April 26th, 2024

Opinions

Election over, but candidates urged to stay involved in civic affairs

By Medicine Hat News Opinon on October 17th, 2017

Well, it’s over. The dust has settled following another round of municipal elections across the province of Alberta. First and foremost, everyone who put their name forward to be candidates should be commended. It’s easy to sit around and complain about how our elected officials do business. We all do it, the smug “they should’ve” ... Read More »

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National Affairs: Canada has options if Trump kills NAFTA

By Medicine Hat News Opinon on October 16th, 2017

If U.S. President Donald Trump deep-sixes the North American Free Trade Agreement, there are essentially three things that Canada can do. It can try to salvage a bilateral deal with the U.S. It can, in concert with Mexico, keep what remains of NAFTA on life support in the hope that Trump will eventually be replaced ... Read More »

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New NDP leader doesn’t have luxury of biding his time

By Medicine Hat News Opinon on October 14th, 2017

Newly-minted federal NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, who soared to victory on the first ballot of his party’s leadership race with more support than all his opponents combined, is in no rush to run for a seat. The Ontario legislator said that after he resigns his provincial seat in Toronto, he wants to seize the opportunity ... Read More »

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Guest Column: Shining a light on the dark side of municipal campaign financing

By Medicine Hat News Opinon on October 14th, 2017

Troy Media Anyone who has been involved in municipal politics — at least over the past couple of decades — has heard virtually every candidate say they support increased transparency. Why do they say this and then not follow through? Transparency makes the democratic process work better because the public can understand, and then react ... Read More »

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Gas thieves leading Alberta to more over-regulation

By Medicine Hat News Opinon on October 13th, 2017

There has been another tragic death after a gas station owner tried to stop someone from leaving without paying for gas but more government regulation is not the solution. The recent death of a Thorsby, Alta., man is very distressing and absolutely awful for his family. That goes without saying. Two years ago Maryam Rashidi ... Read More »

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Conflicting and mixed messages from candidates

By Medicine Hat News Opinon on October 12th, 2017

Medicine Hat is drowning in taxes, home to entrenched bureaucracy and a horrible place to do business. At the same time, however, it’s one of the best, featuring low taxes, a new, business-friendly attitude at City Hall and opportunities galore. Such is the line that divides city council candidates as the municipal election campaign draws ... Read More »

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Cheated by early October storm

By Medicine Hat News Opinon on October 11th, 2017

Well, the snowy weather and strong winds have sadly cheated us of the main part of our fall this year. With harvest almost over and the beautiful turning leaves usually makes for an enticing few weeks of autumn leaf gazing, idyllic hikes through nature’s last great ecstasy, and mild daylight temperatures which are a wonderful ... Read More »

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Turning a profit on pot should be the goal of Alberta gov’t

By Medicine Hat News Opinon on October 7th, 2017

Alberta Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley has announced the first details of Alberta’s plans for selling marijuana once the product is legalized across the nation in July. This makes Alberta the third province, after Ontario and New Brunswick, to show its hand. Ganley announced enough details to satisfy those who want to know Alberta’s broader approach ... Read More »

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Guest Column: Important jobs need qualified people

By Medicine Hat News Opinon on October 7th, 2017

On Sept. 25 I underwent an eye operation in Calgary, which, while not fun, was a very beautiful experience. Over the past year my right eye had been developing a Macular Pucker, distorting the vision in that eye. That, according to some, might explain my leftist political leanings. I required a vitrectomy and a retinal ... Read More »

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Can’t fight the weather

By Medicine Hat News Opinon on October 6th, 2017

When we talk about wielding power most of us think of people in positions of authority exercising that power over us, telling us what we can and cannot do. This week nobody, not even the prime minister, was a match for the weather when it came to dictating. Snow and wind collapsed trees, caused road ... Read More »

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International Affairs: How North Korea has impacted Japan’s election

By Medicine Hat News Opinon on September 30th, 2017

The North Korean crisis has thrown Japan’s beleaguered Prime Minister Shinzo Abe a lifeline. But it is a slippery one. Just three months ago, Abe was in the political doldrums. A series of scandals, including one involving a dodgy land sale, dogged him. His attempts to resuscitate Japan’s moribund economy had failed. Polling showed his ... Read More »

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