Alberta Politics & Government Thread 3.0

[mogg]

It’s insane to me that we’ve accepted owning a $50k machine, which costs thousands a year more to fuel, insure and maintain and is stressful as all hell to operate, as a prerequisite to full participation in our society. I’ve lived in places where you don’t need them and it was bliss.

[KelVarnsen]

I got rid of my car 5 years ago. I don't miss it at all.

[direwolf]

Originally Posted by KelVarnsen

I got rid of my car 5 years ago. I don't miss it at all.

My last car died about 3 years ago and I’ve gone without a vehicle since then. Vancouver is pretty easy to get around via transit, and I’ve gotten used to it now. I still miss the convenience of having a car sometimes, but it’s amazing how much money I’ve saved. So for me it’s been well worth it.

[KelVarnsen]

Originally Posted by direwolf

My last car died about 3 years ago and I’ve gone without a vehicle since then. Vancouver is pretty easy to get around via transit, and I’ve gotten used to it now. I still miss the convenience of having a car sometimes, but it’s amazing how much money I’ve saved. So for me it’s been well worth it.

I sometimes miss having a car when I need cat litter

[Locke]

Not I. They'll have to pry my car out of my cold, dead hands. Its just too convenient to have a car.

[Duruss]

I gave up driving due to eyesight in 2021, that truly killed my career as I can't get to work sights like needed.

Also plays a bi role in why I have zero patience for people who still complain about covid. My freedom of movement never came back, and it's not that bad, bloody whiners.

[mogg]

Originally Posted by Locke

Not I. They'll have to pry my car out of my cold, dead hands. Its just too convenient to have a car.

It’s convenient when you have optimized a place for drivers at everyone else’s expense. This is the problem.

[Brendone]

Originally Posted by mogg

It’s insane to me that we’ve accepted owning a $50k machine, which costs thousands a year more to fuel, insure and maintain and is stressful as all hell to operate, as a prerequisite to full participation in our society. I’ve lived in places where you don’t need them and it was bliss.

I don’t get how operating a vehicle is stressful as hell?

[Fuzz]

Well first you put the blindfold on...

[mogg]

Originally Posted by Brendone

I don’t get how operating a vehicle is stressful as hell?

You’re familiar with “road rage,” no?

Here I did an AI thing for you:

In "Happy City," Charles Montgomery cites several specific academic studies and articles related to the health effects of driving and stress. Here are some of the key references he includes:

1. **Cortisol and Commuting**:
- **"The Relationship Between Commuting and Health: A Review of the Literature"** - This type of study often examines how commuting impacts stress levels and health outcomes.

2. **Psychological Studies**:
- **"Stress and the City: The Role of Urban Design in Mental Health"** - Research that links urban design to mental health outcomes, often discussing cortisol levels in relation to commuting.

3. **Public Health Research**:
- **"Long Commutes and Health: A Review of the Evidence"** - Studies that explore the correlation between long commuting times and various health issues, including stress and anxiety.

4. **Urban Planning Studies**:
- **"The Impact of Urban Form on Commuting Behavior"** - Research that discusses how urban design influences commuting patterns and associated stress levels.

[troutman]

Riding a moody horse is stressful.

[btimbit]

Originally Posted by Brendone

I don’t get how operating a vehicle is stressful as hell?

I love it. Nice and relaxing

[Fuzz]

The Alberta government says it is considering letting oil companies inject wastewater deep underground as a way to manage the toxic tailings that are accumulating in the oilsands.

The idea is one of five policy recommendations being put forward by a government-appointed committee tasked with studying potential tailings management options.

“We need to start finding a path to more effectively manage oilsands mine water and tailing ponds," Schulz said.

"Doing nothing while mine water continues accumulating is not a sustainable approach.”

https://www.thecanadianpressnews.ca/...5bb43c0e0.html

I think we should demand a new pipeline to tidewater so we can finally have a solution to the pollution, with dilution. And what bigger dilution tank exists than the ocean? If Carney can't make that happen we should separate.

[Julio]

Here is an 'interesting' event, at the end of the month. Forums like "The illusion of authority, what gives government the right"
https://bitcoinrodeo.com/?aff=ebpred...LBRgdz2ikSS_vQ

[Muta]

I look forward to the day when I don't need to own a vehicle. Walking and biking everywhere sounds infinitely more refreshing and healthy, better for my carbon footprint, and of course, much cheaper.

[DownInFlames]

Originally Posted by btimbit

I love it. Nice and relaxing

The actual operation is enjoyable but the unpredictability of our fellow drivers is quite annoying.

[TorqueDog]

Originally Posted by Brendone

I don’t get how operating a vehicle is stressful as hell?

Must be a struggler.

[DownInFlames]

Originally Posted by btimbit

I love it. Nice and relaxing

Originally Posted by Julio

Here is an 'interesting' event, at the end of the month. Forums like "The illusion of authority, what gives government the right"
https://bitcoinrodeo.com/?aff=ebpred...LBRgdz2ikSS_vQ

Derek Fildebrandt, Tamara Lich and some guy with a shotgun in a hot tub? I’m in

[Harry Lime]

I had trouble linking this, so I took it cut and paste from Kevin Van Teigan. The whole letter is a very good breakdown of the situation, but I'd recommend even if you don't want to read the whole thing, read the first few paragraphs about government corruption. Really greasy stuff.

The mayor of Nanton, Jennifer Handley, is someone whom I've come to respect a great deal. She was at the UCP coal open house in Fort Macleod earlier this week and, on a subsequent Facebook post, lamented the lack of decorum. She had a point -- civil dialogue is always best, and it's how she conducts public business -- but it was clear from the start that not only did the Ministers want heckling, Brian Jean deliberately provoked it. I imagine the plan was to make those who oppose coal look like radicals, rather than what we are: angry citizens fed up with deceit and boardroom elitism.

One of the responses to Jen's post, from a rural southern Albertan, hits the nail on the head in language that clearly shows the frustration and anger so many of us feel with this government's continued refusal to listen to its own citizens while instead pandering to foreign billionaires. I haven't fact-checked it but I think it's important for how it says what it says. [to be clear: what follows is NOT the Mayor's original post, but a response to it.]

I've copied Good Acres' comment here, in case you want to share it too:

-----

What a win for democracy last night was! Was it an "effective way to engage politically?" Mmm certainly not civil, but this govt has shown no interest in effective engagement. I see last night through a different lense entirely and respectfully offer this alternate view.

Firstly, let's lay blame where it is due, some notes on Blaming the Victim: it was this Conservative party that unilaterally removed the coal policy 5 years ago with zero public engagement. Only thru FOIP in 2020 that we learned this same conservative party had promised unfettered coal development on our eastern slopes to australian coal companies, in exchange for hefty party donations. They brokered the deal before they were even elected.

This Dec 2024 this Conservative party unanimously passed a Bill banning Albertans access to Freedom of Information along with erasing limits on corporate party donations and the requirement to disclose which corporations, perhaps even foreign ones are buying the party. Considering Danielle's daliance with Trump and Elon and the perpetual hunt for rare earth minerals for the tech giants, this leaves albertans and our resources dangling for dangerous interference. Imo.

This party has nothing but a long and well documented history of keeping Albertans unaware. So much so they have now erased the laws that protected our access to the truth. The "tone" has been set by this provincial govt. Full stop. Any threats of albertans "owing" foreign owned coal companies 14 billion because of failure to fulfull a business deal is 100% the personal responsibility of the party members who brokered that deal before Albertans had a clue it was coming.

- it's doesn't stand a chance in courts and Danielle knows this, though she used it to batter the crowd. Brian jean with no training in his file tells us selenium can be contained. Its never been done, ask Tech Coal who isn't even in business anymore after their $ 750 million Fail and any hydrology contamination expert. Who were presnt and did speak. They said no open pit coal last night, yet they failed to mention that this does not apply to "freehold mines" Grassy/northback is freehold. They say its gonna be underground access only- the very mine engineer of 50 yrs who stood and spoke stated the seam is not worth it. "#### coal" he said.

THIS is one of the many reasons the Alberta regulator has already denied the developement, twice! They kept bringing up the referendum results in crowsnest, where only permanent residents could vote, no commercial businesses, part time home owners or anyonen who's work is in the area ( recreation, hunting, film outfits etc) and which is Non Binding to claim the "majority" chose coal, as if it were a fullsome effort. Not to mention a number of federally protected species that face collapse if toxity rises. Albertans Will face fines however, when this prov govt sends contaminated water to our interprovincial and international water partners . At 92$ a tonnes, no company will underground mine, it's not worth it. The largely.seniors and land owners booing the panel know this and we're rightfully expressing their extreme discontent, clearly.

People yell when they don't feel heard.

The point is the WATER, the 1000 year hydrologic study of southern Alberta presented by the Old Man Watershed Council clearly indicates that the last 150 years in S Alberta have been exceptionally wet. All references to living memory of water cycles here and All current provinical water allocations are based on a blip in extra water that we could see disappear into an extended drought of 40 years or more based on the extreme highs and lows of this area. Despite these facts, the party is not only Not preparing us for drought resilience they are promising more water and courting the interests of their foreign billionaire corporate party donors. Full stop. Water intesive developements which, is already in critically damaged water course- see this weeks health advisory listed for Crowsnest due to selenium contamination .
This set the tone.

I was so moved ( and shaken) by the raw anger in the crowd last night, moved because I felt not alone in my outrage. Proud that ppl were speaking out against the perpetrator. Cause that is what they are. That anyone could be expected to listen to a party with multiple criminal investigations against them ongoing Right Now and anticipate compliance from a stacked crowd of informed key players, land owners, mayors, scientists, experts, mine specialists and plenty of average concerned citizens is simply, no longer useful. I am thrilled albertans were.fed up with polite acceptance of outrights lies and being yelled at by Jean on mic. Their arrogance. Their gaslighting. The misdirection! Blaming the ndp for this after 60 years of conservaitive rule?! ..the room could only laugh at that one..and did. I saw democracy in action. I am glad they came - albeit YEARS late and on short notice. Im glad they stayed. Im glad they actually took questions. I am immensley pleased no one was arrested or removed.

The performance of protest got its aim- coast to coast media coverage and greater awareness. The performance of politics also had its win, Jean shook hands and handed out cards, they can say they came. Municipal level government and politicos who work the inside channels can make claims rightfully debriding the lack of decorum which puts them in good light to maintain hope for provincial promises delivered. It was not a night for "effective engagement" imo, but it was an exceptional night for getting the temperature for coal in Alberta. It's HOT. Was it excruciating to be there? Yes, like a slow bar brawl for 3 hours. Bravo to all I say.

Further, The party does not warrant congratulations in the slightest for showing up to a scripted town hall 5 years after asking, with 4 days notice. None. Representing constituents IS the job. The panellists clearly have not gotten out beyond the perimeter of their own cheering squad since they've been in office, and what an abject dismissal of their duty that is. Also woefully unprepared for legitiamte discusion allowing no time for in depth questions after time wasted with their canned script.

I'd like to speak to the rumour of "paid for" pro coal lobby presence. Northback paid 5 million to Pikani elected cheifs in 2024 alone, the 2 that resigned in opposition had their share distributed amongt the 3 that accepted. We also know that the crownest "grassroots" community efforts were actually funded by a Coal Industry Communications arm to make it look like citizens efforts. So there Is a proven history of "paid for coal support" in the pass. That said, I think none of the pro coal ppl present last night were paid. But the suspicion came not without Real history.

Lastly Jen I am so grateful for the way you lead and I suspect your real challenge here is only that your are applying how you govern and your rational expectations to a group of literal crooks and the crowd that called them on it.

You listen to constituents, are engaged nonstop, are effective, honest and rational. Thank you for that.

Every point I've made here, and many many more have been proven and released in press. Folks who've been following this for years are far more nimble with the science and facts than any party on the provincial level right now, as was clear to see last night by their apparent lack of knowledge of the most basic science.

Last night was organic, a sail of broad proportions that unfurled and filled to tearing in the hot wind of Jean's blathering and berating of an exceptionally well informed audience. No body could have pulled that off if they wanted to. It was real and ugly. I also argue that while painful and upsetting, it was effective in that they know 100s of ppl will.show up when it's not convenient and let them know how they feel. It has taken years to get to this boil over point and They, not the citizens are 100 percent to blame.

[PepsiFree]

Originally Posted by DownInFlames

The actual operation is enjoyable but the unpredictability of our fellow drivers is quite annoying.

They can be and often are super annoying, no doubt. I’ve had wonderful drives ruined by other people. But stressful? Certainly not. And even the daily commute can be enjoyable. I have a nice little route I take, construction and traffic and all that, yet still every few commutes I get a little shot of bliss. Coming up over a rolling hill with the skyline coming into view or just putting alone next to the river with your windows down.

And then there are the many fantastic driving routes around southern Alberta where driving them feels majestic. I don’t drive anything fancy, my vehicles are pretty utilitarian. But I just love it.