Are Politicians Working Hard for Their money ?

The reshuffled Alberta PCs under new premier Alison Redford  is  reconvening the Alberta legislature  for a whopping two days.  More to the point, in the current legislative year 2011. The Alberta legislature has had a grand total of 34 sitting days.Doing some quick math, that works out to be less than 10% of the current year. That poses the question , how can the government effectively be held to account when the Legislature only sits around 10 to 13% a year . 


To be fair, most provincial legislatures only have a maximum of three months of sitting days, In any given year. Far from being a bleeding heart liberal, if I was in Alberta , I would just want to see my politicians work a little harder for their money.

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Citizen Journalists As Second-Class Citizens

At least this is what could happen to  bloggers. If Québec culture minister Christine St.-Pierre gets her way. On Monday the minister. outlined regulations that would attempt to sanction the profession of journalism in Québec. Another round of regulation shouldn’t come as a surprise in La Belle province. More importantly, this raises the question.

From National Post

At the heart of the project is legislation that would define the “status of professional journalists.” The stated intention is to distinguish those dedicated to “serving the public interest” from “amateur bloggers.” Those admitted to the rank of professional journalist would enjoy unspecified “advantages or privileges,” such as “better access to government sources.”

Why does a government feel compelled to legislate, who can and cannot be a “real” journalist.  Just like the establishment media, citizen journalists have to build their list of contacts and credibility. What do you think about this very disturbing development in Québec. Let me know by voting in the poll .

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Another Newspaper Endorses the Conservatives

The Tories continue to rack up   endorsements from major media outlets. I would classify this as a tepid  endorsement but a endorsement nonetheless. As well check out the series of endorsements compiled by Dr. Roy.


From The Record.com 


The party best situated to do this is the Conservatives. They have ushered us though a bleak recession. They helped Ontario and British Columbia introduce a harmonized sales tax, which most economists agree is beneficial. The Conservatives efficiently and effectively implemented a stimulus program, even though they were prodded by the opposition to do this. And they have a credible plan for ending deficit spending and making key social programs sustainable.


Our economy is performing better than most other G8 nations, for which the Conservatives deserve some credit. Their corporate tax cuts — already approved by Parliament — are one measure that could potentially boost investment and job growth in this country and it is noteworthy that the Ontario Liberals are also cutting corporate tax rates.


But Canadians have to create a new Parliament with the political parties and parts they have been given. When we weigh all the options, we conclude that despite their abundant flaws, the Conservatives, with their experience and vision, would be best for this country.

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