Ms. Smith goes to everywhere

Each new podcast will be added to this web page when posted. You can also get the latest episode, as well as all previous ones, through the CBC Listen app.

Ms. Smith goes to everywhere

Danielle Smith’s summer road trip took her to town halls with UCP supporters — and we got some hints about her government’s direction this fall.

Joining West of Centre host Kathleen Petty is Shannon Phillips, the former Lethbridge NDP MLA who is now with Meredith, Boessenkool and Phillips Policy Advisors. Evan Menzies is with Crestview Strategy and is a former UCP director of communications. Jason Markusoff is a writer and producer with CBC.

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‘Alberta politics has no chill’

Alberta’s next provincial election is more than three years away, but with a new NDP leader, it’s not going to be a quiet political summer.

NDP strategists Keith McLaughlin and Cheryl Oates, along with CBC Calgary writer Jason Markusoff, join West of Centre host Kathleen Petty to discuss why “politics has no chill” in Alberta — especially now with Naheed Nenshi at the NDP helm.

Nenshi is asked to clarify his position on federal climate policies and their impact in Alberta — including if he’d consider returning to an Alberta carbon tax should Pierre Poilievre become prime minister and axes the federal carbon tax.

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‘Blast radius’ in B.C. politics

As the provincial political campaign begins a slow burn toward the fall election in British Columbia, the governing B.C. NDP are heading into the summer with a comfortable lead in the polls ahead of their two rival, centre-right parties.

But momentum is suddenly building for the B.C. Conservatives, with the party snatching candidates from the opposition B.C. United (formerly known as the British Columbia Liberal Party).

What matters more to B.C. United, according to one of West of Centre’s guests, is how that “blast radius” affects the party’s ability to ready itself to fight in October’s election.

Are we seeing the “end of the B.C. Liberal era,” as another of our guests suggests?

Joining West of Centre host Kathleen Petty this week to break down why politics in British Columbia is never boring are Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute; Les Leyne, legislature columnist with the Victoria Times Colonist; and Mike McDonald, political strategist and co-host of Hotel Pacifico, a West Coast political podcast.

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Parsing Poilievre

Conservative Party of Canada Leader Pierre Poilievre opposes the government’s capital gains inclusion rate increase, and he stands firm in his refusal to get a security clearance to review the unredacted national security report that’s causing a cloud of suspicion to hang over Parliament.

CBC Parliamentary Bureau senior writer Aaron Wherry and University of Calgary political scientist Lisa Young join West of Centre host Kathleen Petty to discuss the strategy behind Poilievre’s positions.

But first, Petty explores what makes the Conservative leader tick, with journalist Andrew Lawton, the author of Pierre Poilievre: A Political Life. 

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“Not enough Pilsner in Saskatchewan’

The spring sitting of the Saskatchewan legislature went out a bang. The Opposition NDP is calling for a government committee to meet and appoint an investigator in the wake of allegations made last month by the Speaker against former House leader Jeremy Harrison.

He initially denied bringing a long gun into the legislature nearly 10 years ago, but has since admitted family helped jog his memory, and the allegation is indeed true.

There are further complaints that will reverberate into the summer ahead of a provincial election this coming October.

But some pundits believe there’s not enough Pilsner in Saskatchewan to convince them that Scott Moe’s governing party isn’t going to get re-elected this fall.

Helping West of Centre make sense of the twists and turns in this story are Murray Mandryk, the political columnist for the Regina Leader-Post and the Saskatoon StarPhoenix; Tom McIntosh, a professor in the department of politics and international studies at the University of Regina, and Adam Hunter, who covers politics for CBC Saskatchewan. 

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The “pothole politics” of Alberta’s spring sitting

An ambitious spring sitting in the Alberta Legislature has resulted in 13 bills passed by the UCP government over 14 weeks. One of the many approved powers enhances the government’s authority to remove municipal councillors or overturn bylaws. This week’s panel dissecting the “pothole politics” coming out of this busy spring sitting are CBC provincial affairs reporter Janet French, Catherine Griwkowsky of Alberta Today and the Globe & Mail’s Kelly Cryderman. 

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The long and winding road to net zero

The path to net zero by 2050 by the oilsands industry is being spearheaded by what’s known as the Pathways Alliance. West of Centre host Kathleen Petty is joined by Derek Evans, the newly appointed executive chair of Pathways and the former CEO of Meg Energy, to discuss the industry’s long-awaited carbon capture and storage project, and what Evans wants to hear from Pierre Poilievre on carbon pricing. Then, Petty is joined by Emma Graney, who specializes in energy reporting for the Globe and Mail and Andrew Leach, an energy and environmental economist at the University of Alberta.

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Chaos theory 

The UCP government has introduced bill after bill giving it more control over Alberta’s municipalities. Is this flurry of activity a strategy to create chaos by flooding the public with too much, too fast?  West of Centre host Kathleen Petty is joined by Jeromy Farkas, former Calgary city councillor, pollster Janet Brown and veteran columnist Graham Thomson.

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I’m from Ottawa and I’m here to help 

It’s  part of our identity here in Alberta to bicker with whomever is in the Prime Minister’s office, especially if their last name is Trudeau. Stealing a sentiment from Ronald Reagan, the province’s often fear the words; I’m from Ottawa and I’m here to help. But does Alberta’s contentious relationship with Ottawa help or hurt us? West of Centre host Kathleen Petty is joined by Ian Brodie from the University of Calgary, David Coletto of Abacus Data and Kelly Cryderman of the Globe and Mail. 

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Who’s the boss?

The UCP government’s Bill 20 could give the province the power to repeal bylaws and remove city councillors from office. On West of Centre with Kathleen Petty, we explore the question of who’s the boss when it comes to how our cities are run? Corey Hogan and Stephen Carter join us from The Strategists podcast. And Emma Graney from the Globe and Mail holds her own. 

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Beyond NDP bake sales 

A big spike in membership sales, the leadership debates ahead, and,for some, a new era for the NDP. This week’s panel believes the party is no longer competing with local bake sales! West of Centre host Kathleen Petty is joined by political strategists Cheryl Oates and Keith Mclaughlin and the Toronto Star’s Alex Boyd. 

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Alberta’s ‘stay-out-of-my-backyard bill’

Danielle Smith introduced what she calls the “stay-out-of- my-backyard bill “this week. If passed, it will allow the UCP government to kill federal deals not approved by the province. It’s the latest of many federal and provincial battles. West of Centre host Kathleen Petty is back! Joining her is Kelly Cryderman from the Globe and Mail. Pollster Janet Brown, and CBC Calgary columnist Jason Markusoff.

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Recovery rhetoric

Hundreds are dying from drug overdoses in Alberta.This week, the UCP government announced it will rebrand mental health and addiction services as Recovery Alberta, in line with its preferred approach to the crisis. And the podcast will also tackle Calgary’s mayoralty recall petition. West of Centre guest host Jason Markusoff is joined by journalists Alanna Smith of the Globe and Mail, Rick Bell of the Calgary Sun and Keith Gerein of the  Edmonton Journal.

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The frontrunner vs. the Teflon premier 

Rakhi Pancholi is out. And Naheed Nenshi is in and the apparent frontrunner in the NDP leadership race. But Premier Danielle Smith’s UCP is ready to defend a much bigger lead than it won in last year’s election, at least according to a new poll. Guest host Jason Markusoff sorts through the numbers with pollster David Coletto. Then, our panel weighs in. It is made up of Lisa Young, a University of Calgary political scientist, freelance columnist Graham Thomson and the Toronto Star’s Alex Boyd.

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By unpopular demand

A new police agency. Political parties in the cities. An Alberta pension plan. By all accounts, fairly unpopular initiatives driven by Premier Danielle Smith. So, what are the policy and political motivations behind them? Guest host Jason Markusoff is joined by Cynthia Moore, former UCP president,Feodor Snagovsky, a University of Alberta political scientist, and Janet French from CBC’s legislature bureau.

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The orange half dozen

There are now six in the race to replace Rachel Notley. Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi joined the race on Monday, confirming weeks of rumours. So how does this shake up the race, and how might each candidate bid to stand out in the weeks ahead? Host Kathleen Petty is joined by pollster and political analyst Janet Brown of Janet Brown Opinion Research, Keith McLaughlin, political strategist and former chief of staff to Notley government ministers, and Cheryl Oates, a former advisor to Rachel Notley and co-host of The Discourse podcast, to discuss what issues might define the race and what members are likely to prioritize in the weeks ahead.

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Tin pot dictatorship”?

The Saskatchewan government is breaking the law by refusing to remit the natural gas portion of what is commonly known as the carbon tax. And the provincial minister in charge has hired a lawyer! West of Centre explores the politics around the unprecedented decision and looks at the parallels with Alberta.Host Kathleen Petty is joined by CBC Reporters Adam Hunter and Sam Samson and political columnist  Murray Mandryk.

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“Champagne tastes on a beer budget” 

The UCP government brings down a budget that is both about saving and spending .So is anyone happy? West of Centre host Kathleen Petty and guests sort out Alberta’s finances, described by our finance minister as “champagne tastes on a beer budget”. Economist Trevor Tombe is back again this week.  Also at the table are political scientist Duane Bratt and the Globe and Mail’s Emma Graney.

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Promises made, promises delayed 

The signature campaign promise by Danielle Smith was tax cuts. But in her pre-budget, tv address this week, she put those cuts on hold. Instead, the premier is focusing on bulking up the Heritage Fund to offset volatile oil prices. Where have we heard that before? West of Centre host Kathleen Petty is joined by economist Trevor Tombe , Kelly Cryderman of the Globe and Mail  and Lori Williams an associate professor of political science.

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Rebranding (and regretting) the carbon tax 

The controversial carbon tax is under attack from all sides, including from provincial NDP leadership candidates. The federal government took a shot at rebranding it this week. But will the Trudeau Liberals kills the unpopular tax before the Conservatives can? And how can we fight climate change without it? On the West of Centre podcast, guest host Jason Markusoff is joined by former conservative cabinet minister Gary Mar, energy economist Andrew Leach and Cheryl Oates, former advisor to Rachel Notley. 

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The politics of depoliticizing

Premier Danielle Smith believes she has the backing of Albertans with the controversial gender identity policy introduced this week. Is the Premier playing politics or depoliticizing the protection of children, as she says. West of Centre host Kathleen Petty is joined by Corey Hogan of The Strategists podcast ,Globe and Mail reporter Emma Graney and  CBC reporter Janet French

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The company you keep?

Premier Danielle Smith sat down with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson this week. They criticized solar power and the federal environment minister. So, was it a great political strategy or a gamble she’ll regret? Join West of Centre host Kathleen Petty along with strategists Erika Barootes and. Zain Velji and the CBC’s Jason Markusoff. 

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New year, same problems

It’s shaping up to be another packed year for politics in Alberta. The United Conservatives are in the midst of a full reset on healthcare, all of the feuding between the provincial and federal governments will hit a new gear, plus, the NDP will likely have their turn to look for a new leader. This week, host Kathleen Petty talks to journalists Kelly Cryderman, Jason Markusoff and Graham Thomson about what to expect in politics in 2024.

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The first annual quiz show

What do you remember about the big political stories of 2023? West of Centre launches its inaugural year-end game show and quizzes the panel on the top Alberta headlines of this year. Michael Solberg from New West Public Affairs, Zain Velji from Northweather and Alex Boyd from the Toronto Star join host Kathleen Petty.

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‘Get off our oil patch’

The federal government has finally unveiled its proposed cap to reduce emissions. It sets targets lower than initial goals for 2030, but Alberta says that doesn’t matter and it wants Ottawa out of the oil patch. Host Kathleen Petty is joined first by Federal Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson, then by a panel of reporters including the CBC’s Jason Markusoff and Marieke Walsh from the Globe and Mail.

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Does the Sovereignty Act have any clothes?

Alberta’s Sovereignty Act is being used for the first time, against federal clean electricity rules that haven’t been fully formed yet. What does this do to the political stakes for both levels of government and what effect will it have on the policy? Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Andrew Leach from the University of Alberta, Emma Graney of the Globe and Mail, and Dean Bennett from The Canadian Press.

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The polling, politics and policy of climate change

Whether it’s court rulings, pushback from provinces or carve outs on carbon pricing, the battle over how to tackle climate change is getting messy. Who in Canada has the credibility to talk about climate policy these days? And how do those debates factor in to questions of energy, environment and affordability? Host Kathleen Petty is joined this week by Shachi Kurl from the Angus Reid Institute, political strategist Karamveer Lalh and Sara Hastings-Simon from the University of Calgary.

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What’s a party without (trial) balloons?

It’s been six months since Albertans voted in the election and now the parties are facing a different question: What comes next? Is the UCP becoming the Take Back Alberta party? Does the Alberta NDP need an extreme makeover if it ever wants to win again? Guest host Jason Markusoff examines those questions with Keith McLaughlin from New West Public Affairs, Mandi Johnson from Crestview Strategy and pollster Janet Brown.

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AHS: Altering Health Structures

Alberta Health Services is being dismantled. Instead, four new agencies will take over in a move that changes the structure and decision-making for the entire health system. Guest host Jim Brown explores these changes with James Talbot, Alberta’s former chief medical officer, Paul Parks, president of the Alberta Medical Association, and Kelly Cryderman of the Globe and Mail.

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Political pen pals

What do retirement incomes and a tax on pollution have in common? They’re both at the heart of the current fight between Alberta and Ottawa. This week, host Kathleen Petty talks about pensions and the carbon tax exemption with Carrie Tait from the Globe and Mail, Max Fawcett from the National Observer and political strategist Erika Barootes.

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Fixing the federation

Feuding governments, tough policy issues and questions of constitutionality. Just how is the Canadian federation doing these days? And what are the costs of those intergovernmental disagreements? This week, host Kathleen Petty talks with Ian Brodie, former chief of staff to Stephen Harper, Janet Brown of Janet Brown Opinion Research, and political strategist Zain Velji from Northweather.

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Exit right or stay put

An escalating war of words between governments, politicians and organizations over the possibility of an Alberta Pension Plan. How is this policy playing out in federal politics? And how are Albertans talked to about it? This week, host Kathleen Petty is joined by Jim Dinning, who is leading public consultations for the province. Then, she chats with Federal Seniors Minister Seamus O’Regan.

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Everything and nothing has changed

The Supreme Court has decided the federal government overstepped with its controversial Bill C-69.  It’s known as the Impact Assessment Act, but Alberta has called it unconstitutional. On Friday, the top court largely agreed with that assessment. Host Kathleen Petty is joined by a panel of political and academic experts to break down the court’s decision. 

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A pitch and a catch

Alberta businesses were in Ottawa this week to tell the feds “Alberta is not what you think it is.” How well did that pitch land? And what comes next? Plus, host Kathleen Petty dives into brand new polling on how the country feels about Alberta taking a pension plan solo.

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Freezing in the dark

Critical failure and criminal consequences. That’s the way Alberta’s electricity operator describes the stakes of net-zero targets from the federal government. What does it all mean for politics, policy, business and affordability in the province? Kathleen Petty hosts a panel discussion with Blake Shaffer from the University of Calgary, the CBC’s Jason Markusoff and Lori Williams with Mount Royal University to answer those questions.

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Pension tensions

The long-awaited report on taking Alberta pensions solo is here. In it, a pitch to take more than half of the national assets. We dive into what an Alberta Pension Plan could look like, plus recap the other big stories of the week with our panel including CBC analysis writer Jason Markusoff, the Globe and Mail’s Kelly Cryderman and Lisa Young from the University of Calgary.

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A premiere with the premier

Welcome back to a new season of West of Centre. This week, we’re speaking with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith about the future of energy and climate targets, along with the current E. coli crisis impacting so many children in the province. Plus, what her vision of Alberta looks like at the end of her first term.

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That’s all folks 

On our last podcast of the season, we tackle the UCP fed bashing strategy, the hiring and unhiring of Dr. Deena Hinshaw and the record number of opioid deaths in Alberta . Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Zain Velji, Jason Markusoff and Elise von Scheel.

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Finding Zero 

Again this week, Alberta pushed back against Ottawa’s emissions targets . And, The Canada Energy Regulator released several scenarios on what a net-zero world could look like for our province in the years to come.  On West of Centre, host Kathleen Petty and guests Andrew Leach, Kelly Cryderman and Sara Hastings-Simon make it clear that finding zero is no easy task.

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Political Pondering 

Rachel Notley is pondering her role as leader of the NDP. It’s unclear how long that will take and what her post-mortem means to the party. Host Kathleen Petty and her guests take a closer look at where Alberta’s New Democrats go from here and how they can strengthen their brand for the future. 

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Balancing Act 

The team is now in place. Premier Danielle Smith, with a fresh mandate from the voters, has unveiled her cabinet. Most of Calgary’s MLA’s made the cut as did a few  from what’s known as the donut around Edmonton. West of Centre host Kathleen Petty and guests break down the choices, what they mean and whether the balancing act worked.

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Now What 

The UCP lost seats, but won the prize. The New Democrats will have to settle for forming the largest opposition in the history of the province. So, now what? How does Danielle Smith bridge the gap between the big cities and the rest of Alberta? And how does she choose a cabinet?  To sort it all out, West of Centre host Kathleen Petty is joined by three bleary-eyed election commentators. 

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Polling Ahead 

New polling for CBC  suggests the UCP is pulling ahead of the NDP . But it’s not over yet. With a few days remaining in the campaign, all eyes are on  battleground Calgary. West of Centre host Kathleen Petty breaks down the numbers with pollster Janet Brown and Duane Bratt of Mount Royal University. Then, CBC journalists join the pod in anticipation of Monday’s “Calgarypalooza!”.

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Debating the debate 

The leaders of Alberta’s two major parties took an hour out of their campaigns to debate each other this week. So, who won? The consensus seems to be that Danielle Smith didn’t make any serious gaffs to lose  and Rachel Notley didn’t level a knock out punch to win. On the West of Centre podcast, host Kathleen Petty and guests debate the debate. She is joined by a panel of Calgary voters followed by a couple of political journalists who add their thoughts and drill down on the campaign .

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Alberta’s election: small towns with big city problems 

We might be obsessing over battleground Calgary, but it’s not the only place in Alberta where seats are up for grabs. This week, we take you to some of the small towns and cities where the election could be decided. Also on West of Centre, Jason Markusoff fills in for Kathleen Petty and talks to campaign watchers about how Danielle Smith and Rachel Notley are handling the province’s wildfire crisis.

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Running on their records 

The four-week election campaign gets underway with the UCP promising big tax cuts and the NDP offering a leader Albertans can trust. The bottom line is this election is about two women, who know what it’s like to be in the top political job, running on their records. This week, West of Centre host Kathleen Petty takes you behind the scenes of the campaigns with senior advisers in both camps. Cheryl Oates is with the NDP and Erika Barootes is with the UCP. And acting as a bit of a buffer between the two is Jason Markusoff , a producer and writer with CBC Calgary who somehow found a way to tie Cinco de Mayo into Alberta politics.

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Game on !

 An election campaign promise from  Danielle Smith this week is a 330 million dollar gamble that Albertans support subsidizing the Calgary Flames arena deal. Will that be the defining issue of the campaign or will it be health care or Albertans struggling with the cost of living? As the parties roll out their election machines,West of Centre host Kathleen Petty talks strategy with  Karamveer Lalh, former political staffer for federal Conservatives and UCP, Leah Ward  former director of communications for Rachel Notley and the Alberta NDP caucus and Corey Hogan who served as head of government communications under Alberta Premiers Rachel Notley and Jason Kenney.

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All the writ moves

The writs are not expected to drop for another week or so , but no one is waiting for the official start of the provincial election. Alberta pitches a new plan for federal equalization payments while Ottawa sticks with the status quo.  A former Prime Minister offers support for the UCP and  both Danielle Smith and Rachel Notley are embroiled in scuffles with the media. West of Centre takes a closer look at what’s happening on ground in this unofficial campaign and who is making “all the writ moves”.  Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Globe and Mail writer Kelly Cryderman, The Toronto Star’s national reporter Alex Boyd and columnist Graham Thomson who writes for the Star, iPolitics and CBC. 

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The battle for Calgary

All signs point to Calgary as the battleground for the Alberta election in May. So what is the city thinking? What are Calgarians worried about? And who will they vote for? CBC Calgary commissioned a poll looking exclusively at voters in the province’s biggest city. Guest host Jason Markusoff is joined by Janet Brown of Janet Brown Opinion Research, Mount Royal University’s Duane Bratt and Rishi Nagar of RED FM. 

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Rethinking revenue

It’s the uncomfortable conversation Alberta has every year: How much is too much when it comes to relying on oil and gas royalties. Both major parties agree it’s time to get off the roller coaster, but how? And when? Guest host Jim Brown is joined by former Alberta Premier Alison Redford and University of Calgary economists Trevor Tombe and Lindsay Tedds.

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Live special: What do voters want out of Alberta’s election?

Alberta is about to go into an election and it’s a tight race. At a special live election show, host Kathleen Petty and her panel talk about the issues Calgary – which holds the battleground ridings – and province are facing as Alberta votes.  What topics will this campaign focus on? And what do those issues say about Alberta’s future? Calgary Chamber of Commerce President Deborah Yedlin, former Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi and pollster Janet Brown join. 

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“The big F”

We have an oil sands tailings pond leak sparking national questions, the federal government’s controversial environmental assessment legislation before the Supreme Court, details on Alberta’s efforts to procure children’s medication and a new budget coming next week from Ottawa. Host Kathleen Petty is joined by the Globe and Mail’s Kelly Cryderman, Alex Boyd from the Toronto Star and freelance columnist Graham Thomson to break down those topics.

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Three’s a crowd

Alberta is the only province to never have a minority government and with an election two months away the third parties are struggling to nominate candidates, raise money and get noticed. How did it evolve to this point and what does it say about politics and democracy? Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Dave Cournoyer, a politics and history writer, Lisa Young from the University of Calgary and CBC Calgary’s Jason Markusoff.

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Show me the money

‘Spend’ might be the word of the week. Alberta’s budget is doling out $68 billion in spending. Where is all the money going? How precarious is Alberta’s financial position? And how does this budget frame the upcoming election? Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Kieran Leavitt, the Toronto Star’s national reporter in Edmonton, Calgary Sun Columnist Rick Bell and Elise von Scheel, CBC Calgary’s provincial affairs reporter.

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Building a budget

The budget day boots are polished and on Tuesday Albertans will get a look at where the government plans to spend its large surplus. What can we expect in that document? How are budgets built? And how does that all shift in a pre-election budget? Guest host Jason Markusoff is joined by Trevor Tombe from the University of Calgary, former Alberta PC minister Gary Mar, now with the Canada West Foundation and former NDP minister Marg McCuaig-Boyd from Counsel Public Affairs.

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When it rains, it pours

They say things come in threes: On Friday, the federal government released its roadmap on a plan to move oil and gas workers into sustainable energy jobs, Alberta’s premier and the federal Conservative leader spoke in Calgary, and the report into the Emergencies Act invocation related to the Freedom Convoy was released. Host Kathleen Petty breaks down those events with Mount Royal University’s Lori Williams, strategist Corey Hogan and the CBC’s Jason Markusoff. 

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Diagnosing health care

The prime minister has made his pitch to the premiers on a health care deal, but will they say yes? And how could those dollars help a struggling system? Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Fredrykka Rinaldi, the president of the Alberta Medical Association and a family doctor, Janet Brown of Janet Brown Opinion Research and the CBC’s provincial affairs reporter in Edmonton, Janet French. 

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Premature speculation

The federal government’s plan to move oil and gas workers into clean energy jobs has created a huge debate. Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says this forthcoming plan will destroy jobs and Alberta’s economy. Federal ministers say it’s necessary to protect the environment and stay competitive economically. So, what’s the deal with the ‘Just Transition’? Host Kathleen Petty sits down with Andrew Leach from the University of Alberta, Sara Hastings-Simon from the University of Calgary and the Globe and Mail’s Emma Graney.

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Prosecution pressures

Premier Danielle Smith is facing new controversy over just how involved she’s been in Alberta’s justice system. Host Kathleen Petty discusses the fallout, the implications and what it all says about political interference in the judicial system with the Toronto Star’s Alberta national reporter Alex Boyd, Lisa Young, a political scientist from the University of Calgary, and lawyer and professor Peter Sankoff.

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TGIF

Ottawa’s plan to transition oil and gas workers stole headlines this week, until a bombshell story that a member of the premier’s staff contacted public prosecutors about Coutts blockade cases. Host Kathleen Petty digs into those two big topics with the CBC’s Jason Markusoff, Kelly Cryderman of the Globe and Mail and Janet Brown from Janet Brown Opinion Research. 

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Path to premier, take two

If 2022 was a roller coaster in Alberta politics, 2023 won’t be any calmer. We are officially in an election year and it’s shaping up to be a competitive race. One person in particular has her eye on the province’s top job – for a second time. Host Kathleen Petty is joined by NDP Leader Rachel Notley on this week’s episode.

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What just happened?

2022 is coming to a close, after one of the craziest political years on the prairies in recent memory. Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Kelly Cryderman from the Globe and Mail, Rick Bell with the Calgary Sun, and CBC’s Alberta provincial affairs reporter Janet French to recap the big moments from this year and look at what 2023 could bring.

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Outside looking in

The Sovereignty Act has been called “unconservative” and “unconstitutional.” Premier Danielle’s Smith flagship legislation has –  after criticism, defense and amendments – passed. This week, host Kathleen Petty gets the perspective on her premiership and that policy from conservatives in other provinces. She’s joined by Melanie Paradis of Texture Communications, Yan Plante from Tact Conseil and researcher Rahim Mohamed. 

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Motion Sickness: Riding a new constitutional roller coaster

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“Show Me The Money”

Alberta is flush with cash and the new premier is spending it. Danielle Smith used her first province-wide TV address to announce direct payments to Albertans coping with inflation. She said she’d changed her mind on past controversial views as a radio host. Even her proposed “Sovereignty Act” is being rebranded. Kathleen Petty looks at whether Smith’s communications strategy is enough to shift her dropping poll numbers. Corey Hogan, who led communications for the Alberta government under two premiers, joins the conversation along with University of Calgary political scientist Lisa Young and Jason Markusoff, CBC Calgary’s analysis and opinion producer.

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Alberta Health Services Goes Boom

The board of Alberta Health Services has been fired and an official administrator is overseeing Premier Danielle Smith’s ambitious agenda with just six months until the next election. What could her proposals change in Alberta’s health care system and how will that shape the province’s politics? Guest host Jim Brown is joined by Lorian Hardcastle from the University of Calgary, former Chief Medical Officer of Health James Talbot and CBC’s provincial affairs reporter Janet French. 

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Perilous polling

A rough start for Alberta’s new premier has her challenger in majority territory. CBC has exclusive new polling on the provincial horse race and insights on how Albertans feel about the path the provincial government is on. This week, host Kathleen Petty is joined by Janet Brown of Janet Brown Opinion Research, Duane Bratt, a political scientist at Mount Royal University, and Jason Markusoff, CBC Calgary’s analysis and opinion producer.

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A writ by any other name

Alberta’s election is still more than half a year away, but the campaign is unofficially on. The final two months of 2022 promise to be busy ones, including a throne speech and the likely introduction of the Sovereignty Act. Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Zain Velji, a partner at Northweather, Mandi Johnson from Crestview Strategy, and Alex Boyd with the Toronto Star. 

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“Boring is the new orange”

Once a premier, again a premier? That full circle is what NDP leader Rachel Notley is aiming for. This weekend we’ll get some clues about her strategy. The UCP and the NDP are both holding their annual conventions this weekend. What is the path to victory for the opposition as it gets ready for another run at government? Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Cheryl Oates, a principal at GT & Company, Keith McLaughlin, a partner at New West Public Affairs, and Leah Ward, the director of campaigns at Metric Strategies.

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Prairie pushback

The premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan are upping the ante with the federal government. Danielle Smith is preparing her Sovereignty Act. Scott Moe wants more economic autonomy. Are prairie politics now about pushback? This week host Kathleen Petty is joined by Jared Wesley, a political scientist at the University of Alberta, Regina Leader-Post Columnist Murray Mandryk, and pollster and political analyst Janet Brown.

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Welcome to Danielle’s world

Danielle Smith is now the leader of the United Conservative Party and will be the next premier of Alberta. Her victory changes the landscape of the party and the province. This week, host Kathleen Petty is joined by Kelly Cryderman, a columnist from the Globe and Mail, Corey Hogan, who led communications for Alberta’s government under two premiers and CBC Calgary’s analysis producer, Jason Markusoff to talk about what comes next for the UCP and for Alberta.

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The final lap

The final stretch is here. We’re less than a week away from the vote that will determine the next United Conservative Party Leader — and Alberta premier. Host Kathleen Petty is joined by three conservative strategists to talk about what we’ve learned from the race and what might happen after the results are announced. Mandi Johnson is with Crestview Strategy, Melissa Caouette runs a private consulting business, and Michael Solberg is a partner at New West Public Affairs.

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The power of self-preservation

There are two weeks left in the race to replace Premier Jason Kenney. The United Conservative Party will pick its new leader on October 6 and that person will become Alberta’s next premier. Where do things stand in these final days and what happens next? Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell, Carrie Tait from the Globe and Mail, and conservative strategist and lawyer Karamveer Lalh.

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Pictures of the prairies: Diversity in politics in Western Canada

Canada’s prairies are getting more diverse, but the region’s politics still don’t reflect that diversity. In West of Centre’s live season premiere at the Banff Centre, host Kathleen Petty sits down with Jared Wesley from the University of Alberta, former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi and Gina Starblanket from the University of Victoria to discuss diversity on the prairies and how things are shifting in its politics.

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Alberta and the road ahead

West of Centre is live on location at the Alberta Relaunch conference hosting a panel discussing the future of Alberta, its politics and energy policy. Kathleen Petty is joined by Vassy Kapelos, host of Power & Politics, Zain Velji from Northweather, Kelly Cryderman of the Globe and Mail, and Matt Solberg from New West Public Affairs. 

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The glass cliff

You’ve heard of the glass ceiling, but what about a glass cliff? This week, we’re talking about the UCP leadership race, the field of female candidates, and the factors they may have to confront. Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Lisa Young, a political scientist from the University of Calgary, Rishi Nagar, the news director at RED FM and Taleesha Thorogood from Crestview Strategy.

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Not pissing it all away this time

Alberta could find itself with a massive surplus this year, well into the multi-billions. That would crush previous records and lead to some big decisions for Alberta’s next premier. On this week’s episode of West of Centre, host Kathleen Petty unpacks that with University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe, Globe and Mail energy reporter Emma Graney and Mount Royal University political scientist Duane Bratt.

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It’s anybody’s game

The field of candidates seeking to lead the United Conservative Party is quickly expanding — Minister of Transportation Rajan Sawhney is said to be in and rumours swirl around Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner jumping in, too. Host Kathleen Petty digs into what comes next along with Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell, Erika Barootes from Enterprise Canada and the former president of the UCP and Michael Solberg, a partner with New West Public Affairs and a former Harper Conservative staffer.

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Welcome to Doug’s world

What can Canadian conservatives learn from Doug Ford’s winning campaign? The Progressive Conservative leader won a second straight majority government on Thursday, a dramatic turnaround for a premier whose political future seemed far from certain during his first two years in office. What did Ford do right, and where did Alberta Premier Jason Kenney get it wrong? Host Kathleen Petty is joined by the Gandalf Group’s David Herle, who also hosts The Herle Burly and Curse of Politics, pollster Janet Brown of Janet Brown Opinion Research and political strategist Stephen Carter of Decide Campaigns and The Strategists podcast.

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Playing the field

Alberta conservatives are getting ready to leave Jason Kenney behind — but who will take the baton? There’s speculation that Alberta Finance Minister Travis Toews may seek the UCP leadership, and he would join a field that already includes former Wildrose leader Danielle Smith and Fort McMurray-Lac La Biche MLA Brian Jean. Host Jim Brown, in for Kathleen Petty, is joined by guests Melissa Caouette of Melissa Caouette Consulting, Blaise Boehmer from NATIONAL Public Relations and political columnist Jen Gerson from The Line to break down how the race is shaping up — and what sort of party each candidate would lead.

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The long goodbye

So … now what? On Wednesday, Jason Kenney announced he would resign as Alberta premier after receiving 51.4 per cent support from the party in a leadership vote. Host Kathleen Petty is joined by the CBC’s Jason Markusoff, Kelly Cryderman from the Globe and Mail and freelance columnist Graham Thomson to discuss what comes next for the United Conservative Party — and for the province.

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Moving from left to right

Saskatchewan has undergone a massive shift on the political spectrum over many decades. In it, there are some lessons for its neighbour to the west. Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Dale Eisler, author of From Left to Right, to talk about that political transformation and what Alberta and Canada can learn from it.

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Leadership and liabilities

A leadership debate and a leadership review.  Premier Jason Kenney came up at a conservative conference that was also hosting the first debate for Conservative Party leadership candidates – a debate full of attacks and acrimony.  Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Alex Boyd from the Toronto Star, Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell and Corey Hogan from The Strategists to discuss how the events in the national party and Kenney’s provincial party reflect on the conservative movement. 

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Selling south

Close friends and allies sometimes need a little push. A $3.7-million-dollar push, to be exact. Alberta’s government is spending that money on advertising, public relations and communications contracts south of the border. This week, Alberta’s representative to the U.S. James Rajotte and Maryscott Greenwood from Crestview Strategy and the Canadian American Business Council join host Kathleen Petty to talk about Alberta’s relationship with the U.S. and how that fits in with the political scene in Canada.

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Watching from the other side

Alberta’s premier and governing party have spent two years combating scandals, bad polling and a pandemic – but what has the official opposition been up to? This week, guest host Jim Brown is joined by Leah Ward from Metric Strategies, Keith McLaughlin from New West Public Affairs and Lisa Young from the University of Calgary to talk about Alberta’s NDP and what the party’s strategy is as we slowly tick down to the next election.

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Should he stay or should he go

Premier Jason Kenney’s leadership review vote is underway and UCP members are sending in ballots to decide whether he stays or goes. This week, host Kathleen Petty is joined by Erika Barootes from Enterprise Canada and the former president of the UCP, and Vitor Marciano, a key advisor to former Wildrose leader Brian Jean, to debate the question of the party’s leadership and future.

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Barrel half empty or full

The federal budget contained billions in new spending on a carbon capture tax credit for the oil and gas industry – details released the same week as the kick-off for Premier Jason Kenney’s leadership review. This week host Kathleen Petty sits down with Gary Mar, president of the Canada West Foundation, Kelly Cryderman, a reporter at the Globe and Mail, and Lori Williams, a political scientist from Mount Royal University.

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Mission impossible/possible

The federal government has announced its plan to slash emissions by 2030. Alberta’s government says it’s a bad joke, the opposition NDP call it a fantasy and the prime minister insists it’s ambitious yet achievable. So which is it? This week, host Kathleen Petty is joined by Calgary Chamber of Commerce President Deb Yedlin, Sara Hastings-Simon, an expert in energy transitions from the University of Calgary and Tracy Johnson, head of CBC Calgary’s business unit.

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How do you spell ‘chaos’? UCP

This week saw major changes to the United Conservative Party’s leadership review, moving it to mail-in ballots after more than 15,000 people signed up to decide the fate of Premier Jason Kenney. More information came out about allegations dating back to the last UCP leadership race and the very next day a recording of Kenney speaking to staff was leaked. Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Maclean’s journalist Jason Markusoff, Carolyn Dunn from CBC Calgary, and Duane Bratt, a political scientist at Mount Royal University.

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The rocky road to Red Deer

Brian Jean is back, re-entering the party of his political rival at a critical crossroads for Premier Jason Kenney. The United Conservative Party leadership review is scheduled for April 9 and both sides are pushing thousands of members to show up to vote. Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Blaise Boehmer from NATIONAL Public Relations, Rishi Nagar from RED FM and Janet Brown from Janet Brown Opinion Research to talk about  what that momentum means for Kenney and what else could we see in the lead up to the vote.

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Is the leadership cake already baked?

Political tensions at home and a military invasion abroad. This week, host Kathleen Petty is joined by Zain Velji from Northweather, Taleesha Thorogood from Fasken Law and Duane Bratt from Mount Royal University to talk about Alberta Premier Jason Kenney’s approaching leadership review, the upcoming federal Conservative leadership race, Alberta’s energy security pitch amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine and how those three issues all relate back to leadership.

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Betting on bitumen

Alberta is projecting something not seen in years: A balanced budget, with plans for surpluses. Finance Minister Travis Toews says oil prices play a huge role in that rebound, but what do the outsized contributions of oil and gas mean for future economic stability? Host Kathleen Petty is joined by University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe, the Globe and Mail’s energy reporter Emma Graney and political columnist Rick Bell from the Calgary Sun to dissect Budget 2022.

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Where is the parade going?

Leaders have talked about “living with COVID” for months, but what does it really mean? Alberta and Saskatchewan are the first provinces to remove vaccine passports in the country, with more restrictions planned to lift in the coming weeks. This week, host Kathleen Petty sits down with Evan Menzies, the former director of communication for the United Conservative Party, Leah Ward, NDP leader Rachel Notley’s previous communications chief, and Murray Mandryk, a long-time columnist at the Regina Leader-Post to discuss the dilemma of how to adjust to this new stage of COVID response. 

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Fired up and fired

The convoy protests in Ottawa and at the Alberta-Montana border have been going on for a week. Nestled into those noisy days, Conservative Party MPs overthrew leader Erin O’Toole. This week, host Kathleen Petty talks about those two huge stories in Canadian politics with former Conservative cabinet minister Monte Solberg, Jared Wesley from the University of Alberta and the Globe and Mail’s Kelly Cryderman. 

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Conservative conundrum

Conservative parties in Canada often struggle to stay united, and the federal and provincial parties today are no exception. This week, host Kathleen Petty and her panel discuss conservatism in Canada and the future of leaders like Erin O’Toole and Jason Kenney. West of Centre is joined this week by Taleesha Thorogood, a Conservative political strategist, Blaise Boehmer, a former senior staffer in Alberta’s UCP government, and Corey Hogan from the Strategists podcast.

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Trifecta of troubles

Premier Jason Kenney is down his justice minister after Kaycee Madu was stripped of his duties for calling Edmonton’s police chief over a personal traffic ticket last March.  Madu is the third member of Kenney’s cabinet to fall into scandal in the last year, after Tracy Allard’s Hawaii vacation during COVID and allegations of Devin Dreeshen’s heavy drinking. This week host Kathleen Petty is joined by Rishi Nagar from RED FM, political columnist Graham Thomson and pollster Janet Brown to discuss what those incidents say about Alberta’s government and the people running it.

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Coarse discourse during COVID

Protests at politicians’ homes, harassment of their families, and a security detail hired for the chief medical officer. The list goes on and the abuse has gotten worse. This week, we’re talking about the tone of politics and what can be done to improve it. Former Edmonton and Calgary mayors Don Iveson and Naheed Nenshi join host Kathleen Petty to talk about the disintegration of political discourse, and why it’s gotten worse during the pandemic.

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Diving into diversification

Solar, wind, nuclear and hydrogen. Perhaps a different four elements than the ones people would think of, but each is a critical part of energy diversification efforts in Alberta. Today, we’re diving into diversification to look at what it means, what it might cost and what governments are doing about it. Jennifer Winter and Sara Hastings-Simon, sustainable energy experts from the University of Calgary, and Emma Graney, an energy reporter from the Globe and Mail, join guest host Jim Brown.

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So long, 2021

So long, 2021. We’ve dealt with new variants of COVID-19, started an economic bounceback, and waded through elections, referendums and political infighting. Today guest host Jim Brown does a recap of the last year and looks ahead to what may come in 2022 with Rishi Nagar, the news director at RED FM, Kelly Cryderman, a journalist at the Globe and Mail, and Jason Markusoff from Maclean’s magazine. 

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Rollercoaster finances

Boom, bust, crash, recover, then ride the rollercoaster again. Alberta’s economy is rebounding, but shifting factors at home and abroad will play a role in what the province’s fiscal opportunities and challenges are in the coming years. Today, host Kathleen Petty is joined by University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe, energy and environment economist Andrew Leach from the University of Alberta and political scientist Lori Williams at Mount Royal University to talk about the economic path the province is on. 

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What does Canada see west of centre?

How does the rest of Canada perceive Alberta and what do they see from the outside looking in? This week, host Kathleen Petty dives into those questions and new polling data on the matter with Peter Mansbridge, host of The Bridge and former CBC chief correspondent, the Gandalf Group’s David Herle, who also hosts The Herle Burly, and pollster Janet Brown of Janet Brown Opinion Research.

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Political and natural resources

Just as the federal and provincial governments reach an uneasy peace over a childcare plan things have been heating up over another file: Natural resources. Ottawa is building a program to transition workers and has promised a cap on oil and gas emissions, as oil prices recently reached a seven-year high. New federal minister Jonathan Wilkinson joins guest host Jim Brown. Then, political scientist Lisa Young and columnist Graham Thomson talk about the upcoming United Conservative Party annual general meeting. 

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Are the kids alright?

A pandemic, economic uncertainty and political turmoil are some of the things driving young people to make an exodus from Alberta. Everyone says they’re resilient, but are the kids alright? Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Harnoor Kochar, who helped run campaigns for Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, Evan Menzies, a former director of communications for the United Conservative Party, and former NDP candidate Heather MacKenzie to discuss what’s driving younger Albertans away from the province and what can be done to keep them here.

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“Shields up,” swords drawn

An Alberta cabinet minister resigns over allegations of drinking in the legislature, including a signal to lock down the office so the alcohol could flow. One of Premier Jason Kenney’s nemeses is back in the political scene. The shields may have been up in the minister’s office, but former Wildrose leader Brian Jean has his sword drawn. Host Kathleen Petty discusses those topics and more with Maclean’s writer Jason Markusoff, Emma Graney, an energy reporter at the Globe and Mail, and Mount Royal political scientist Duane Bratt.

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“Walking the walk”: A major oil CEO on emissions targets, COP26 and new ministers

COP 26. Just Transition. Net Zero by 2050. We’ve heard all about those plans from politicians and pundits, but what does the industry think? Cenovus CEO Alex Pourbaix joins host Kathleen Petty for a wide-ranging interview about the direction of the oil and gas industry and the future of energy in Canada. Then, alternative energy student and former oil sands worker Lewis Lix talks about what it’s like to live that energy transition. 

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The price of pugilistic politics

The report and (most of) the results are in. Commissioner Steve Allan’s inquiry into alleged campaigns against Alberta energy has been released. Preliminary results on the province’s two referendum questions are posted. Calgary and Edmonton are getting new mayors. Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Kelly Cryderman from the Globe and Mail, Rishi Nagar from Red FM and strategist Ken Boessenkool to discuss those topics and the strategies that went along with them. Plus, mayors-elect Jyoti Gondek and Amarjeet Sohi talk about leadership, the path forward for their cities, and the relationship with the provincial and federal governments.

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Refer(endum) Madness

Mayor. Councillors. School trustees. Albertans will cast their votes for those jobs on Monday. But also on the ballot? Equalization, Senate nominee elections and daylight saving time. It’s referendum madness. Today, host Kathleen Petty explores those ballot questions with University of Alberta political scientist Jared Wesley and pollster Janet Brown. Plus, we hear from two Alberta senators for their take on the province holding Senate nominee elections.

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No —-s to give: An exit interview with 2 mayors

It’s the end of an era. On Oct. 18, Calgary and Edmonton will elect new mayors for the first time in years. Naheed Nenshi and Don Iveson are not running again, and they have a few things to say before they go. For about a decade they’ve had a view of the cities, the province and the country that few have. This week, they join host Kathleen Petty to discuss their legacies, leadership, the future of their cities and the state of the province.

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‘All roads lead to Jason Kenney’

September closed with a bang. Alberta is calling in the army for hospital support, adding a vaccine mandate for the public service and the United Conservative Party has set a date for Premier Jason Kenney to face a leadership review. There’s a lot of political news in Alberta again this week, and as one of our guests this week says, “All roads lead to Jason Kenney.” Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Red FM host Rishi Nagar, Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell, and CBC and iPolitics columnist Graham Thomson. 

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Elections and shuffles and revolts, oh my!

Elections and shuffles and revolts, oh my! Voters selected a government on Monday, and just a few days later Premier Jason Kenney narrowly avoided a vote on whether his party should find a new leader. Leah Ward, former director of communications for NDP Leader Rachel Notley and a consultant at Metric Strategies, Zain Velji, host of The Strategists podcast and a former federal Liberal campaign strategist and Erika Barootes, Enterprise Canada’s western vice president and a former president of the United Conservative Party, join guest host Jim Brown to discuss the wild week in federal and provincial politics.

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I’m sorry, I’m not sorry

Sorry, not sorry. Premier Jason Kenney apologized for rushing to call COVID an endemic, but is refusing to make the same concession about the speed of his government’s Open for Summer plan. Alberta is once again under harsh public health measures and is now getting a proof of vaccination program. All this, as the federal vote is just days away. How did we get to this point and how could Alberta’s situation affect the election? Guest host Jim Brown is joined by Ken Boessenkool, a former Conservative strategist with Sidicus Consulting, Duane Bratt from Mount Royal University, and political columnist Jen Gerson from The Line. 

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For argument’s sake

The election debates this week featured oil and gas prominently as the leaders discussed energy and climate change. That intersection is a huge focus in Alberta, though the province didn’t get many nods during hours of sparring. How did the leaders address provincial concerns and what can the West expect as the campaign enters the homestretch? We break down the debate and feedback from Alberta voters with pollster Janet Brown and Jason Markusoff from Maclean’s. CBC Calgary’s Elise von Scheel takes a look at why the premier has been absent during the election and Chris Hall, the CBC’s national affairs editor, gives us more highlights from the debate. 

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The best summer? Never

A treacherous fall is taking over Premier Jason Kenney’s best summer ever. With it comes a federal election, a mounting fourth wave of COVID-19 and questions about the absence of top provincial officials. Host Kathleen Petty is joined by Kelly Cryderman from the Globe and Mail and Corey Hogan, former managing director of communications for the Alberta government under the NDP and UCP, to discuss Alberta’s newest set of restrictions and the first we’ve heard from those government officials in weeks. Then, pollster Eric Grenier breaks down the federal election and how the race is shaping up in the West.

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Back to the future

Premier Jason Kenney may need to soup up his blue truck with a DeLorean style flux capacitor for the second half of his mandate. Problems ranging from Alohagate, caucus revolts, fights with doctors, teachers and environmentalists have turned off voters in the past two years. Kenney can’t rewrite the past but it’s possible he can alter his political future with the help of  rising oil prices and falling COVID-19 numbers. Kathleen Petty looks at the highs and many lows of Kenney’s mandate so far, and whether he can get back to the future. Her guests are Leah Ward, director of campaigns at Metric Strategies, Katy Merrifield, vice president of Wellington Advocacy, and Corey Hogan, former managing director of communications for the Alberta government under the NDP and UCP, now with The Strategists podcast.

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The dog days are over, or are they?

After months of rotten polls, controversial policies and the polarization of a pandemic, Alberta’s premier may believe the worst days of his government are behind him. Thanks to improving COVID-19 stats, Alberta is opening on Canada Day.  Add in a few small political wins — like an apology from a right wing adversary and higher oil prices powering up an economy set to lead the country — and suddenly Jason Kenney is planning for the second half of his mandate. Kathleen Petty asks three Alberta political columnists if the premier’s dog days are over: The Calgary Sun’s Rick Bell, Kelly Cryderman of The Globe and Mail and independent columnist Graham Thomson.

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The hit parade

The hits just keep on coming to Jason Kenney’s UCP government despite good news on the pandemic front and signs of economic recovery. A new poll shows Kenney is the least popular premier in Canada, and his UCP is losing more ground to the NDP and Wildrose Independence Party. Add in the $1.3 billion dollar tab for the Keystone XL pipeline deal and relentless questions on whether he broke COVID-19 rules while drinking with key staff and cabinet members – dubbed “the liquor cabinet.” Kathleen Petty delves into what’s going on with political scientist Duane Bratt of Mount Royal University, pollster Janet Brown of Janet Brown Opinion Research and long-time Canadian Press reporter Dean Bennett.

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Takeout at the Sky Palace

Alberta’s premier has been derailed from positive news on the vaccine rollout and forced to explain himself dining al fresco at the notorious “Sky Palace.” Jason Kenney and key cabinet ministers were photographed maskless and less than socially distanced eating takeout in apparent contravention of COVID-19 rules. This in a week where the premier turned a question about residential schools into a commentary against cancel culture. Meanwhile, the NDP is going into its convention riding high in the polls. Guest host Jim Brown in for Kathleen Petty looks at Alberta’s latest political events with University of Alberta political scientist Julian Castro-Rea, Globe and Mail columnist Kelly Cryderman and Jen Gerson, cofounder of The Line.

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Grand reopening sale!

Alberta’s premier is selling his ambitious “open for summer” three-stage plan to end pandemic restrictions. Jason Kenney says if Alberta meets vaccine and hospital targets all COVID-19 measures could be lifted by the end of June. That means no limits on indoor social gatherings and sports activities, and the return of the Calgary Stampede. Businesses are hopeful. But some doctors are calling the plan risky and reckless because it moves too fast. And what about the Allan Inquiry? Guest host Jim Brown looks at the politics and the premier’s efforts to get ahead of the pandemic with communications specialist Corey Hogan of The Strategists podcast, former director of communications for Rachel Notley, Leah Ward of Metric Strategies, and former UCP president Erika Barootes of Enterprise Canada.

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Fire burn and cauldron bubble

Premier Jason Kenney may need more than”baboon’s blood” to cool the simmering trouble in Alberta and his UCP caucus. COVID-19 cases are still high, and the premier’s popularity is low. The caucus voted to expel two troublemakers, but trust remains at a premium. Kathleen Petty takes a closer look at another dramatic week in Alberta politics with three people who’ve been on the inside when “toil and trouble” were at full boil: former Alberta cabinet minister and member of the Fair Deal Panel Donna Kennedy-Glans, former senior adviser to prime minister Stephen Harper Ken Boessenkool and Stephen Carter, former chief of staff to premier Alison Redford.

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“It’s just a flesh wound”

Monty Python’s Black Knight was a doomed fictional character, but Premier Jason Kenney’s fight with members of his own UCP caucus is very real. Kenney’s caucus has voted to kick out two high profile members, after their public denunciations of Kenney’s leadership, with one even calling for the premier’s resignation. This follows weeks of public dissent by UCP MLAs over Kenney’s pandemic response, and constituency chiefs demanding a leadership review. The question is how much more can Kenney’s leadership withstand? Is he “invincible” like the Black Knight? Kathleen Petty looks at what’s going on with Katy Merrifield, Kenney’s former director of communications, Globe and Mail columnist Kelly Cryderman and columnist Rick Bell of the Calgary Sun. 

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At the end of the tunnel, is that a light or a raging fire?

What the heck is going on in Alberta? Host Kathleen Petty and her guests hunt for the reasons behind political upheaval in the province during this CBC Calgary Facebook Live event. Whether it’s protest rodeos or vaccine debates, political infighting and polarization are leading to exhaustion. Is it COVID fatigue, or is something else going on? Kathleen breaks it down with Janet Brown and John Santos of Janet Brown Opinion Research, Duane Bratt from Mount Royal University, Melanee Thomas at the University of Calgary, and Jen Gerson, editor of The Line.

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Summer dreams ripped at the seams

Alberta’s premier says we can get back to normal this summer with outdoor events, including the Calgary Stampede if vaccines beat the COVID-19 variants. But expectations are waning in the face of a brutal third wave. Jason Kenney has responded to demands from concerned Indigenous leaders and others calling for help with more vaccine eligibility and mandatory restrictions, including curfews. Meanwhile outspoken protesters rail against the prospect of tighter pandemic measures, even calling for Kenney’s resignation. Kathleen Petty looks at how the premier is managing it all with columnist Kelly Cryderman of The Globe and Mail, columnist Jason Markusoff of Macleans and independent columnist Graham Thomson.

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Poll dancing

Premier Jason Kenney is learning how hard it can be to dance with the ones who brought him to power. A new in-depth and wide-ranging CBC poll from Janet Brown Opinion Research shows Alberta voters are fickle and not reliable for Kenney, or his federal Conservative counterpart. Kathleen Petty teases out what’s driving public opinion as politicians lead and follow through the pandemic, economic crisis and the challenges for oil and gas, the country’s biggest industry. And what’s with that swath of undecided wall flowers? Her guests are lead pollster Janet Brown, political scientists Melanee Thomas of the University of Calgary and Duane Bratt of Mount Royal University.

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Resourceful thinking

The federal government’s commitment to reach net zero carbon emissions by 2050 has people in the energy sector worried. The natural resources minister says creative approaches such as developing hydrogen and even SMRs (small modular nuclear reactors) can help meet that goal.  Seamus O’Regan insists achieving net zero must include pipelines and leave no one behind. Meanwhile, the Conservatives have released their climate change plan and it includes a price on carbon. Kathleen Petty sits down with Minister O’Regan, and then looks at the impact and politics for Alberta, the country’s biggest oil and gas producer. Her guests are University of Alberta economist Andrew Leach and columnist Kelly Cryderman of the Globe and Mail.

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One hot party and one hot mess

The Alberta NDP is gaining political advantage as the UCP fights a giant political dumpster fire. Rachel Notley’s poll numbers are on the rise while Jason Kenney’s are tanking. The premier is fighting a caucus rebellion spurred on by his pandemic response. Meanwhile, Notley is a headline speaker following Jagmeet Singh at this weekend’s federal NDP convention – an interesting lineup given their past disagreements. Kathleen Petty looks at the many political fires burning with her guest, Brian Topp, Notley’s former chief of staff, and this week’s panel – University of Alberta political scientist Jared Wesley, conservative strategist Erika Barootes of Enterprise Canada, and National Observer columnist, Max Fawcett. 

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What if doing it his way is the wrong way?

Alberta’s premier is facing pressure to open up the economy while doctors call for more pandemic restrictions. Meanwhile, COVID-19 cases are rising again, and the contract deal with the doctors has crashed. Add to that, new strategies on coal and the proposed school curriculum have sparked criticism. Alberta MLAs are getting an earful during their Easter break. And some are getting an ear worm because of a song that surfaced from Jason Kenney’s grandfather, who is part of the new curriculum. Kathleen Petty breaks it down and sings a few bars with University of Calgary political scientist Lisa Young, Macleans western columnist Jason Markusoff and Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell.

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The carbon tax reigns supreme

Conservative political leaders lost their fight against the federal carbon tax at the Supreme Court. In a 6-3 ruling the court said the tax is constitutional. Alberta’s premier calls it a clear intrusion into provincial jurisdiction and is now considering his options. Kathleen Petty looks at what happens next with federal Environment and Climate Change Minister Jonathan Wilkinson and then with University of Alberta economist Andrew Leach, Globe and Mail columnist Kelly Cryderman, and oil and gas writer and oilfield services executive David Yager.

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Fight back strategy

Conservatives at the federal and provincial levels in Alberta are looking for a win. Erin O’Toole is speaking to his first Conservative Party convention as leader in a likely election year. Meanwhile the UCP’s war room has tracked down Bigfoot and the world is paying attention. But  going after a Netflix cartoon about fighting Big Oil is only one issue dividing Albertans. Premier Jason Kenney has introduced a direct democracy bill in a week that shows his government losing more ground to the NDP. Kathleen Petty takes a closer look with guests Melissa Caouette of the Canadian Strategy Group,  political scientist Duane Bratt of Mount Royal University and Corey Hogan of The Strategists podcast.

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Turning a corner or going in circles?

There’s some optimism in Alberta for the first time in a long while thanks to rising oil prices and the arrival of COVID-19 vaccines. That hasn’t translated into higher approval ratings for Alberta’s premier. Jason Kenney also continues to cope with UCP caucus rebels and grass roots anger toward his pandemic strategy. Kathleen Petty looks at what’s at play and how the opposition is capitalizing, with Globe and Mail columnist Kelly Cryderman, independent journalist Graham Thomson and Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell. 

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A crash course in Alberta’s quest for equality in equalization

Alberta is on the verge of losing its spot as Canada’s wealthiest province. That could affect federal transfers for the entire country. Premier Jason Kenney wants a referendum on one of those transfer programs – equalization. It’s an idea Ken Boessenkool calls “dumb.”  Kathleen Petty looks at the fickle fiscal formula with reporter Patrick Brethour, of the Globe and Mail. then she’s joined by University of Calgary economist Trevor Tombe, Fraser Institute senior fellow Ben Eisen, and Ken Boessenkool, with the C.D. Howe Institute.

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The Alberta budget: A tale of two cities

It’s definitely the worst of times for Alberta’s two largest cities as they continue to get hammered by the pandemic, economic crisis and oil price collapse. Edmonton and Calgary share high unemployment rates, shuttered businesses and empty downtown cores. But their mayors see themselves as key players in Alberta’s economic recovery. Guest host Jim Brown talks to Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson and Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi about whether they can “build back better” after the latest Alberta budget.

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Pivot power

Alberta’s premier ran on a promise to not back down. But public outcry over several issues from COVID-19 restrictions to coal mines has caused Jason Kenney to pivot. His political adversaries say he should have gone much farther, while some UCP caucus members are openly critical. Guest host Jim Brown, in for Kathleen Petty, takes a look at Kenney’s strategy and his options, with pollster Marc Henry, president of ThinkHQ, conservative strategist Melissa Caouette of the Canadian Strategy Group and Calgary Sun columnist Rick Bell. 

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From prime minister to statesman Joe Clark

Joe Clark’s time as Canada’s 16th prime minister of a minority Progressive Conservative government in 1979 was brief. But his impact on Canada and its place in the world is enduring. The Alberta-born, former MP from High River, talks to Kathleen Petty about his roots, his concerns about the current political climate and his assessment of  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Conservative Party of Canada leader Erin O’Toole.

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Dear Premier: An open letter to an embattled war time leader

There is no shortage of armchair quarterbacks dishing advice to Alberta’s premier. The latest, and perhaps most stinging, comes from Brian Jean, who lost the UCP leadership to Jason Kenney. The suggestions range from how to manage a caucus to the premier’s own health. Meanwhile Kenney is governing through the pandemic with growing criticism on his right flank. Kathleen Petty looks at how the premier is responding with Kelly Cryderman of the Globe and Mail, political scientists Jared Wesley of the University of Alberta and Duane Bratt of Mount Royal University.

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So long, and thanks for all the votes

Jason Kenney threw his support behind Erin O’Toole’s bid for the leadership of the federal Conservative party — but with pipeline politics dividing the country, will Kenney prove to be an asset or a liability in O’Toole’s potential path to victory?

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Jason Kenney’s terrible, horrible, no good, very bad year – so far

Keystone XL didn’t look like a sure thing even before a Democrat won the White House. Now  the pipeline is effectively dead, leaving Alberta with roughly $1.5 billion in lost investment, more people out of work and fewer job prospects. Not a great start to 2021 for Alberta’s Premier, and it’s only January. Kathleen Petty looks at how Jason Kenney is handling this latest calamity, with independent columnist Graham Thomson, the Globe and Mail’s Kelly Cryderman and Jason Markusoff of Macleans.

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Independents day

Many journalists and commentators are leaving the mainstream media to start new enterprises of their own. It’s not for the faint of heart, but audiences are responding. Politics in Alberta provides a steady stream of content for podcasts and online news sites. This week was no exception. Kathleen Petty talks to three media rebels who made the leap to independence and the freedom that comes with it. Ryan Jespersen hosts Real Talk, Jen Gerson started The Line and Dave Cournoyer founded Daveberta.

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Jason Kenney’s flying circus

Sun columnist Rick Bell used that term to describe the bumpy ride Alberta’s premier and his UCP are getting after an air travel controversy over the holidays. A minister and several UCP MLAs and staffers left the country despite months of government pleas to avoid non-essential travel. When CBC broke the first story, Albertans were furious. Jason Kenney took responsibility at a news conference on New Year’s Day, but that didn’t quell the rage. A few days later, the premier acknowledged the anger and accepted the resignation of his minister, stripped the MLAs of committee posts and fired his chief of staff. Host Kathleen Petty looks at whether there’s more turbulence ahead for Kenney with her guests Sun columnist Rick Bell, pollster Janet Brown of Janet Brown Opinion Research and political scientist Jared Wesley of the University of Alberta.

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Climate plans can be taxing

 The federal government has released its updated climate plan with higher carbon taxes and more details on the Clean Fuel Standard.  Some energy economists call it bold, while environmentalists say it’s not enough. Some conservative premiers see it as an invasion into their jurisdiction that will cause economic damage. Kathleen Petty takes a closer look with energy economist Andrew Leach, energy policy analyst and author David Yager and columnist Kelly Cryderman of the Globe and Mail.

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Whether the premiers who stole Christmas will pay a political price

Rising COVID-19 cases and deaths have led to more severe restrictions in the western provinces – measures Manitoba and Alberta premiers had resisted until now. New polls show they may have waited too long. Brian Pallister and Jason Kenney are the least popular pandemic premiers, and lag far behind their neighbours in Saskatchewan and B.C.. Kathleen Petty finds out why with Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute, political scientist Christopher Adams of the University of Manitoba, and political strategist and communications specialist Corey Hogan of The Strategists podcast. 

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Have Martha and Henry gone nuts?

Ralph Klein’s favourite mythical Alberta couple are causing headaches for Jason Kenney. Despite spiking COVID-19 cases and deaths, and news the province is planning indoor field hospitals, today’s versions of Martha and Henry are showing up at anti-mask rallies and demanding their personal freedom. Meanwhile, the premier’s support continues to drop according to recent polls. Guest host Jim Brown explores what’s going on with Ken Boessenkool, a senior research fellow at the CD Howe Institute, (and the author of an article about Martha and Henry 2.0 @the_lineca,) pollster Janet Brown, founder of Janet Brown Opinion Research, and political strategist Zain Velji of Northweather, and host of The Strategists podcast.

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Damned if you don’t, damned if you do-ish

Alberta’s premier is defending his response to the second wave of the pandemic amidst growing criticism and news of tension with the chief medical officer of health. Jason Kenney declared a state of emergency but said he would not bow to political pressure or ideology and lock down the economy. This on the same day the province released a financial update reflecting Alberta’s economic crisis. Kathleen Petty assesses the government’s approach with two economists: Trevor Tombe and Lindsay Tedds of the University of Calgary, and  political scientist Jared Wesley of the University of Alberta.

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Has Jason Kenney lost the plot?

Alberta’s premier is coping with spiking COVID-19 cases, deepening economic turmoil and more unfavourable polls. Instead of changing course, Jason Kenney is doubling down on his anti-Trudeau, pro-pipeline rhetoric and resisting tougher measures to fight the pandemic in favour of “personal responsibility.” Kathleen Petty examines what’s driving Kenney’s strategy with political scientist Duane Bratt of Mount Royal University, energy reporter Emma Graney of the Globe and Mail and Macleans columnist Jason Markusoff.

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Circuit breakers and personal freedom

 Some doctors in western Canada are calling for lockdowns or short-term “circuit breakers”  to stop the spike in COVID-19 cases. But the premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan say they favour voluntary measures over strict rules. After trying that approach, Manitoba is now enforcing bans on social gatherings, non-essential shopping, and gym and salon visits. B.C. is threatening similar measures if case numbers don’t slow down. Guest host Jim Brown looks at how the provinces are handling COVID-19 and whether politics is playing a role. His guests are Globe and Mail health columnist Andre Picard, University of Manitoba associate professor and former chief medical officer of health Dr. Joel Kettner, and political strategist Melissa Caouette of the Canadian Strategy Group. 

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Finding common ground

New research suggests more than half of Albertans believe the province’s best days are behind it. It’s one of several themes that emerged in a new survey from the Common Ground research initiative at the University of Alberta. Political scientist Jared Wesley at the U of A discusses his data and the parallels with the U.S. election results, with Mount Royal University political scientist Duane Bratt and host Kathleen Petty.

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Kenney, Horgan and Moe

The results of the British Columbia and Saskatchewan elections during the pandemic are historic with implications far beyond their boundaries. B.C.voters have given the NDP’s John Horgan a second term with more NDP MLAs than ever before. In Saskatchewan Scott Moe has continued his Saskatchewan Party’s streak with a fourth consecutive win. Geographically, Alberta is in the middle, but politically premier Jason Kenney is strongly aligned to Moe. Kathleen Petty looks at the implications of these elections with three journalists: Vancouver Sun provincial affairs columnist Vaughn Palmer, Murray Mandryk, political columnist for the Regina Leader-Post and Saskatoon StarPhoenix, and Kelly Cryderman, a reporter and columnist with the Globe and Mail. 

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What’s a win for Alberta on Nov. 3? 

Americans head to the polls in less than three weeks, and it’s not just the future of the United States that’s at stake. With Democratic nominee Joe Biden promising to cancel the Keystone XL pipeline, Albertans have a lot riding on the election results. But would another four years of Trump be any better? Host Kathleen Petty digs into that question and more with a panel of cross-border experts: Carlo Dade from the Canada West foundation, political scientist, Duane Bratt, and Washington strategist, Maryscott Greenwood.

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What does Alberta want?

Several conservative big thinkers believe they know and they’ve laid out their ideas in a new book called, “Moment of Truth: How to Think About Alberta’s Future.” Those familiar with the province’s Fair Deal Panel, or the “firewall letter” from the early 2000s, demanding Alberta exercise its constitutional powers, will have a sense of their thesis.  Guest host Jim Brown breaks it down with co-editor and co-author Jack Mintz. Then three thoughtful Albertans weigh in: Dave Yager, author and energy analyst, Melissa Caouette of The Canadian Strategy Group and freelance journalist Max Fawcett.

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Jonathan Wilkinson and the price of greening the economy

The Liberal government has doubled down on its promise to meet Canada’s Paris agreement commitments. Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of Environment and Climate Change is vowing to exceed those 2030 climate goals. But at what cost to places like Alberta and the oil and gas industry? The minister joins Kathleen Petty to talk about what role oil and gas and the West will play in the greening of the Canadian economy. Afterwards, economist Jennifer Winter of the University of Calgary and political scientist Duane Bratt of Mount Royal University weigh in. This episode was recorded on Thursday, October 1, 2020, before the news of layoffs at Suncor Energy.

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From simmer to boil. What’s firing up the tension between Ottawa, and Alberta and Saskatchewan?

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says the policies in the federal throne speech threaten global investment and invade provincial jurisdiction. Scott Moe, his ally next door is in lock step, and about to go to the polls for the first time as leader of the Saskatchewan Party. How much of the tension is politics, and how much is real? Kathleen Petty digs in with Macleans columnist Jason Markusoff, Globe and Mail energy reporter Emma Graney and Regina Leader-Post columnist Murray Mandryk.

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How do you like me now?

When the UCP swept into power Jason Kenney said the silent majority had spoken. A year-and-a-half later polls show the silent majority has soured on his government. Whether it’s his handling of the economy, jobs and education during the pandemic, or the ongoing dispute with doctors, Kenney is pushing ahead with his agenda and pushing down his popularity. Add in the potential impact of the federal government’s throne speech on Alberta. Kathleen Petty looks at Kenney’s plight with political watchers Kelly Cryderman and Graham Thomson and political scientist Duane Bratt. 

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Oil and the prospect of a green recovery

The hits keep coming to the oil and gas industry in western Canada whether it’s price, demand or market access. For those hanging in, the future is uncertain. Opinions vary on what the government’s role should be and the impact a so-called green recovery could have. Kathleen Petty looks at the current state of the industry and what to expect in the short term with two people who know it well: Rory Johnston, commodity economist and managing director at Price Street, and Peter Tertzakian, deputy director of ARC Energy research institute.

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Rebel with a cause

Drew Barnes might not be a household name but the Alberta MLA is quite public about breaking with his UCP caucus and premier on a range of issues. From pushing for an expedited equalization referendum to arguing that Alberta would be LESS landlocked as an independent entity, Barnes goes his own way. Kathleen Petty talks to the rogue MLA. Then it’s a return engagement with political watchers Duane Bratt, Kelly Cryderman and Graham Thomson as they assess whether Barnes has allies in caucus and how that plays into Jason Kenney’s agenda as the premier navigates rough and uncharted waters.

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Alberta’s economic nadir and the premier’s new federal ally

Premier Jason Kenney warned the numbers would be ugly and they are. The latest fiscal update shows Alberta is farther in the hole than at any time in its history. How the province digs itself out is anything but clear. Meanwhile, the candidate Kenney endorsed for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada has emerged the winner. What will Erin O’Toole’s succession to the top job mean for Alberta’s future in Canada? Kathleen Petty talks with political watchers and columnists, Kelly Cryderman, Graham Thomson and Duane Bratt.

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The West wants what?

Interim Wexit Canada party leader Jay Hill says he knows. The veteran Reform and Conservative Party MP is leading a political movement to separate western provinces from Canada. And the next CPC leader and/or prime minister will have to deal with it. Kathleen Petty talks to Stephen Harper’s former House leader about why he’s giving up on the country, but voting in the CPC leadership contest. Pollsters Shachi Kurl of the Angus Reid Institute and Janet Brown of Janet Brown Opinion Research offer their analysis of what’s at stake.

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The next prime minister?

The pandemic bump has flattened for the federal Liberals. The next leader of the Conservative Party will try and take full advantage. As the party gets ready to choose its new leader this month three Conservative insiders assess the race, the candidates, the stakes and the prospects for a federal election. Kathleen Petty talks with Dennis Matthews of Enterprise Canada, Jenni Byrne of Jenni Byrne and Associates and Ken Boessenkool, research fellow at the CD Howe Institute.

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The dark art of political communication

Owning the narrative or just getting owned? If you rely on social media for your political news, you’d conclude it’s all out war among partisans. Is anyone being persuaded to consider the other’s point of view? At a time of difficult and contentious issues from kick starting the economy, making peace with Alberta doctors during a pandemic to getting kids back to school safely, the divide seems more daunting than ever. Kathleen Petty talks to two strategists, skilled in the art of political communication – Corey Hogan and Melissa Caouette about how to cut through the noise, get your message out, and why it often doesn’t work.

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Crafting a recovery

Premier Jason Kenney is applying financial shocks to a flatlining Alberta economy. Will deep corporate tax cuts, billions in infrastructure spending including investments in oil and gas, jolt the economy back to life? How will women fare? Host Kathleen Petty talks to Lynette Tremblay of Edmonton Global and Adam Legge of the Business Council of Alberta about the business case for the premier’s plan and whether his economic wager will work.

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Erin O’Toole and Alberta

Albertans may have more at stake in the Conservative Party leadership race with all but one of their MPs flying the party flag in a minority government. Erin O’Toole has the enthusiastic endorsement of Premier Jason Kenney and other high profile Conservatives in Western Canada. Host Kathleen Petty asks Erin O’Toole about his economic ideas and how he’d cope with western alienation if he wins the leadership. Political scientists Jared Wesley of the University of Alberta and Duane Bratt of Mount Royal University listen in and provide their analysis. 

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Alberta’s economic jump start

Alberta is moving more quickly than other provinces to reopen the economy as the trend line for COVID-19 slowly improves. The challenges are monumental – with an economy gutted from the pre-pandemic oil price crash and an effective unemployment rate of 25 percent. The UCP government is making almost daily announcements to encourage job creation and investment. Guest host Jim Brown assesses Alberta’s plans with commentator and business owner Emma Grace May, energy and opinion  journalist Max Fawcett and political strategist Stephen Carter of Decide Campaigns and The Strategists podcast.

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Alberta’s identity crisis

What lies at the core of Alberta’s identity? Is it conservatism? An attachment to the oil and gas industry? Or something else? The answer could help to determine the province’s future. Guest host Jim Brown in for Kathleen Petty  looks at why, with University of Calgary political scientist Lisa Young, U of C economist Trevor Tombe, and C.D. Howe Institute research fellow Ken Boessenkool.

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Political podcast triple threat

Four podcasters, from three podcasts, all veterans of the political trenches dissect the big political news of the week. David Herle and Jenni Byrne of the Herle Burly, and Zain Velji of The Strategists get down and partisan with West of Centre host Kathleen Petty. They tackle the fall out from the Fair Deal report, whether the West wants out and the Conservative Party leadership race. 

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More Alberta less Ottawa

The Alberta government released its Fair Deal recommendations calling for more provincial autonomy – from a better deal on equalization to the creation of a new Alberta police force to replace the RCMP. It warns that if Ottawa doesn’t act, separatist sentiment will grow. Guest host Jim Brown looks at the Fair Deal report, and assesses the CPC leadership race post debate with three Alberta journalists and commentators: Graham Thomson, Jason Markusoff of Macleans and Jen Gerson.

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Politics, the pandemic and the personal

Anxiety levels are high in Alberta months into the pandemic. The latest CBC-Road Ahead poll surveyed Albertans on what they think now on a range of political issues. Kathleen Petty breaks down the numbers with Janet Brown of Janet Brown Opinion Research, data scientist John Santos, political scientists Melanee Thomas of the University of Calgary and Duane Bratt of  Mount Royal University.

The latest CBC-Road Ahead survey was conducted between May 25 and June 1, 2020, by Edmonton-based Trend Research under the direction of Janet Brown Opinion Research. The survey sampled 900 respondents, randomly selected from Trend Research’s online panel of more than 30,000 Albertans. The sample is representative of regional, age and gender proportions in Alberta. A comparable margin of error for a study with a probabilistic sample of this size would be plus or minus 3.3 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. For subsets, the margin of error is larger.

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Is that all there is?

The  prime minister’s $2.2 billion infrastructure announcement this week had many rural and urban leaders asking, “is that all there is?” The money isn’t new, but will come all at once, instead of the usual two annual payments. It will be shared among more than 3,500 communities, and it’s far from the $10 billion the Federation of Canadian Municipalities had lobbied for. Kathleen Petty talks to the mayor of Saskatoon and a rural Alberta councillor, both vice-chairs of FCM’s Western Economic Solutions Task force, about what they do now, amidst a deepening economic crisis.

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Media bias: Perception versus reality

Covering politics is a changing enterprise. Fewer reporters with more deadlines are feeding news cycles around the clock.  Are politicians getting a fair shake?  An almost two-year-old comment from Stephen Harper during a book tour has fired up the debate once again. Kathleen Petty talks to  three journalists:  Rob Russo, CBC’s Ottawa bureau chief, Globe and Mail columnist Kelly Cryderman and Murray Mandryk, a columnist with the Regina Leader-Post and Saskatoon StarPhoenix.

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Opposition, leadership and troubled times

Alberta opposition leader Rachel Notley knows what it’s like to govern in tough times. She led the NDP to a majority government in 2015, just months after a crash in oil prices and an economic downturn. Now she’s trying to hold Premier Jason Kenney’s feet to the fire amidst a pandemic, a crisis in the oil and gas industry and greater economic uncertainty. The CBC’s Jim Brown, in for host Kathleen Petty this week, asks the NDP leader “what would Rachel Notley do?”

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Intensive care for Alberta cities

COVID-19 is battering economies in Canada’s major cities. While some economists predict a rebound when the virus is contained, Edmonton and Calgary might not be so lucky. On top of the virus and the impact of a shuttered economy, they’re coping with the effects of a collapse in world oil prices and demand while delivering essential services. Revenues have plummeted and cities can’t run deficits. Kathleen Petty talks to Edmonton Mayor Don Iveson and Calgary Mayor Naheed Nenshi about the unique challenges for Alberta’s two largest cities.

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What the unemployment numbers hide

Economists predicted brutal numbers in the Labour Force Survey for April, when the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic took hold. Three Alberta-based economists look at the story behind the data, and how income support programs might need to adjust to meet the needs of people who are jobless or underemployed. Associate professors Lindsay Tedds and Trevor Tombe are with the University of Calgary. Andrew Leach is an associate professor at the University of Alberta.

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Reopening, recession and the Conservative Party leadership race

Provinces are taking steps toward opening up the economy and services, shut down by COVID-19. Some economists say Canada is already in recession, and some provincial economies have been devastated. In the case of Alberta, the hits just keep on coming. Three opinion leaders from three western provinces weigh in: Charles Adler, host of Charles Adler Tonight on the Global News Radio Network;  Licia Corbella, a senior columnist with the Calgary Herald, and Murray Mandryk, political columnist with the Regina Leader-Post and Saskatoon StarPhoenix.

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Credit where it’s due?

Many oil and gas companies are trying to survive through gutted oil prices, oversupply and low demand. They are desperate for cash to stay afloat, and looking to Ottawa for help. The sector employs hundreds of thousands of Canadians, and provides Canada’s largest export. Does the rest of the country get it?  Kathleen Petty talks to two Alberta senators – Paula Simons with the Independent Senators Group and Doug Black with the Canadian Senators Group.

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A lifeline to the energy sector

The prime minister’s response to what he calls the “layers of calamity” in the energy sector include $1.7 billion for oil and gas workers to clean up abandoned and inactive wells, and $750 million for emission reductions. Kathleen Petty asks three key energy analysts what it will mean for a sector gutted by COVID-19 and cratering oil prices: Peter Tertzakian, executive director of ARC Energy Research Institute and the creator of Energyphile, Gary Mar, president and CEO of the Canada West Foundation and Rory Johnston, managing director and market economist at Price Street Inc.  

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An economic reckoning of historic proportions

Alberta’s premier has been battling what he calls a “triple whammy” of COVID-19, massive job losses and the price of oil falling off a cliff. Jason Kenney says it all adds up to an economic reckoning.  Kathleen Petty looks at what the future holds for the province and the Kenney agenda with political analyst Graham Thomson, Globe and Mail columnist Kelly Cryderman and CBC provincial affairs reporter Janet French.

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Economic anxiety in Alberta meets a pandemic

Alberta was already coping with job losses and falling oil prices when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. A CBC News poll was in the field during turbulent times in the province – the Teck Frontier decision, an austerity budget, a stock market crash and the early shock of COVID-19. Kathleen Petty takes the pulse of Alberta at a critical moment with lead pollster Janet Brown, data scientist John Santos and academic advisers Duane Bratt and Melanee Thomas.

The CBC News random survey of 1,200 Albertans was conducted between March 2 and March 18, 2020 by Edmonton-based Trend Research under the direction of Janet Brown Opinion Research. The sample is representative along regional, age, and gender factors. The margin of error is +/-2.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. 

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Time for a fair deal?

Alberta’s premier is demanding the federal government help with the economic fallout from depressed energy prices and the corona virus. Meanwhile, Jason Kenney’s Fair Deal panel is writing its report. The panel heard from thousands of Albertans on a range of life changing questions – from creating an Alberta pension plan to separation from Canada. Two panelists: United Conservative Party MLA Drew Barnes and former Progressive Conservative MLA Donna Kennedy-Glans say Albertans need a fair deal now more than ever.

Published: March 13, 2020

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Information vigilantes – academics and the fight against false information

Debates about taxes, climate change and fossil fuel development have become more polarized. Politicians and commentators use information often taken out of context� or simply wrong, to promote a narrative. On social media, facts don’t seem to matter.  Academics have become vigilantes in the fight against misinformation – economists like Andrew Leach, Lindsay Tedds and Trevor Tombe.

Published: March 06, 2020

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Alberta through the looking glass

Alberta’s budget forecasts an improving economy from increased fossil fuel production and provides scant detail about efforts to fight climate change. Meanwhile, Teck has withdrawn its $20 billion Frontier oil sands mine application, as Alberta wins its carbon tax challenge in court. Pollster Janet Brown, journalist Jason Markusoff and political scientist Roger Epp take stock of what Alberta sees when it  looks in the mirror, and how that’s reflected in the rest of Canada.

Published: Feb. 28, 2020

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Bonus episode: Roy Romanow’s perspective on the prairie politics of yesterday and today

Former Saskatchewan premier Roy Romanow has witnessed and made history — from his early association with Tommy Douglas to the patriation of the Constitution. Along the way, he dug his province out of insolvency and advised Jean Chrétien’s federal government on reforming health care. We asked him how his experiences shape his view of today’s political challenges.

Published: Feb. 23, 2020

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Deconstructing the blockades

Barricades continue to disrupt rail service and Canadians want the blockades to come down. Are federal and provincial governments fuelling the crisis or lowering the temperature? Three political columnists in Western Canada weigh in: Vaughn Palmer of the Vancouver Sun, Niigaan Sinclair of the Winnipeg Free Press and journalist Max Fawcett in Calgary.

Published: Feb. 21, 2020

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How a political evolution led one long-time strategist to become ‘post-partisan’

Rick Anderson has worked in the trenches of politics for decades. As a young Liberal, he campaigned for Pierre Trudeau, and worked and volunteered for the party for years. In the ’90s, Anderson headed to the Reform Party and built bridges with provincial conservative governments across the country. He played a key role in the movement to unite the right in Canada. These days, Anderson continues to provide strategic advice with the Earnscliffe Strategy Group, but now as a committed Independent.

Published: Feb. 14, 2020

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How court decisions and protests can sway public opinion on energy projects

Courts have helped clear some of the hurdles for the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion. But opposition to the project has spiked in Ontario, Quebec and B.C. Shachi Kurl, executive director of the Angus Reid Institute, has been analyzing what’s going on and how the court rulings and protests may affect public opinion. 

Published: Feb. 7, 2020

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What western voters need to know about the Conservative Party leadership race

Two political strategists who worked for Stephen Harper explain why western voters may have to change their expectations when it comes to the next CPC leader. Ken Boessenkool is a founding partner at Kool Topp & Guy Public Affairs. Dennis Matthews is vice-president of marketing and communications with Enterprise Canada.

Published: Feb. 7, 2020

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The past and future of energy politics

Andrew Nikiforuk and Dave Yager are two energy authors with different perspectives on fossil fuel development. They talk to Kathleen Petty about the immense challenges for jurisdictions hooked on oil.

Published: Jan. 31, 2020

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Energy development and the divide among Indigenous groups

There is no consensus among Indigenous communities when it comes to energy mega projects, fossil fuel extraction, and pipelines. Kathleen Petty talks to two leaders about how to bridge the divide. Here’s her conversation with businessman and former Fort McKay chief Jim Boucher and Judith Sayers, elected president of the Nuu-chah-nulth Tribal Council and teaches environmental studies and business at the University of Victoria.

Published: Jan. 31, 2020

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What Canada should know about Alberta

Albertans are feeling misunderstood by the rest of the country. Many of them are angry. Kathleen Petty asks Brian Jean, former leader of Alberta’s official opposition, writer Chris Turner and political scientist Lisa Young what they want Canada to know about western alienation.

Published: Jan. 31, 2020

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