Real Sensical Politics

Further Discussion on Alberta Separation

As discussion around Alberta separation continues to ramp up, we start this episode by exploring separation referendums in other jurisdictions and how it compares to what we are looking at here. We also lay out a roadmap for the next couple of episodes, including what will be our next episode featuring a special guest, Progressive Torie Party of Alberta Leader - Peter Guthrie.

Updates on Alberta Separation and Pipeline Prospects

In the past couple of weeks, and particularly the past couple of days, there have been some major updates on the separation movement/petition in Alberta. John and I look at what these are and where it could potentially take us moving forward. Ending out the episode we discuss the MOU signed between Alberta and Ottawa that signals the potential for a new oil pipeline to the west coast and tie that together with the discussion on separation and Danielle Smith's potential fortunes as the leader of the UCP.

Lewis-Gladu-ByElections and A Carney Majority

It's never truly boring watching federal politics (if you have the stomach for it). In this episode we first look at the recent election of Avi Lewis as the NDP leader and how that could shake out down the road. Afterwards we discuss yet another floor crossing with Marilyn Gladu now sitting as a liberal. We then discuss the recent by-elections that have now given Carney a decent majority government.

Will the NDP Take a Leap With High Oil and 3 By-Elections?

With the federal NDP leadership race set to conclude thisweekend, John and I take a look at the candidates and make predictions. We also take about what and why of the price ofoil before concluding with a discussion about the 3 federal by-elections coming up on April 13th.

Alberta Standing Orders, Referenda and Budget Ink

Usually we wouldn't release two shows so close together, but our last episode on federal issues and this one regarding Alberta topics are too timely to wait. A listener asked for some analysis on the recent changes to the Alberta Legislature Standing Orders as of February 24th. We take a look into what we see as the main changes and what those potentially mean. This could be a more dry section for some listeners. If you are looking to skip to referenda and budget talk, skip ahead to about 20:26 in the episode. Premier Smith announced her intention hold a provincial referendum on two main topics later this year in October - public services for immigrants and provincial input on judicial appointments to the Court of King's Bench. John and I discuss the merits (or lack of) these topic, including if public services for immigrants even costs the province significant amounts. Do you know what the difference in operational spending is in Alberta between 2019 and the proposed budget? The number is shocking. We also take a look at the recently revealed provincial budget for 2026-27 and go through some high level analysis of its operational spending, particularly in health care and education. Are you seeing that much of a benefit for the massive increase in expenditure? Take a listen and find out how much our budget has increased. Hope your sitting down!