Give Ben Harper’s old man his due: he got his son a better first job in Alberta than the elder Mr. Harper’s pop got him. Readers with functioning short-term memories will recall that not so long ago much was made of the fact Stephen Harper’s father got the former Conservative
Continue readingTag: Laureen Harper
Alberta Politics: From us to WE: The Dickensian ‘Big Society’ seems to be back again, if it ever left
Who can forget the “Big Society”? Just about everyone, it turns out. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (Photo: Justin Trudeau/Flickr). “The Big Society,” cooked up by a senior aide to former British Conservative Prime Minister David Cameron, was the ridiculous idea neoliberal governments could shuffle off their key responsibility for assuring
Continue readingSusan on the Soapbox: Tactical Politics … What?
Not a week goes by without Jason Kenney saying something stupid, being called on it, and then saying something even more stupid in a failed attempt to silence his critics. This week’s clunker came in response to a question about Mr Kenney’s progress in attracting female candidates to run for
Continue readingdaveberta.ca – Alberta Politics: When it comes to Sandra Jansen, it’s a grudge match for the UCP
It was supposed to be an event highlighting an effort to recruit more conservative women into politics in Alberta, but it was overshadowed by the news that former Prime Minister Stephen Harper plans to personally campaign against New Democratic Party MLA Sandra Jansen in the next provincial election. Laureen Harper
Continue readingAlberta Politics: I come to bury Castro, not to praise him: unpacking conservative fury at PM Justin Trudeau’s condolences
PHOTOS: Fidel Castrol in his heyday. Mr. Castro died Friday at 90. Below: An affectionate Havana scene … “Viva Fidel por siempre;” Margaret Trudeau, Mr. Castro and Pierre Trudeau in 1976; King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia, who died at 90 last year; Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Before I start, let’s
Continue readingMontreal Simon: Laureen Harper and the Batty Leader of Parliament Hill
When I saw all those bats flapping around over Parliament Hill the other night, I wondered where they were coming from.And because of the ghastly things they were squeaking, and the foul smell of their droppings, I naturally assumed they must be coming from the Harper PMO.But now the horrifying
Continue readingMontreal Simon: Stephen Harper’s Image Problem and the Con’s Secret Weapon
Well as you can imagine, Stephen Harper is having a little trouble with his image these days.He can't pose as a Great Economist Leader anymore, not with the disastrous state of the economy.And although he is still trying to portray himself as a Great Strong Leader, as I pointed yesterday. He knows
Continue readingAlberta Diary: The PM’s Christmas Message reimagined: What are Canadians willing to do about our most dangerous Arctic enemy?
The so-called Santa Claus, a militant socialist leader who poses a serious threat to Canada’s national security, lights up a cheap Russian cigarette and relaxes after persuading a group of Canadian children unschooled in Austrian economics to give up the benefits of the free market for socialist dependency on government
Continue readingdaveberta.ca - Alberta politics: A federal by-election in Cowboy Country
TweetEarlier this week, I wrote about the interesting by-election in Fort McMurray-Athabasca, today I look at the other federal by-election in Alberta that will take place on June 30, 2014. Situated on the eastern slopes of of the Rocky Mountains, the Conservative machine appears strong in southern Alberta’s Macleod riding. Although growth
Continue readingAlberta Diary: Why underage drinking at 24 Sussex Drive is no joke for the Harper Government
Awwwww, everybody drinks to much, just like the National Post says! Fuggedaboudit. Look at these young guys, partying it up at 24 Sussex Drive! Below: Ben Harper in 2010. VICTORIA, B.C. The National Post wants Canadians to smarten up and pay attention: Everybody drinks too much, OK? Even our reporters!
Continue readingMontreal Simon: Preston Manning and the Disastrous Con Conclave
As you probably know the Preston Manning is holding a big Con Conclave in Ottawa, and it's not just the hookers who are quivering with excitement. So are the pundits and poobahs.Because it's the BIG EVENT !!! Given the potential for spirited and substantial political debate, is it any wonder that
Continue readingBigCityLib Strikes Back: Stephen Harper’s Mother Day Greeting: The Secret First Draft
You’ve probably heard about this. Yesterday Stephen Harper asked Canada to wish Laureen Harper, his wife and the mother of his two kids, a happy Mother’s Day. Many people noted oddity of the little episode. Through my secret sources, I have gotten hold of a first draft of Harper’s letter,
Continue readingAlberta Diary: What’s with Laureen Harper’s stock portfolio selloff? Fiscal Götterdämmerung? Or what?
Laureen Harper tuning up her pipes for the fiscal Götterdämmerung? Canadian political spouses may not be exactly as illustrated. Below: The real Mrs. Harper; the unreal Mr. Harper, long rumoured to be in the doghouse. Terribly rude of me to ask, I know. Positively un-Canadian! But what’s with Laureen Harper’s
Continue readingAlberta Diary: Harper Tories cry havoc and let slip the wars of dogs!
Meow! Prime Minister Stephen and Patron of the War Animals Laureen Harper with their Military Intelligence advisor “Trinity.” Below: the GRU and CSIS lapel pins. Note the similarity of design. Coincidence? I think not! A Royal Canadian animal hat: Here be Dragoons. And below that: Modern elephant-mounted light artillery …
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