Swann Jumps In

With David Swann announcing his intentions to run for the Alberta Liberal Leadership earlier this week, it raises the number of contenders for arguably the most difficult job in Canadian politics to three (Dave Taylor and Mo Elsalhy). I must admit however that I am a bit disappointed with David Swann’s decision. Although I think he has sufficient qualifications to run for the position, believe in some of his ideas (NAME CHANGE), and feel that he would make a decent leader, I’m disappointed in that as a result of entering the contest his other campaign to revitalize democracy in Alberta at the grassroots into a new large tent political party will be abandoned. I enjoyed these meetings and the idea of a new political movement that would unite all those in opposition to the current political hegemony was an attractive one, if not the most viable. But I don’t think he can legitimately continue those discussions at the same time as contesting the Alberta Liberal Leadership. So, it’s a bit unfortunate and disappointing. But regardless of that, I wish David all the best in his endeavors.

Kree Yate on Pete Tong

Congratulations to Kree Yate, a local up-and-coming electronica DJ/musician, who was featured on legendary British DJ Pete Tong's web show. Kree Yate's song, "When You Are Alone", beat out artists from around the world to be featured on the show and to have the song released on a forthcoming Pete Tong album. Check out Kree Yate on Pete Tong below (plays at the 11:30 mark), or go to his website to listen to the song, and others, in their entirety.


Pete Tong's Fast Trax 11.07.08 from Pete Tong's Fast Trax on Vimeo.

Thoughts on Keepers of the Water

(image h/t AGRODT)

Last weekend’s Keepers of the Water: Water is Boss conference in Fort Chipewyan was a huge success in raising awareness to the dire situation within the aboriginal community and the frustration non-industry/governmental stakeholders have had with the provincial government's oil sands consultation process.

The plight of the Fort Chipewyan Cree (background), and other Northern Alberta Aboriginal groups, in dealing with the environmental and health problems resulting from unfettered, industry regulated oil sands development and processing has, for some reason, not yet penetrated the psyche of average Albertans. The medias significant coverage of the conference, along with an ongoing ‘comprehensive’ review of cancer rates expected to be released in the fall, will hopefully help change public perception into the pace of development and the governments general disregard to the environmental and health costs of such policy. Ultimately, as we have bore witness to the Progressive Conservative’s own unwillingness to deal with these issues, it rests on our collective action for change to come.

Another significant development during the conference was the Pembina Institute, the Toxics Watch Society of Alberta and the Fort McMurray Environmental Association pulling out of the provincial oil sands advisory committee, the Cumulative Environmental Management Association (CEMA). The three prominent environmental organizations abandoned the CEMA, a year after key aboriginal stakeholders walked away from the organization, citing reasons of the committee being dominated by industry and ineffective in addressing concerns of all stakeholders. This was major blow to the CEMA and to the Alberta government, which claims to make oil sands decisions on the input of all stakeholders and not just industry. With major aboriginal and environmental groups withdrawing from the consultation process, the claim is much more difficult to make.

It Was My First Time...

... at the Edmonton Folk Festival this weekend. I had an amazing time. Big up to all the organizers, performers and people who came out. Can't wait for next year.

Beijing Olympics

By all accounts, the Beijing Summer Olympics opening ceremony was a smashing success. These Olympic Games, despite opening today, have already been marred in controversy with criticism of China’s handling of Tibet, to broader condemnation of its human rights record, press censorship, and being accessory to genocide. Even fellow Alberta bloggers have weighed in and vowed to boycott the games.



Although I share and recognize the legitimacy of the criticisms of the Chinese Government’s actions and policies, I however disagree with using the Olympics as a venue to attack China. I consider these Olympics as paying homage to the Chinese people, a people with a rich and vibrant culture, who are on the brink of a great future. To me, there is a difference between the Chinese Government and the Chinese people. Let’s focus on celebrating the perseverance, success and beauty of the Chinese people and culture now. After the games we can go back and engage the Chinese Government in regards to its policies concerning human rights, press censorship, Tibet, and Darfur.

Edmonton Transit

Great news for Edmonton Transit.

Credit to Ed

A significant amount of material on this blog criticizes Premier Ed Stelmach and his Progressive Conservative Party, but today I have to give him credit for changes made to the provinces provincial appointment process. Nearly a year ago, the Edmonton Journal compared the membership of the top 100 provincial boards with the Progressive Conservative Party's member lists and found a staggering 46% of provincial government appointees holding Progressive Conservative memberships. A blatant example of political patronage, even according to the governments own report on the governance of Alberta's own agencies, boards and commissions. Today, another Edmonton Journal appointment review revealed that of Ed Stelmach's last 281 appointments, only 23% were Progressive Conservative Party members.

The statistic shows a significant decrease in partisan political appointments, which should be recognized and applauded, but should also keep us vigilant in pressuring the provincial government in continuing to alter the current political climate of patronage and corruption. Provincial appointees should comprise of the best and brightest in Alberta, not of cronyism and partisanship (it's ludicrous to argue that the best of Alberta is represented in the Progressive Conservative Party and that accounts for the significant discrepancy in provincial appointments). A quarter is still a significant number. So, until the Province consistently uses a “transparent, non-partisan and competence-based appointment process,” I hope the media in Alberta continues these public reviews of provincial appointees.