Stay updated with breaking news from Larry samcoe. Get real-time updates on events, politics, business, and more. Visit us for reliable news and exclusive interviews.
Viewpoint: Breaking down the inequality of equalization Poll Yes My recent article on Alberta in Confederation has been criticized that my bias lacks an understanding of this controversial federal program – equalization. Alberta’s contribution was a misleading statement because it did not explain that federal revenues are from payments by Albertans and not from the government. Thus, this essay will delve into this program with references to four Alberta academics/economists – Robert Mansell, Mukesh Khanal, Trevor Tombe and Mark Milke. They have analyzed this program extensively. Undoubtedly their work will also be criticized. So be it, but to me, it is very acceptable. ....
Barnes booted from UCP caucus Poll Do you agree with the UCP caucus, which elected to remove Cypress-MH MLA Drew Barnes on Thursday? Yes Cypress-Medicine Hat MLA Drew Barnes has been removed from the United Conservative caucus after the disgruntled official had been repeatedly and vocally opposing Premier Jason Kenney s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. NEWS FILE PHOTO Local political observers say the UCP government is in trouble as the divisions in the party came to a head with the party’s MLA from the Peace Country and caucus chair penned a scathing letter released Thursday. Todd Loewen blamed the caucus dysfunction on Albertans’ perception the government is out of touch and arrogant. ....
Letter: Logic behind equalization outrage does not follow Poll Provincial government In response to Mr. Larry Samcoe’s May 6 editorial, “Alberta in Confederation.” Mr. Samcoe repeats, and seems to believe, the old standby lie of the perpetually aggrieved among some conservatives when he comments on the source of federal government equalization payments, stating “…tax revenues from Alberta have been the primary contributor…” Do not many on the political right know that Alberta pays no tax of any kind to Ottawa, and has never paid any, because of Constitution Act, section 125? That law prevents Ottawa from taxing provinces and provinces from taxing Ottawa. This has been law for 38 years before Alberta even existed. ....
Alberta in Confederation Still at work Retired It is quite evident that Canada’s Confederation is not working harmoniously. Ottawa is failing the regions outside 1867 Canada [Ontario and Quebec]. Such assessment warrants examination. A 2020 publication, Moment of Truth, includes numerous articles which have been compiled by Jack M. Mintz, Ted Morton and Tom Flanagan, the School of Public Policy, University of Calgary. They address particularly Alberta’s experience. Donald J. Savoie, l’Universite de Moncton, states, “The idea of confederation came from Canada West [Ontario] and Canada East [Quebec] as a solution to their ingrained and unsolvable political problems and was designed by their delegates to give full advantage to the economic interests of the two Canadas. First the Atlantic provinces and then the Western provinces were added, more as appendages than as partners.” This helps to explain many of the federal decisions from 1867 to the present. ....
Viewpoint: The Canadian pension crisis - Medicine Hat NewsMedicine Hat News medicinehatnews.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from medicinehatnews.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.