Latest from Ian Brodie
Opinion
We have an obsession with putting up billion-dollar health-care palaces to prove our empathy
“Seven years from now, Calgary will have its new cancer centre. But once the new centre is open, the province will be under pressure to build the next billion-dollar health palace.” Ian Brodie, former chief of staff to prime minister Harper, on Alberta's "edifice complex.”
Opinion
If we want to get off the royalty roller-coaster, we should cut every Albertan a cheque
"There’s something about Alberta’s culture. We cannot resist betting on the resource revenue roller-coaster every time. When the bets pay off, we want drinks for everyone at the bar. When we lose the bet, we still want a round of shots to ease the hangover."
Opinion
Brian Jean's legacy: What we got, and what Jason Kenney could have had
"Jason Kenney is right — the retirement of Brian Jean is a loss for the UCP caucus, and a loss that will be felt for years," writes Ian Brodie, political scientist and chief of staff to former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, on former Wildrose leader Jean's retirement from political life.
Opinion
Campaign against oil. Why the 'also running' political parties in Alberta should take risks
“If Notley continues her move to the centre on pipelines, there might be room for an ultra-left party in Alberta politics," writes Ian Brodie, the past chief of staff of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper. He has strategic advice for the Alberta Liberal Party and the Alberta Party.
Opinion
The NDP and a possible path to a second victory
“Whatever Albertans think of her government’s record, Notley is an honest and sympathetic character from a family with deep roots in Alberta politics." Ian Brodie, former chief of staff to former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, writes on the NDP's strengths and weaknesses.
Opinion
The UCP and the dangers of frozen thinking
"If you think victory is a foregone conclusion, then, by all means, indulge your nostalgia for 1993. But back in 2015, a lot of conservatives assumed they could never lose to the NDP.” Ian Brodie, former chief of staff to Prime Minister Harper, and political scientist at the University of Calgary, on Jason Kenney's policy deficit and a whole lot of unanswered questions.
Opinion
If you want electoral reform, use the system you despise to kill the system you despise
"Don’t let Liberals who say they support your cause off the hook. Play tough. Play the long game," says Ian Brodie, former chief of staff to prime minister Harper, on how those who still want electoral reform can learn from history, and work the system.
Opinion
Why Canadians had better wish Trump success: Ian Brodie
"Canadians, in particular, should hope he succeeds. After all, we have more riding on the fate of the U.S. than any anyone else on the planet." Ian Brodie, former chief of staff to Prime Minister Stephen Harper, on how — love him or hate him — hoping Donald Trump screws up as president is self defeating. And if he "blows it", we'll all pay a price.