologia? To me it smells like the business owners out
Continue readingMontreal Simon: Alberta: The NDP Closes In On A Majority
It may be hard to believe, but something amazing is happening in Alberta.Other polls have documented the rise of the NDP.But now one is suggesting the party is closing in on a majority. Read more »
Continue readingBabel-on-the-Bay: Lessons to be learned in Alberta.
The May 5 provincial election in Alberta is unfolding as anticipated. With pundits panicking, reporters rebelling, it will only be the final poll next Tuesday that will tell the real story. And in this cautionary tale of political progress there are entrails to be read that can foretell the political
Continue readingThe Disaffected Lib: They Get It. We Don’t.
California has set an ambitious target for greenhouse gas emissions. Their target is to cut emissions 80% from 1990 levels by 2050. That’s an ambitious target but, let’s face it, 2050 is a long way off in the world of politics which means there’s lots of time to duck any
Continue readingCowichan Conversations: In Medicine Hat, Homelessness Is (Almost) Over
Medicine Hat Mayor Ted Clugston: ‘What we’re saying to other municipalities is that you can do it, too.’ Photo: David Dodge, Green Energy Futures. According to its mayor, Medicine Hat is ”a hardworking oil, Read more…
Continue readingTerahertz: How to lose an election
Alberta’s election continues to be far more entertaining than the one here in the UK. Amid his party’s plummeting polling numbers, Progressive Conservative Premier Jim Prentice needed to re-connect with voters and rebuild trust for his party during the leaders debate last night. Instead, he told the only woman on
Continue readingBabel-on-the-Bay: The Morning Line: Alberta 2015.
The May 7 provincial election in Alberta is something of a wake up call as Albertans shake themselves from the Tar Sands dream. It was probably the recent Prentice austerity budget more than anything else that told people that times are changing. There is no question but Albertans need to
Continue readingcenterandleft: Alberta and Polls: Never Again
The Calgary Flames are preparing to host their first playoff game since 2009 in a matter of days. While the Flames are working hard to even up their series, the politicians are working the doors. The province of Alberta may be preparing to elect a new party to power for
Continue readingAccidental Deliberations: Thursday Morning Links
This and that for your Thursday reading. – Henry Mintzberg rightly challenges the myth of a “level playing field” when it comes to our economic opportunities: Let’s level with each other. What we call a “level playing field” for economic development is played with Western rules on Southern turf, so
Continue readingAccidental Deliberations: Wednesday Morning Links
Miscellaneous material for your mid-week reading. – Eric Morath points out that a job (or even multiple jobs) can’t be taken as an assurance that a person can avoid relying on income supports and other social programs. PressProgress offers some important takeaways from the Canadian Labour Congress’ study of the
Continue readingAccidental Deliberations: Thursday Morning Links
This and that for your Thursday reading. – Alison picks up on Armine Yalnizyan’s important question as to whether the Cons have a Plan B other than hoping for factors beyond our control to boost oil prices. And Brad Delong argues that based on the foreseeable direction of our economy,
Continue readingBabel-on-the-Bay: Alberta stumbles as the Hair’s empire crumbles.
There are at least a couple ridings in Alberta that could attract some smart Liberals for the federal election. Voters in that province are not stupid you know. They might also like to send a message to the Prime Minister after what he has helped to do to the province’s
Continue readingAccidental Deliberations: New column day
Here, on how the sudden disappearance of Danielle Smith and her fellow Wildrose Party defectors offers a case in point of the dangers of forgetting that politicians ultimately answer to the public. For further reading…– CBC reported on the actual deal between Smith and Jim Prentice here, while Darren Krause
Continue readingThe Cracked Crystal Ball II: Canada’s Economy: Not Exactly Healthy
If you are a worker, you already know that Canada’s economy is a mess. The only people who don’t seem to know it are at the top. Press Progress published a very detailed analysis of how messed up our economy is today. A few of the highlights: First, the good
Continue readingThe Cracked Crystal Ball II: Canada’s Economy: Not Exactly Healthy
If you are a worker, you already know that Canada’s economy is a mess. The only people who don’t seem to know it are at the top. Press Progress published a very detailed analysis of how messed up our economy is today. A few of the highlight…
Continue readingAccidental Deliberations: Sunday Morning Links
This and that for your Sunday reading. – Simon Wren-Lewis connects the UK’s counterproductive austerity program to the lack of any wage growth. And Gary Lamphier observes that Alberta is serving as a case in point that jobs generated through public policy rigged in favour of the wealthy are no
Continue readingThe Disaffected Lib: The "Piss Away" Province
The key to understanding the dilemma is to realize that Tar Sand, bitumen, is just a part of Alberta’s oil history. The province has also produced a vast amount of conventional crude oil. It’s actually produced and exported a good deal more conventional crude oil than Norway. That brings us
Continue readingAccidental Deliberations: Monday Morning Links
Miscellaneous material to start your week. – Michael Babad writes that we should be glad to see jobs being created in the public sector since the private sector is doing nothing to offer opportunities for Canadians. And Andrew Jackson discusses how Quebec’s progressive economic model has served it well, while
Continue readingPrentice makes nice to labour
When governments find themselves in a financial bind they tend to make the civil service their first budget target. Overpaid public servants is a popular cliche. Alberta Premier Jim Prentice, his government facing a $7-billion deficit, appeared to be taking that tried and true approach, calling public sector wages unsustainable
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