Opinions
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 »
1 responseGas 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 »
Be the first to comment!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 »
Be the first to comment!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 »
Be the first to comment!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 »
Be the first to comment!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 »
Be the first to comment!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 »
Be the first to comment!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 »
Be the first to comment!UCP leadership race has some Seinfeldian overtones
By Medicine Hat News Opinon on September 30th, 2017
The United Conservative Party leadership race is shaping up to be the Seinfeld of Alberta electoral politics. That is, a race about nothing. Instead of concrete policy proposals, the contest thus far has been more about broader themes than specific policies. It doesn’t help that one frontrunner, former PC party leader Jason Kenney, is openly ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Right of recall could be a powerful tool
By Medicine Hat News Opinon on September 29th, 2017
We are two weeks away from electing our municipal politicians who will serve for the next four years. A commentator recently called it a democratic process to elect a dictatorship for four years. That may sound harsh but actually once they are elected we are stuck with them for good or bad until the next ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Can we break the cycle of voter apathy?
By Medicine Hat News Opinon on September 28th, 2017
Democracy is more than a once-every-four-years exercise, but it is during elections that the act of voting is the clearest example. And at every election, pundits begin to fret about generally declining voter participation rates. Fewer people than ever, it seems, are taking advantage of their rights, it’s true. There are a number of theories, ... Read More »
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