In this episode of The Discourse, Erika Barootes and Shannon Greer break down a busy week in Alberta politics, where the most talked-about moment didn’t come from the budget itself, but from a private plane.

They dig into the controversy around government travel and whether it’s a real issue or just political theatre, before turning to new legislation on medical assistance in dying (MAID) and the broader ethical and policy debates it’s set to ignite.

The conversation also looks at Alberta’s dual practice health-care model and why it’s drawing attention across the country, raising questions about capacity, fairness, and a potential doctor drain. Finally, they zoom out to the federal stage, where the NDP leadership race is less about a new leader and more about the party’s identity heading into 2026.

It’s a mix of optics, policy, and political positioning—and what actually matters to voters.