The UCP Government at the 1/8 Pole

So we have just passed the 6 month mark of far-right government here in Wild Rose Country.  A majority number of Albertans elected a self-proclaimed superhero as premier.  (Should his costume, incorporating a blue sweater of course, read K-Man or J-Boy?  We shall use both to cover our bases).

How are things working out so far?  Well, in no particular order, a small sampling:

• the UCP government wants to resurrect the unworkable Firewall Letter.  Including an Alberta Provincial Police.  The only part to look forward from this part of the boondoggle is the opportunity to refer to the new police force as Kenney's Keystone Kops.  (The Ontario Provincial Police shoulder patches read O. P. P.  Alberta's could read K. K. K.).  I expect J-Boy wouldn't mind that so long as his KKK proves inept at investigating illegal campaign tactics and financing.
• An increased deficit with reduced services.  The New Conservatism economic expertise strikes again.  Then again, K-Man's economics mentor was Super Steve.
• For the former head of the Canadian Taxpayer's Federation, J-Boy is pretty adept at wanton spending of public money.  A total of $51,000 spent on travel in private jets and first class airfares and posh accommodations for Kenney's buddy.  And that is just what has been uncovered so far.  Who among us could ever have suspected hypocrisy was one of K-Man's superpowers?
• Further to good governance issues, they created a the Alberta Inquisition under a private, rather than a Crown corporation, to avoid FOIA inquiries.  $30 Million with no effective oversight.  What could possibly go wrong?
• People are just beginning to realize the impacts of the politically delayed budget.  Should Calgary cancel the Green Line, the new arena or both?

To be fair they have proven their competence in a number of areas:

• The unconstitutionality of a number of proposed laws and edicts will create a lot of lawyerly employment
• The introduction of back-door anti-abortion legislation ("Conscience Rights") was particularly well handled, if transparent.

From afar, it might seem pretty bleak for Progressives in Alberta and, by extension, Canada.  But take heart.  Doug Ford's popularity fell hard once Ontarians realized how bad the current Progressive Conservative policies are.  J-Boy has further to fall.  Honeymoons end.  K-Man is a great campaigner but a poor manager.  And the train wrecks will continue to pile up.

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