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| NEW DAY, NEW WAY … too soon to know
Friday, October 7, 2022 – column #7143
Today we begin a new chapter in Alberta’s history.
A new premier – the newly elected leader of the UCP Party, was elected in a preferential ballot and will hold office until the next provincial election next May – or maybe longer. We’ll see …
The outcome of elections is always uncertain, and there will be a fierce fight between UCP and NDP in Alberta next spring.
Last night was a party victory party, of course – that always happens, and six ‘we are hurt and disappointed’ parties; I’ve been there, done that, and know what blow that is when you work so hard for so long, and someone else was the winner. Worse yet, if it’s someone you are diametrically opposed to working with …
Party politics – any party – brings out many people wanting to get in on the process. Some stay, some go. In my experience, regardless of how far right or left people’s principles vary, almost everyone wants to make some form of contribution and have a say, or at least speak to influencers who might have a say in how we are governed today or at some future point, and their genuineness is palpable. I’ve not been ‘in that fray’ for a long while, but I am glad it is that way. So many countries crave what we take somewhat for granted because we have a free press, free speech and a democratic, accountable government.
Sometimes they do a well-intentioned yet terrible job or try to be too clever for the public temperament – often planning in secret and being a bit devious. Still, I think some of the people, some of the time, are trying too hard to get their way, and they bend rules.
But, on balance, in Canadian provinces, things are pretty good.
The federal government, politically AND bureaucratically, needs work. I don’t believe they need a clean sweep; they aren’t all bad. Policies of parties swing like a public opinion survey – that’s not new, but when the system is clearly out of step, let’s fix the system!
Back to Alberta, we may have gone to bed last night not knowing, but we are waking to a new day – let’s all wish Premier Danielle Smith success in doing an excellent job for all Albertans for as long as she and her party hold office.
I am a party member – one who voted for Travis Toews, who finished second on the 7-horse race.
A provincial election in May will tell what happens then, so right now – depending on where you sit, you are either applauding or cringing – and markets, Albertans, and the rest of Canada will take note, not for what the Premier says, but for what things are like for Albertans of every age, stage and type of life they lead. Hopefully our pioneering and enterprising nature will prevail and we will prosper.
The governments that govern best do two things well; they regulate their citizens as little as possible by staying out of their way, and they take care of people who struggle to take care of themselves.
Turkey weekend is upon us, there is good weather still, and a lot of leaves are falling.
P.S.: farewell to Jason Kenny – if only he’d been as good a premier for us in previous years as he was in his last nine months – if he had, he’d probably still be in office …
Reader feedback:
THANK YOU to PIERRE, JON, SIMON and ROD
Mark, thank you for this column today. Resounding with, most likely many lives! Self Care, somewhat overused phrase, is imperative in our lives. I know when I lack sleep, am stressed and perhaps overwhelmed at what is on my plate, I do NOT function well. My reactions with others are not always guarded, many Step 10's! I find it difficult to prioritize and not get drawn in where I really don't need to go. R and R, as no doubt you are aware; can be as simple as, Starting your day over - set intention, meditation, boundaries, prayer, music, a walk. I never know when I teach and talk about Self Care if I make it resonate to my audience, but I do know it is truly an action of being Kind to Self. You inspire many!, KK, Calgary, AB
I surmised you must be more than busy. Glad you got some recoup time. I myself have been on forced recuperation. Today is the first day I have been able to type with more than one finger or a screen touch stylus. BTW - I have decided to get my commercial and property management license back. Going to start after the long weekend. Talk soon-ish-ly. Best Regards, SC, Chestermere, AB
GO TO YOUR TIME-OUT ROOM
Excellent!! War is wrong. All sides will be losers at the end, for what?, AG, Cancun, M
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