Jen, a great wide ranging interview. I suspect that the majority of Albertans are, like Thomas, looking for the "reasonable centre" in policy that is beholden neither to American funded, Smith supported separatists, or the eastern Canada hardcore ideologically driven left wing of the NDP.
Thomas has always, in my interactions with him during our mutual days in government, been one of those people who makes sure he is fully briefed and engaged on the file under consideration. That focus will make this a successful effort and one that I am excited to assist with!
I can't explain Lukaszyck's motivation beyond prolonging his grudge against the UCP and a desire to remain a public figure. The Forever Canadian petition is a stunt responding to another stunt.
Totally agree. This is just another attempt by TL to stay relevant and appear to be representative of a brand that he lost a long time ago with the public.
I understand where Jen Gerson and Thomas Lukaszyck are coming from with respect to not debating Alberta separatists. Would the calculus change if the debate were hosted by a reputable media organization with clear rules to prevent abusive personal attacks and keep the debate focused on substantive discussions? I imagine that might actually be a debate that the *separatists* would decline to join, but it’d be interesting to hear them asked questions about their funding sources, among other issues.
Unlikely. We are still at the "scoff and vilify" stage of the Alberta secession debate, mainly because the only argument against secession is status quo bias/bogeyman invocation. Albertans are disliked by most of their "fellow Canadians" and their foreign trade is impeded as much as we can get away with.
A petition to say "don't change until we decide to change" is a pretty silly concept.
Jen, a great wide ranging interview. I suspect that the majority of Albertans are, like Thomas, looking for the "reasonable centre" in policy that is beholden neither to American funded, Smith supported separatists, or the eastern Canada hardcore ideologically driven left wing of the NDP.
Thomas has always, in my interactions with him during our mutual days in government, been one of those people who makes sure he is fully briefed and engaged on the file under consideration. That focus will make this a successful effort and one that I am excited to assist with!
I can't explain Lukaszyck's motivation beyond prolonging his grudge against the UCP and a desire to remain a public figure. The Forever Canadian petition is a stunt responding to another stunt.
Totally agree. This is just another attempt by TL to stay relevant and appear to be representative of a brand that he lost a long time ago with the public.
This was interesting. I don't have a dog in this fight, but I still found it interesting to listen to. ;-)
I understand where Jen Gerson and Thomas Lukaszyck are coming from with respect to not debating Alberta separatists. Would the calculus change if the debate were hosted by a reputable media organization with clear rules to prevent abusive personal attacks and keep the debate focused on substantive discussions? I imagine that might actually be a debate that the *separatists* would decline to join, but it’d be interesting to hear them asked questions about their funding sources, among other issues.
Unlikely. We are still at the "scoff and vilify" stage of the Alberta secession debate, mainly because the only argument against secession is status quo bias/bogeyman invocation. Albertans are disliked by most of their "fellow Canadians" and their foreign trade is impeded as much as we can get away with.
That’s exactly the nonsense answer that avoids all the very real problems discussed in this podcast.