Harper Needs to Support Alberta

Whispering in the Wind (WITW 72) April 22, 2015

When it comes to election campaigns, hopeful candidates and their leaders are generally “vaguely” clear when making promises and commitments.  In Canada there are two major election campaigns underway, each revealing a campaign strategy with different twists and turns.  Albertans will be going to the polls in less than two weeks and by the vote count will be establishing a “new” legislative assembly for the province.  In announcing the election date Premier Prentice asked Albertans for a clear mandate to address the government’s collapsed financial infrastructure, a situation almost entirely due to the cascading drop in 2014 oil prices.  Said another way, Alberta has moved from a boom economy to a bust economy in a matter of a year and the province needs financial fixing and it needs it now.  At the same time, Prime Minister Harper’s government is offering Canadians a “balanced” federal budget with an outlook that includes commitments promises to bolster tax relief for select demographic groups and at the same time maintaining a low tax system for the corporate sector.  While the law indicates a federal election in October there are a growing number of pundits suggesting a much earlier election date – possibly June?

May 5, 2015 – Decision Time in Alberta

Last year’s catastrophic drop in international oil prices has caused many, many Albertans to ask:  how did Alberta get into this economic mess and is there a way out?  Said another way, how should Alberta position itself to deal with the existing uncertainty and turmoil?  Premier Prentice appropriately tabled an austerity budget and a 10 year recovery plan to address the reality of Alberta’s current financial circumstances.  I am convinced that Premier Prentice has taken the right course of action to deal with the current financial situation in Alberta.  If Alberta and the other provinces are to pursue a path toward sustainable prosperity it is now up to federal authorities and Prime Minister Harper himself to acknowledge and address a number of core issues that requires federal leadership – issues that Mr. Harper seems to be ignoring in his campaign for re-election.  The issues are evident.  Mr. Harper has to acknowledge the need for:  a national energy strategy that puts Canada first; setting national environmental standards that acknowledge reasonable international standards; addressing the aboriginal questions and the role aboriginals will have to play in confederation; and setting the conditions to move energy product to tide water and making Alberta energy a preferred option in Canada.