Jackassery in Alberta

In modern times, the Canadian union movement has lost influence but not relevance. It is easy to forget that unions enabled a broad middle class. Workers in unionized company towns in BC’s 20th century resource economy set the bar for others. They showed how positive full employment with good wages enables high quality life for the entire community.

Yesterday, a black bear was in our yard, but when it noticed humans, it scurried up the Seymour River western escarpment behind our home. Today, another bear visited. This time daughter Jennifer had a camera ready.

A friend of mine is deeply engaged with his local government. He is, by his own admission, a royal pain in the ass to people at city hall. His theory is that municipal politicians are the most accessible elected officials and the ones most likely to respond directly to the views of their constituents. I share his hope that people will become involved in October’s local elections...

BC Hydro has released its annual report. Several realities stand out. Electricity demand from residential, commercial, and light industrial customers remains flat while power delivered to heavy industry has increased. These customers are paying well below BC Hydro's marginal cost of electricity.

Residents of a condominium for people aged 55 and older have been locked out of their homes for more than two and a half years following a fire in February 2024. Disputes and delays involving nine insurance companies have prevented them from returning. Five residents have died while waiting. Meanwhile, the surviving owners continue paying $350 a month in strata fees for homes th...