politicalmatch.ca

• March 31, 2014

Some time in the early 90’s I became dissatisfied with the provincial government. I wasn’t really thrilled with 5 percent cuts across the board. I was definitely unhappy with the direction post-secondary education was taking at the time. The thing that really upset me the most was when I heard over and over again that the government was talking with ordinary Albertans. “Well,” I thought to myself, “They haven’t been talking to me. Read More

Holding Higher Expectations

• March 16, 2014

How can you not be sucked into the circus that is the Government of Alberta this week? I keep waiting for the Keystone Kops to scamper across the stage flailing billy clubs and rubber hoses. The title for this post was originally going to be “The Good Old Give and Take” which was meant to allude to the lame predictability of an austerity budget, followed by a fudgy number budget, followed with a good news budget and finally - just in time for the election - a break open the piggy bank budget. Read More

To run for the Alberta Party Board

• September 24, 2012

I received an email August 11th that I was unprepared for. It was a simple, one liner. “Would I be interested in letting my name stand for the Alberta Party Board?“ I had some concerns. Foremost is that I have very publicly questioned the effectiveness, the equitability, and the very operation of the Alberta Maintenance Enforcement Program. I believe it is broken, our divorce laws urgently need upgrading and the government remains 30 years behind our circumstance. Read More

Inclusion

• September 11, 2012

“You’re quiet.” “You know me, I never have much to say.” “Yes you do! You just say it in other ways.” Thanks Jen, you’re right. The point I was thinking about last night when I stopped writing was the effect of the Alberta Party not being strictly Left or Right oriented. The most important point to me is one of inclusion. It doesn’t matter if I’m a fanatical debt averse, libertarian tinted, bleeding heart. Read More

The Alberta Party and the Political Spectrum

• September 11, 2012

One of the things I like the very best about the Alberta Party is that it really doesn’t fit into the classical left/right political spectrum. Granted, I’ll argue that “left” and “right” are far too encumbering labels that don’t really reflect the diversity of views in politics. But too often it’s too easy to try to shoehorn a party into a narrow definition. The attempt to broaden the scale by adding a second axis is a small improvement. Read More

Approaching the Alberta Party AGM

• September 9, 2012

I’ve been a little bit afraid for a week or two. Ever since the end of July when I expressed my hopes for the Alberta Party I’ve been nervous about what I should or should not say. I am but one member of the party, and a somewhat insignificant one at that. I don’t want to step on toes. I don’t want to put words in the mouths of our leadership. Read More

Oaks and Apples - from Conversations with my Dad.

• August 13, 2012

I had a rather mixed bag of ups and downs this weekend. Definitely beyond the usual range I usually bounce between. My life’s mantra is, “Balance in all things.“ It is so incredibly important to keep things smooth and level in rough seas. I’ll be the first to tell you, it gets bloody hard when you’re ripped with devastating blows down and irrepressible boosts up. Dad is playing bachelor this week, so it was one of those rare opportunities to have a real three generation men’s night together. Read More

I said WHAT now? Oh yeah!

• August 1, 2012

“First Alberta Party candidate announces for 2016” I read the headline and I spent a couple minutes trying to figure out who it was. Oh. Right then. It was me. And here is the difference that makes the Alberta Party something I completely adore, affiliate with, and support completely: The act of simply announcing an intention to run is EXCITING. It makes a splash, it makes a difference now when we need exciting news. Read More

My Alberta Party hopes - move forward.

• July 31, 2012

I wasn’t ready to write a blog on the Alberta Party yet. My good friend, Glenn Taylor, has resigned as the leader of the new Alberta Party. First, I’m sorry Glenn. I’ve done my best, if I had the resources I’d love to be able to dedicate enough so that Glenn could work full time without stress on building something that this province desperately needs. I consider you a close and personal friend and I will stand beside you in whatever we tackle in the times ahead. Read More

Our First Step

• April 23, 2012

Alberta Party, I support you. I stand amongst your numbers. I believe in your principles and work towards your aims. We have created something this province has been lacking. We formed in response to a need. The need for a government who is in touch with Albertans. A need for a political process that’s more respectful towards Albertans. A need for citizens to feel that their voice matters to government. Read More