Category Archive: Canadian

May 15

On Jobs and EI

I fully support the statements by Finance Minister Flaherty regarding the idea that there is no bad job, and that people on EI should have reduced opportunity to refuse to take jobs that are “unsuitable”. It is ridiculous for Thomas Mulcair and Peggy Nash of the NDP to argue that “skilled workers” who have education …

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Apr 23

On the Alberta Election

And the pollsters are kicking themselves.  All of the polls published in the last week of the campaign showed the Wildrose party in the lead, ranging from 6-17 points.   but the PCs have scored their 12th consecutive majority government, and will reach the unparalleled target of having been in power for at least 45 years …

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Apr 19

On Living Wages, a silly socialist idea

This week, Brian Pincott, one of the left-wing members of Calgary City Council (#yyccc) tweeted about an article published by his former co-alderman, Joe Ceci.   This article espoused the idea that government should legislate a “living wage”.  Let us examine a few points Mr. Ceci makes: We’d need to begin by valuing all working …

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Apr 07

On Conscience Rights

The issue of “Conscience Rights” has come up in the Alberta Election campaign, and I for one think this is a very good thing.  Why?  Because it draws a distinct line between those who support individual freedom, and those who support groupthink. Only Wildrose and leader Danielle Smith have spoken out in favour of letting …

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Apr 03

Stupid Proposals from Alberta Parties

OK, so the Alberta Provincial Election is a week old, and momentum has swung from the incumbent Progressive Conservatives to the upstart and conservative Wildrose Party.  The leftist parties, which comprises the Liberals, NDP and Alberta Party are trailing well behind province-wide, although they have greater support in Edmonton and Lethbridge and can probably win …

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Mar 25

On Governments funding Governments

This week, while driving to work, the local radio news had quotes from Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi (@nenshi) and Alderman Brian Pincott regarding the recent decision by the Alberta Provincial Government to raise the education property tax by 7.2% on residential properties.  Now, for some background:  Calgary City Council (#yyccc) had already decided to raise …

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Feb 28

McGuinty doesn’t understand economics

This week, Alberta Premier Alison Redford went to America and Ontario to “sell” the oilsands and made the point that Ontario should be supportive because the oil industry buys billions of dollars worth of goods and services from Ontario firms and manufacturers.  Ontario Premier McGuinty countered that the booming oil industry had turned the Canadian …

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Sep 29

Spend the $5 Billion to mitigate Climate Change

Today, there was much in the news about the report by the National Roundtable on the Environment and the Economy, which says that the effects of global warming could cost Canada $5 Billion dollars a year by 2020. If you read my post of January 2010, this would be a great deal!   We should embrace …

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Sep 27

Say No to More Stimulus

As the state of the global economy declines, there are concerns in Canada that we too will slide into a second recession (the “double-dip”).  There are also calls that the Government of Canada should consider further stimulus to “help cushion the economy”. This is a terrible idea.  h/t to Kate at sda for this link …

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Aug 25

On the State Funeral for Mr. Layton

Unlike some commentators, I do not think it is inappropriate for the sitting leader of Her Majesty’s Loyal Opposition to be given a state funeral.  Perhaps he did not hold the honorific “Right Honourable”, nor was he Prime Minister or Governor General.  I do not believe that every opposition leader, nor every prime minister should …

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