Yes, I think you are right about Flannagan Jacks.
This article may be of interest to some:
http://www.edmontonjournal.com/opini...301/story.html
I think the energy dividends policy is almost entirely political and strategy (and I am aware I am being a bit cynical). It is almost exactly like the $1200 child care benefit. I wasn't a fan of that policy, but one thing I remember is the uproar it caused, particularly here in Western Canada (but also in Ontario) when a Federal Liberal insider made comments to the effect that Canadian would spend the benefit on "beer and pizza". An insensitive comment to be sure, but also made at the wrong time and in the wrong way.
The Fed-Cons ran with gaffe that to the maximum possible extent. Telling Canadians that the government can and should spend their money better than Canadians can was a hot button issue to many, particularly in the wake of the Ad-Scam. I think this policy has been invoked specifically so that WRA can benefit from a similar sentiment.