[kcantor]

A couple of takeaways being reported from last night's Alberta Next Panel town hall in Edmonton:

First - and the funniest - was our Premier saying in her introductory remarks, "when Edmonton speaks, we listen." They might well listen but they sure as $h!t don't pay any attention if they do.

Second - when criticized over the province's new expense disclosure policy, she said she was also confused by the policy. She said cabinet wanted to address the concerns of MLAs who didn't want the names of their favourite hotels disclosed publicly for safety reasons.

"That was what the policy was supposed to be," Smith said.

"It turned out to be something quite different. So we're going to see if we can maybe track down how that happened and do a reversal on that."

And if you believe that, you probably also believe that when Edmonton speaks, they really do listen.

 

[David A]

Smith is one of those politicians who is very good at talking, but I feel not so good at listening or caring about different ideas other than hers.

I feel the Town Halls were only set up to sell her or the UCP's ideas, or just get positive feedback to justify them. So it seems to go sideways when she is challenged.

Interesting comment on the expense reports policy though. I don't really buy her story either, but they may have been getting enough heat on this to hopefully reverse it.

 

[Glenco]

Judging by the clips I saw on the news there was a lot of animosity in the room from both sides. Not a good look for the UCP.

 

[policyenthusiast]

The UCP has reversed their decision to exempt the Premier and Cabinet from disclosing expenses over $100.

 

[David A]

The UCP has reversed their decision to exempt the Premier and Cabinet from disclosing expenses over $100.

Probably really not a good time to have expenses go unchecked while the large provincial deficit goes up even more.

I feel Smith and the UCP's unearned reputation for financial management from when oil prices were fairly high may start to disappear very soon.

Varcoe: 'Terrible' oil prices could create a budget crunch for Alberta, Premier Danielle Smith warns

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith says 'terrible' oil prices could lead to a difficult budget year for the province.

edmontonjournal.com

 

[Gronk!]

Sean Feucht to play in Edmonton after permits denied across Canada for security concerns

American singer Sean Feucht is scheduled to play at the Alberta legislature Friday night after several of his Canadian shows were cancelled due to permit denials citing security concerns.

www.ctvnews.ca

 

[MacLac]

Sounds like the Thirsty B!tch is laying the ground work to not build anything for the next few years as per her “capital spending will be cut….” But she can pander to her Flat Earthers Society with more funding for the Sundre museum……of course…..gotta keep Sundre on the up and up with their cultural facilities….

 

[Glenco]

The Cons always get it the wrong way round. Cut back on spending when the economy is doing well and spend when it is not. They never learn

 

[The_Cat]

There’s too much short-term thinking. Does the UCP still think Edmonton and Calgary are small cities of 700,000 people?

 

[trevorhayden]

Yes they do. And both cities, especially Cowtown, prove her right every.single.time.

 

[David A]

There’s too much short-term thinking. Does the UCP still think Edmonton and Calgary are small cities of 700,000 people?

I'm not sure if population is the best criteria to differentiate between big and small. Some big cities feel smaller and some small cities feel bigger. Although I do feel the UPC thinking small.

Also, I feel both Edmonton and Calgary are at an awkward size where a lot of the growth is still in the suburban areas and not as much in the cores. Like Vancouver or Toronto in the 1970's.

 

[David A]

I realize our Premier is not easily embarrassed even when she should be, but this must be more than a tad embarrassing

Albertans can get a free COVID-19 shot in B.C.​

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6876023

 

[Whattagame]

I realize our Premier is not easily embarrassed even when she should be, but this must be more than a tad embarrassing

Albertans can get a free COVID-19 shot in B.C.​

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.6876023

It's embarrassing for all Albertans.

 

[ChazYEG]

It's embarrassing for all Albertans.

Her government is an embarrassment to mankind

 

[trevorhayden]

She probably thinks it's great because someone else pays the cost and she doesn't have to address the issue now.