Sunday, December 01, 2019

Klein Redux


If you want to know where Alberta is headed, take a look at the speech Jason Kenney delivered to the United Conservative Party faithful in Calgary. Sarah Rieger reports:

Alberta is taking a gradual approach to balancing its budget while protecting programs that matter most, Premier Jason Kenney told delegates at the United Conservative Party's annual general meeting in Calgary on Saturday.
"Some of this will be controversial, some of it will invite protests, saw one today," Kenney told the hundreds of members assembled in Calgary. "But I'm reminded of what premier Ralph Klein used to say. 'If a day goes by and there's not a protest, I'm wondering what I'm doing wrong.'"
Outside the Westin Calgary Airport hotel hosting the convention, between 700 and 1,000 people marched, protesting cuts to public services and the looming loss of thousands of public sector jobs.
Klein, Alberta's late premier known for deep cuts of more than 20 per cent to public spending in the 1990s, was not just top of mind for Kenney but for protestors as well — with one sign reading "Ralph Klein, But Less Fun: UCP."

The party that wants to turn back the clock wants to return to the 1990's:

He outlined actions like repealing the province's carbon tax, appointing a red tape reduction minister and proclaiming the education act, with the audience chanting "promise made, promise kept" after every stated accomplishment.

None of this is surprising. But none of it is wise, either. And there he was -- introduced by Laureen Harper. If you thought Stephen Harper had disappeared, think again.

On Friday, Andrew Scheer addressed the faithful -- a sure sign that he still has not figured out why he lost the election.

Image: The Toronto Star

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

!?

The United Conservative Party faithful in Calgary: "promise made, promise kept"

Umm...
https://albertapolitics.ca/2019/11/groundhog-day-on-black-friday-with-5000-job-cuts-planned-perpetual-chaos-returns-to-health-care-in-alberta/

Groundhog Day on Black Friday! With 5,000 job cuts planned, perpetual chaos returns to health care in Alberta
Does anyone remember Jason Kenney’s “Public Health Guarantee”?

Back on Feb. 20 this year he affixed his signature to a large plastic sign that stated, “I Jason Kenney promise, if elected, that a United Conservative government will: maintain or increase health spending, maintain a universally accessible, publicly funded health care system….” Yadda-yadda.

A lot of Albertans, obviously, trusted him. Those of us who suggested that Mr. Kenney’s pledge might not be worth the coroplast it was written on were dismissed as alarmists.

John B. said...

Here's today's thought related to your final remarks from the CRAP Party's most ingratiating prince of smarm:

"I don't think Stephen Harper is interested in coming back. I think he's happily making money and writing books and giving commentary. … I think it's safe to say that he has no - is not supporting him [Scheer]."

- Kory Teneycke (1 Dec 19)

However happy the money and whatever he's doing now to get it, what Kory T. said should warrant attention because if they're honest dollars they'd be the first of that type that Mr. Here-for-Canada ever pursued. Though hardly likely there's a slim chance that's the case.

Owen Gray said...

It's frightening to see how easily people can be conned, 1?

Owen Gray said...

It's truly remarkable to see how Harper keeps rising from his grave, John.

e.a.f. said...

some of us are looking forward to the lay offs of health care workers in Alberta. B.C. has a shortage of them.

Kenny's an idiot. in the middle of an economic down turn he lays off thousands of people. Wonder how all those applauding Kenny's impending health care lay offs are going to feel if they can't get in for their surgeries due to a lack of nurses. Wonder how they'll feel if they can't get a bed pan because there aren't any care aids. Firing health care workers is simply a method of privitizing health care, just watch.

When all those health care workers are gone who will look after the sick, those in maturity wards, who will help the mentally ill, etc.

People get the government they deserve and vote for. what Alberta is going to get is a lot if pain and suffering, just check Ontario

Owen Gray said...

Alberta's loss will be B.C's gain, e.a.f. It has happened before. And it looks like it will happen again.