West of Centre

Several conservative big thinkers believe they know and they’ve laid out their ideas in a new book called, “Moment of Truth: How to Think About Alberta’s Future.” Those familiar with the province’s Fair Deal Panel, or the “firewall letter” from the early 2000s, demanding Alberta exercise its constitutional powers, will have a sense of their thesis. Guest host Jim Brown breaks it down with co-editor and co-author Jack Mintz. Then three thoughtful Albertans weigh in: Dave Yager, author and energy analyst, Melissa Caouette of The Canadian Strategy Group and freelance journalist Max Fawcett.

The Liberal government has doubled down on its promise to meet Canada’s Paris agreement commitments. Jonathan Wilkinson, minister of Environment and Climate Change is vowing to exceed those 2030 climate goals. But at what cost to places like Alberta and the oil and gas industry? The minister joins Kathleen Petty to talk about what role oil and gas and the West will play in the greening of the Canadian economy. Afterwards, economist Jennifer Winter of the University of Calgary and political scientist Duane Bratt of Mount Royal University weigh in. This episode was recorded on Thursday, October 1, 2020, before the news of Suncor Energy layoffs.

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney says the policies in the federal throne speech threaten global investment and invade provincial jurisdiction. Scott Moe, his ally next door is in lock step, and about to go to the polls for the first time as leader of the Saskatchewan Party. How much of the tension is politics, and how much is real? Kathleen Petty digs in with Macleans correspondent Jason Markusoff, Globe and Mail energy reporter Emma Graney and Regina Leader-Post columnist Murray Mandryk.

When the UCP swept into power in Alberta Jason Kenney said the silent majority had spoken. A year-and-a-half later polls show the silent majority has soured on his government. Whether it’s his handling of the economy, jobs and education during the pandemic, or the ongoing dispute with doctors, Kenney is pushing ahead with his agenda and pushing down his popularity. Add in the potential impact of the federal government’s throne speech on Alberta. Kathleen Petty looks at Kenney’s plight with political watchers Kelly Cryderman and Graham Thomson, and political scientist Duane Bratt.

The hits keep coming to the oil and gas industry in western Canada whether it’s price, demand or market access. For those hanging in, the future is uncertain. Opinions vary on what the government’s role should be and the impact a so-called green recovery could have. Kathleen Petty looks at the current state of the industry and what to expect in the short term with two people who know it well: Rory Johnston, commodity economist and managing director at Price Street, and Peter Tertzakian, deputy director of ARC Energy research institute.

Drew Barnes might not be a household name but the Alberta MLA is quite public about breaking with his UCP caucus and premier on a range of issues. From pushing for an expedited equalization referendum to arguing that Alberta would be LESS landlocked as an independent entity, Barnes goes his own way. Kathleen Petty talks to the rogue MLA.Then it’s a return engagement with political watchers Duane Bratt, Kelly Cryderman and Graham Thomson as they assess whether Barnes has allies in caucus and how that plays into Jason Kenney’s agenda as the premier navigates rough and uncharted waters.

Premier Jason Kenney warned the numbers would be ugly and they are. The latest fiscal update shows Alberta is farther in the hole than at any time in its history. How the province digs itself out is anything but clear. Meanwhile, the candidate Kenney endorsed for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada has emerged the winner. What will Erin O’Toole’s succession to the top job mean for Alberta’s future in Canada? On this week’s West of Centre, Kathleen Petty talks with political watchers and columnists, Kelly Cryderman, Graham Thomson and Duane Bratt.

Interim Wexit Canada party leader Jay Hill says he knows. The veteran Reform and Conservative Party MP is leading a political movement to separate western provinces from Canada. And the next CPC leader and/or prime minister will have to deal with it. Kathleen Petty talks to Stephen Harper’s former House leader about why he’s giving up on the country, but voting in the CPC leadership contest. Pollsters Shachi Kurl of the Angus Reid Institute and Janet Brown of Janet Brown Opinion Research offer their analysis of what’s at stake.

The "pandemic bump" has flattened for the federal Liberals. The next leader of the Conservative Party will try and take full advantage. As the party gets ready to choose its new leader this month three Conservative insiders assess the race, the candidates, the stakes and the prospects for a federal election. Kathleen Petty talks with Dennis Matthews of Enterprise Canada, Jenni Byrne of Jenni Byrne and Associates and Ken Boessenkool, research fellow at the CD Howe Institute.

Owning the narrative or just getting owned? If you rely on social media for your political news, you’d conclude it’s all out war among partisans. Is anyone being persuaded to consider the other’s point of view? At a time of difficult and contentious issues from kick starting the economy, making peace with Alberta doctors during a pandemic to getting kids back to school safely, the divide seems wider than ever. Kathleen Petty talks to two strategists, skilled in the art of political communication - Corey Hogan and Melissa Caouette about how to cut through the noise, get your message out, and why it often doesn’t work.