Monday, April 30, 2012

Prime Minister appoints Jean Chrétien



The following appointment is interesting.  Prime Minister Harper has a total disdain for liberals, but still appoints a former liberal Prime Minister to a prestigious position.  Regardless, Jean Chrétien is deserving of this appointment.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper today announced the appointment of the Right Honourable Jean Chrétien as Canada’s representative to The Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust. Established to honour Her Majesty’s 60-year reign, the Diamond Jubilee Trust will raise funds to support a variety of charitable initiatives across the Commonwealth.

The Diamond Jubilee Trust is chaired by Sir John Major, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, and will be managed by a board of trustees. A Commonwealth Advisory Group is currently being established and Mr. Chrétien will serve as the Canadian representative.

“Former Prime Minister Chrétien is uniquely qualified to serve as Canada’s representative to the Diamond Jubilee Trust. Mr. Chrétien is a member of the Queen’s prestigious Order of Merit. His relationship with Her Majesty, which spans over 40 years, includes six official Royal Tours he hosted during his time as Prime Minister,” said Prime Minister Harper. “The Diamond Jubilee Trust is a fitting tribute to Her Majesty’s dedicated service to Canada and the Commonwealth. I would like to thank former Prime Minister Chrétien for representing Canada in this worthy charitable initiative.”

The Diamond Jubilee Trust was launched on February 6, 2012, to coincide with the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty’s Accession to the Throne. The Trust will focus on Commonwealth priorities such as combatting curable diseases and promoting education and culture. The Trust will be funded by governments, individuals, organizations and the private sector, and will invest in projects that seek to make a real and enduring difference in people’s lives throughout the Commonwealth.



Wednesday, April 25, 2012

2012 Alberta Election

In most cases, a high voter turnout is a signal change is coming. This was not the case in the 2012 provincial election. Albertans turned out in record numbers. After counting all the votes, it was the best turnout since 1993. The polls favored the Wildrose Party, but on election night, the voters again supported the Progressive Conservative Party led by Alison Redford.

The polls have been wrong before on various elections, but none more so respecting the Alberta election. It seems that voters, especially the left leaning NDP, Liberals and younger voters became shy of voting for the more right wing Wildrose Party, and moved their support to the conservatives. It is even likely some old conservatives were flirting with the notion of voting for the Wildrose Party.

Voters could have stayed with the more centre conservatives or go back to conservative roots and vote for the Wildrose Party. In the end, most roads led to the Progressive Conservatives on election night. Premier Redford won, but at what cost to the taxpayers? Danielle Smith of the Wildrose Party and her colleagues in opposition will press Alberta’s new Premier hard on fiscal issues.

The Progressive Conservative Party under Premier Alison Redford may continue to mess around in the middle of Alberta politics. If that continues and Danielle Smith performs well in opposition, responsibly to the right of Redford, look for a different result at the next Alberta election.

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Alberta Provincial Election - 2012

I am intrigued with the Alberta provincial election. My involvement in Canadian and Saskatchewan politics for over fifty years allows me to see campaigns beyond the polling. Albertans have a special opportunity before them as they approach Election Day. It is not often when fresh, young leaders like Danielle Smith, leader of the Wildrose Party, offer voters a better future.

I have been a conservative all my life, but if I lived in Alberta, I would be voting for Danielle Smith and the Wildrose Party. Yes, Peter Lougheed was a great Premier when he broke on the scene unseating the governing Social Credit Party. Allison Redford is desperate. The fact Peter Lougheed came out in an effort to break the conservatives fall from power is evidence of that reality.

Danielle Smith is the right leader for Alberta now and for their future. Albertans have more to gain by voting for her and the Wildrose Party than any other leader or party in this election. It is an opportunity for voters to get big government out of their face for a while. It is an opportunity for voters to take back control of their elected officials and regain control of their government. It is an opportunity for a fresh start with a fresh young leader like Danielle Smith.

Come on Albertans vote for the Wildrose Party and make Danielle Smith your next Premier.