Happy Canada Day

In Edmonton and looking for something to do on July 1? Check it.

Mr. SUB

Hilarious.

Kevin Taft

The Alberta Liberal Party announced today that Kevin Taft will step down as leader of the party in January 2009. From personal experience, I found Kevin to be a sincere, intelligent and hard working politician who would have made a great Premier, but unfortunately lacked the ability to connect with the electorate. Although Kevin's resignation was announced today, it had been anticipated since the results on March 3 began to roll in. The crushing electorate defeat has led to significant discussions on the future of the party. The two major groups that have emerged are those for minor changes and creating a proud Liberal identity, under the name of New Liberal, and those who wish to start from fresh, creating a new large tent party that would recruit a wide range of Albertans unhappy with the Progressive Conservative government.

For more perspectives, check out Calgary Grit or the Gauntlet.

Alberta Liberal Musings

There’s been considerable discussion over recent weeks about the future of the Alberta Liberal Party. Much of this discussion was spurred by Dave Taylor’s New Liberal manifesto and the - now dead - possibility of a left-wing alliance. The left-wing alliance, which failed at a recent NDP AGM in Calgary, in my view, wouldn’t have had a real hope for form government. In regards to the New Liberals, although I agreed with some parts (I like the colours), I, in agreement with most others who blogged about it, question whether victory can be attained by holding pure to the Liberal name and enacting the modest changes the Dave Taylorites propose. But in saying that, the public discussion about the Alberta Liberal Party is something that is needed. Naheed Nenshi furthered this debate with his op-ed piece in the Calgary Herald today. Nenshi is critical about the left-wing alliance and the New Liberals, and advocates a fresh start. It’s an idea that is supported by many, including prominent Alberta Liberals. I tend to agree with this. Considering all the options, a fresh start might be the best strategy for change.

(h/t Calgary Grit)

Air India 182

CBC will be airing the documentary Air India 182 this Sunday, June 22 at 9 p.m, which depicts the events surrounding the bombing of Air India Flight 182 that occurred June 23, 1985. The bombing was Canada's largest mass murder, resulting in the death of all 329 passengers, including 280 Canadians, and yet twenty-three years later, no one has been brought to justice. In addition to recounting the events that led to the bombing, the film provides a glimpse into home-grown Sikh extremism in Canada, which is still prevalent and active.

Be sure to check it out on Sunday, or catch the re-broadcast next Sunday (June 29) at 10 p.m. on CBC Newsworld. The documentary trailer is below:

Mountains Over Roses

The verdict is in. After a survey of over 34 000 residents, the Alberta government will release it's new provincial license plate, which will ditch the wild rose (the provincial flower) in favour of images of the Rocky Mountains. As a result of this, the province's license plate slogan might also change from "Wild Rose Country" to "Strong and Free," our provincial motto.

Personally, although I would like to maintain the wild rose, I don't have strong opposition to having mountains on the plate. But when it comes to the slogan, I am not sold on the "Strong and Free" motto. I don't see why we want to be so confrontational. Our slogan should be something that is inviting, yet is still Albertan in character.

Suggestions? What do you think the license plate slogan should be? Friends of mine have shared their views: Alberta - Endless Possibilities, Alberta - Your Potential Awaits, Alberta - Git R Done, and Alberta - We Got Oil. What do you think?

"Some ducks died and it's nationwide news, in the meantime, we're dying up here and it's not being recognized by the world"

"Some ducks died and it's nationwide news, in the meantime, we're dying up here and it's not being recognized by the world."

The dark side of our economic miracle, which most are happy to ignore.