October 2007
The Auditor General's Report
October 2, 2007 - 06:36 — gauntlet
Here's the really interesting bit:Beginning at leastthree years ago, the [Energy] Department demonstrated that Alberta’s share [of economic rent on oil and gas] had fallenbelow its target range. The Department estimates that it could collect anadditional $1 billion or more per year without stifling industry profitability.However, neither this information nor the reasons why changes have not takenplace have been made public.
Bits and Pieces
October 5, 2007 - 04:59 — gauntlet
Well, it's been a busy time for me recently. I'm finishing off a couple of big projects, plus I'm one month into law school. Still, I'm trying to keep up on things.One thing that struck me as very odd was a story in the Edmonton Journal (I believe) today about the rumblings regarding how the vote on the throne speech will go. Harper is positioning himself as being the guy putting out the best compromise he can come up with, who least wants an election.
Why political parties must take sides on electoral reform.
October 12, 2007 - 03:34 — gauntlet
I blogged a while ago about the comparison between 100 or so people who have been told what the issues are and what the options are, and millions of people who haven't.The Citizens' Assembly were asked to vote either for a new system of their design, or for the existing one. They voted over 90% in favour of the new system. Ontarians, when asked the same question, voted 37% in favour. That's a pretty big difference.
Big Day
October 16, 2007 - 17:02 — gauntlet
Today is the day that the Federal Liberal Party under Stephane Dion will decide whether or not they like the throne speech. The throne speech the Prime Minister Stephen Harper has decided will be read live on prime-time TV, as opposed to the more traditional afternoon reading.
Where was Dion?
October 17, 2007 - 15:22 — gauntlet
So I tuned in a little late last night, but I hear that Stephane Dion didn't appear to respond to the Throne Speech last night. Ignatieff came out instead, I'm told.BCer in TO says there is a media rumour that Dion wants to go, but that the party isn't on board. Ignatieff came out last night saying that he would advise against an election. The Liberal Party press releases are so full of equivocation that they essentially say nothing at all.
Last-Minute Advice for Ed
October 24, 2007 - 19:23 — gauntlet
Long time no see. Watch your TVs tonight and see what Ed Stelmach decides to do with the royalty review. Also, check out the Edmonton Journal letters page, where they published my letter to the editor under the title, "Last Minute Advice for Ed".
Dion Changes His Mind on PR
October 24, 2007 - 20:08 — gauntlet
So I read something from the Winnipeg Free Press today that has made Stephane Dion that much better in my mind. In a story that is talking primarily about Stephane's opinion on negative campaigning, there is this glorious little tid-bit.He prefers the preferential ballot, which allows voters to rank parties in descending order of choice.
Lament for a Party
October 31, 2007 - 20:38 — gauntlet
Stephen Harper has pushed a throne speech and a mini-budget onto the House of Commons taking political advantage of the fact that all of the parties see weakness in Dion's Liberals and want to press that advantage and make him look bad.It's working. Every other day the editorial cartoon in the newspaper is showing a diminutive Dion with a knapsack on his back being outmaneuvered by a larger, more confident Harper.
Copyright © 2007 - 2010 Jason Morris. The views expressed herein are those of the author. Views expressed in comments are those only of the commenter, and are not endorsed by the author. Nothing herein necessarily represents the opinions of any organizations with which the author may be associated.
