Smoky Lake Signal Article No. 248 (December 5, 2012)

Whispering in the Wind

Alberta’s Opposition Parties, Up in Arms!

Alison Redford appears to have gotten herself into a real pickle regarding the province’s $10 billion law suit against the tobacco industry and what is surprising; the mess she’s in has nothing to do with the merits, or stupidity of the case against tobacco.  The opposition parties in Alberta are claiming that Alison Redford was in a conflict of interest situation in 2010 when she was Minister of Justice and in their view, hired a consortium of legal firms to purse Alberta’s interests in the tobacco case - the consortium, known as International Recovery Lawyers includes Premier Redford’s ex-husband and his law firm.  Premier Redford rebuttal is clear; she did not make the final decision as to which of three competing bids would be given the massive contingency contract – the final decision was made by Veryln Olson, Minister of Justice in June, 2011.  The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly ruled on Monday that the contempt charges put forward by the opposition lacked foundation.  In my view the opposition parties have gone way over the top on this issue and simply don’t understand how governments work, how governments make decisions and what “conflict of interest” means.  NDP leader Brian Mason offered a reckless comment, saying: “… the Premier lied” to the members of the legislature.  The Wildrose Party’s critic, Rob Anderson made an even more ridiculous statement, claiming:  “[This] is absolutely the worst scandal to hit the premier’s office in our lifetime.”  My suggestion to the Premier Redford, ask the RCMP to investigate the leaked commercially confidential documents coming from the Department of Justice, asking how the documents got into the hands of the opposition parties.  Also, the RCMP should be asked to investigate the possibility of lobbyist interference in what is now essentially a legal case – so where are the real scandals?    

Trudeau Immerges as a Weak Candidate

Over the past weekend Justin Trudeau had two “in-depth” interviews, one on Saturday radio and the other on Sunday television.  The interviews were billed as important “kick off” events for Mr. Trudeau’s bid to become leader of the Liberal Party of Canada.  On Saturday morning Mr. Trudeau was grilled by Evan Solomon who asked too many questions on too many subject areas and allowed no time for “in-depth” answers.  The result, Justin Trudeau offered ten second responses that had no depth and came across to the listener as superficial.  Saturday’s interview was a flop for Trudeau’s campaign and I also think that some of his comments will come back to haunt him in the future.  The Kevin Newman interview with Mr. Trudeau on Sunday’s Question Period was equally superficial and disappointing.  One area proved to be interesting was Justin Trudeau’s call for a generational change in the Liberal Party of Canada – which was a direct reference to leadership competitor, Marc Garneau and his age.  (Mr. Garneau is now in his mid sixties and would not likely be a contender for the prime minister’s job until he is in his seventies.)  If you ask me Justin Trudeau started his leadership campaign on the wrong foot (poor planning and poor preparation on his part) and he has got to get some traction over and above his pretty face and an impressive father. Here is an idea that I think will work:  come out to Alberta for three, one hour interviews over the next three months (I’m sure the Town of Smoky Lake would welcome you with open arms).  The first interview would be about; Alberta and its contribution to Canada.  The second interview would deal with Canada and its role in a global world.  The third interview would deal with your vision for Canada and how nation building would occur under your leadership.