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Alberta Premier Calls for Trudeau to Bench Environment Minister Guilbeault Amidst Ideological Clash
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is urging Prime Minister Trudeau to remove Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault from his position, citing ideological differences and a lack of collaboration. Smith expressed frustration with Guilbeault's policies, accusing him of displaying contempt for the province's resource sector and implementing impractical measures. The call for Guilbeault's removal comes after he threatened legal actions against Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe for resisting carbon tax remittance. Smith, standing in solidarity with Moe, criticized Guilbeault's hypocrisy and questioned his suitability for the role. Despite her disagreement with Guilbeault, Smith acknowledged positive collaborations with other members of Trudeau's cabinet, particularly praising Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Industry Minister Francois Phillipe Champagne for their contributions to projects like the Trans Mountain pipeline and Dow Chemical initiatives.
Calgary Mayor Faces Recall Push: Supporters Defend Against 'Attack on Democracy
Supporters of Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek defend her against a petition calling for her removal, labeling it an attack on democracy. Premier Danielle Smith advocates for easier recall mechanisms for politicians who deviate from voter expectations between elections. Gondek's backers criticize the petition, asserting it defies democratic principles and undermines the majority's choice. The recall process, led by Landon Johnston, gathers momentum with 700 volunteers, aiming for around 100,000 signatures. Critics argue Gondek's policies, not personal attacks, fuel the recall effort, emphasizing the importance of democracy in action.
Nenshi Faces Criticism Over Rumored Alberta NDP Leadership Bid and Party Ties
Former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi is facing criticism for his potential bid in the Alberta NDP leadership race due to his perceived lack of ties to the party. Although not officially declared, rumors suggest Nenshi might announce his candidacy soon. Calgary-Mountain View MLA Kathleen Ganley criticizes Nenshi's past endorsement as "tepid," questioning his commitment to the party. Ganley's comments receive mixed reactions on social media, with some defending Nenshi. Other NDP candidates, Sarah Hoffman and Rakhi Pancholi, express welcome for Nenshi's rumored candidacy, while political analysts highlight the challenge of Nenshi's outsider status and his need to navigate the partisan nature of provincial politics. The deadline for candidates to enter the leadership race is March 15, with the voting scheduled for June 3 to June 22.
AFL President Gil McGowan Joins Alberta NDP Leadership Race Amid COVID-19 Setback
Gil McGowan, the longtime president of the Alberta Federation of Labour (AFL), has officially entered the Alberta New Democratic Party (NDP) leadership race. Despite testing positive for COVID-19, McGowan plans to launch his campaign next week, with events in Calgary and Edmonton. He aims to collect the required 50 nomination signatures from party members by the March 15 deadline. McGowan, who intends to remain AFL president during the campaign, refutes accusations from the United Conservative Party (UCP) that union dues will fund his campaign, asserting compliance with Alberta election finance rules. He becomes the fifth candidate in the NDP leadership race, joining MLAs Jodi Calahoo Stonehouse, Kathleen Ganley, Sarah Hoffman, and Rakhi Pancholi. The deadline for candidates is March 15, and voting will occur on June 22, with results announced the same day.
Nenshi's Potential Entry Into Alberta NDP Leadership Race Raises Concerns and Risks
The article speculates on the potential entry of former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi into the Alberta NDP leadership race, suggesting that conservatives view him and labor activist Gil McGowan as ideal opponents. While Nenshi is perceived as smart and polarizing, the article points out vulnerabilities such as perceived oversensitivity to criticism, a tendency for niche initiatives, and a potential disconnect with rural and suburban voters. The timing of Nenshi's decision-making process is criticized for creating a perception of expecting a coronation. The article emphasizes the risks for the NDP in choosing a leader easily caricatured by opponents and questions Nenshi's ability to build a voter coalition beyond urban centers.
Alberta Premier Raises Concerns Over Opioid Diversion from B.C. Safe Supply, B.C. Premier Addresses Risks and Collaboration
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith raises concerns about the diversion of safe supply opioids from B.C., citing a seizure by Prince George RCMP. B.C. Premier David Eby downplays the concerns, stating that the majority of drugs seized were not from the safe supply program. While acknowledging the seriousness of diversion, Eby emphasizes the efforts to minimize risks and calls for collaboration between medical professionals and police to address any gaps in the process. Smith expresses worry about the trafficking of diverted safe supply drugs to Alberta and calls for an emergency meeting to address the issue nationally.
Canadian Government Trims Planned Liquor Tax Hike Amid Industry Pushback, Boosting Support for Craft Breweries
The Canadian government has reduced the planned April 1 increase in federal liquor taxes, originally set at 4.7%, to 2% after facing resistance from the beer, wine, and liquor industry. The move aims to support businesses, particularly craft breweries, by allowing them to spend less on duties and more on growing and innovating their small enterprises. The government has also cut the excise tax for breweries on the first 15,000 hectolitres of beer brewed in Canada, providing additional tax relief for the craft brewing sector.
AI-Powered Workplace Surveillance Raises Privacy Concerns in Canada as Laws Struggle to Keep Pace
The explosive growth of artificial intelligence is turbocharging employee surveillance technology, raising concerns about privacy and ethical considerations. Canada's laws are struggling to keep up with the deployment of AI-powered monitoring systems in the workplace. These technologies include location tracking, screen capture, mood detection, and automated hiring processes. Experts warn that AI is making autonomous decisions about hiring, retention, and discipline, with little transparency or protection for workers. While some argue that AI can have positive applications, such as career guidance, others emphasize the need for comprehensive legislation to safeguard employee rights in the age of AI.
Exploring the Wired Brain: Unraveling Sex-Based Differences in Neural Circuits and Behavior
Driven by advancements in molecular tools, researchers like Nirao Shah are delving into the intricate world of sex-based differences in the brain. Contrary to earlier beliefs, emerging evidence from neuroscience suggests inherent disparities in how men's and women's brains are wired. Hormonal influences, genetic variations, and sex chromosome disparities contribute to unique neural structures, leading to subtle cognitive and behavioral differences. The ongoing research aims to unravel the complex interplay of biology and culture, offering insights into conditions like autism, alcoholism, and mental health disorders.
Affordable Housing Program Faces Outrage Amid Allegations of Abuse and Misrepresentation
Outrage has surged across British Columbia as revelations unfold about the abuse of a government program aimed at providing affordable housing to middle-income families. Over a dozen individuals, including a real estate agent, are accused of manipulating the system to secure below-market-price units in a Victoria condominium building. B.C. Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon termed the situation "outrageous" but emphasized it as evidence of the audit system's effectiveness. Critics, including finance critic Peter Milobar, demand accountability from Premier David Eby, who was housing minister during the project's completion. The scandal has prompted calls for criminal prosecutions, highlighting the need for robust enforcement of laws governing affordable housing initiatives. The regulatory body overseeing real estate is reviewing the allegations against the implicated real estate agent, adding another layer of scrutiny to the unfolding controversy.
I’m glad Ms. Smith recognizes Guilbealt’s contempt for energy resources and how she is able to work with more levelheaded Liberal members! She isn’t the problem in my opinion. The LPC needs to contain nutball Stevie G! The LPC/NDP are not favourites in the polls!!
Yes she is so right.Guilbealt must go.All province’s should demand his removal. He makes a better criminal than a politician.