Opinions
City notebook: Public power debate
By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on September 23rd, 2023
https://www.medicinehatnews.com@MedicineHatNews It was 75 years ago that an electrification plebiscite to nationalize power lines in Alberta was defeated by the narrowest of margins. How narrow? The margin was just 151 votes out of the 380,000 cast on Aug. 17, 1948. The result was the continuation of power provided by private interests and municipal power companies. ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Mansoor’s Musings: India urged to tackle earthly issues instead of striving for the moon
By Mansoor Ladha on September 21st, 2023
India made history by becoming the first country in the world to land a spacecraft near the moon’s south pole, an uncharted territory that scientists believe could hold vital reserves of frozen water, and the fourth country to achieve a moon landing. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was attending the BRICS nations summit in ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!MLA Report: Breaking through the bureaucratic logjam on affordable housing
By Justin Wright on September 20th, 2023
North America, Canada, Alberta, southern Alberta, Medicine Hat – everywhere and everyone is facing a housing crisis. Rents and home prices have skyrocketed in recent years, pricing many working families out of the housing market. Millions of renters pay more than half their income on rent, leaving little left over for other necessities like food, ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Let’s Chat: An icebreaker to remember
By Linda Tooth on September 20th, 2023
I recently met a group of students I did not know and was wondering how I could get to know them in a short period of time. An icebreaker is a great way to ‘break the ice’ and let down barriers and create an even playing field where people can share information. I chose the ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!City Notebook: This just in… Knowledge really is a powerful thing
By COLLIN GALLANT on September 16th, 2023
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant It’s been a couple of months now that Canadian media have been blocked by social media giant Facebook, so let’s take a quick poll. Hands up if you feel like the world has become suddenly dumber. So, OK, I’m biased, and “dumber” is in there for a cheap laugh. But, have a look around ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Economics 101: What determines long-term interest rates?
By ERIC VAN ENK on September 9th, 2023
Short-term interest rates are determined by central bank policy. For example, the Bank of Canada sets its overnight rate (rate commercial banks are charged to borrow from the Bank of Canada) at the level it believes will maintain inflation within its stated band of 1-3%. If inflation is higher than central banks desire, they increase ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Letter from the Editor: A new horizon
By Ryan McCracken on September 9th, 2023
After nine years at the Medicine Hat News, I have made the decision to pursue a new opportunity within this community. This is the final edition that will bear my name. While I’ve truly loved the bulk of my time at the News and the people I’ve worked alongside here in Medicine Hat, the time ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!City Notebook: Let’s focus the power conversation
By COLLIN GALLANT on September 9th, 2023
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant Few topics feature more potential distractions than utility bills. How an invisible flow of electrons power everything from a toaster to the monetary system is a wonder on its own. Now add politics and finances (both high and household) to the mix. Layer on three levels of government, reams of legislation and the personal ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!Let’s Chat: Change happens, and it’s OK
By LINDA TOOTH on September 6th, 2023
Growing up we believed two things were certain in our lives. That was, we would pay taxes and we would die. I would like to add a third certainty to that, and it is change. Somewhere in life you will encounter change. Whether that be a change in a relationship, employment, appearance, friends, the list ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!City Notebook: Dog days interrupted by power struggle
By COLLIN GALLANT on September 2nd, 2023
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant Late August is typically the land that time forgot. Golf balls drifting through the air, new shoes for school, Halloween candy on the shelves. But the stockpile of breezy items set aside for this column ahead of the boring end of summer season has gone unused. Instead it’s bills, bills, bills. That’s as Hatters ... Read More »
Be the first to comment!MP Report: Desperate need for government change expressed across Canada
By GLEN MOTZ on August 30th, 2023
Summer provides a great opportunity for Members of Parliament to reconnect with constituents across their ridings. It also offers a chance to visit other ridings. Having recently returned from time in New Brunswick and southern Ontario, I can confirm that Conservative support is incredibly strong. Sadly, I can also verify that the rising cost of ... Read More »
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