![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.6449401.1652289615!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/square_1180/jason-markusoff-mugshot.jpg?im=)
Jason Markusoff
Producer and writer
Jason Markusoff analyzes what's happening — and what isn't happening, but probably should be — in Calgary, Alberta and sometimes farther afield. He's written in Alberta for more than two decades, previously reporting for Maclean's magazine, Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal. He appears regularly on Power and Politics' Power Panel and various other CBC current affairs shows. Reach him at [email protected]
Latest from Jason Markusoff
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7025676.1699649093!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/alta-healthcare-20231108.jpg)
Alberta cabinet member urges Danielle Smith to remove health minister
Infrastructure Minister Peter Guthrie is urging that the premier remove Health Minister Adriana LaGrange from her post during investigations into AHS and allegations of her interference.
Canada -Calgary |
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7151959.1736460565!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/athana-mentzelopoulos.jpg)
Former AHS CEO's lawsuit alleges pressure to sign private surgery deals she believed were overpriced
The former CEO of Alberta Health Services has filed a $1.7-million wrongful dismissal lawsuit against AHS and the province, claiming she was fired because she’d launched an investigation and forensic audit into various contracts and deals with private surgical companies.
Canada -Calgary |
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7016282.1738712076!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/david-parker.jpg)
Activist group Take Back Alberta and founder fined $120K by elections agency
Influential pro-UCP group found to have violated multiple political finance rules. But leader David Parker insists its activities shouldn't count as political advertising.
Canada -Calgary |
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7204276.1738357384!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/adriana-lagrange.jpg)
Alberta government axes AHS board — again — in latest health reform move
Interim CEO of Alberta Health Services will replace all directors as Adriana LaGrange's ministry heads search for new leadership of a diminished agency.
Canada -Calgary |
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7438449.1737571918!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/trump-inauguration.jpg)
Analysis
U.S. tariffs on Canada: (Almost) nobody wants this, except the guy who really does
The American public dislikes them, along with business leaders, many Republicans and nearly all experts. But Trump has a zeal on the import taxes, and surrounding himself with like-minded figures.
Canada -Calgary |
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7433482.1737114741!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/premiers-meeting-20230712.jpg)
Analysis
Team Canada mates no more: How tariff threat put Ford and Smith on divergent tracks
Their firm disagreements on how to deal with Trump's trade ideas are rooted in their backgrounds, and in their backyards.
Canada -Calgary |
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7424058.1736189673!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/trudeau-timeline-20250106.jpg)
Analysis
Trudeau tried to exorcise family ghosts out west. His own spectre may linger
Early on, the Liberal leader made a surprising breakthrough in the heart of conservative oil country. But he also triggered fresh bitterness with his climate policies.
Canada -Calgary |
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7416763.1734726639!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/smith-markusoff-year-ender.jpg)
Analysis
Danielle Smith reworking Alberta's everything, everywhere all at once
The premier makes no apologies for an ambitious reform agenda. But the more a government dismantles and rebuilds, the more risk there is for road bumps, growing pains and outright mistakes.
Canada -Calgary |
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7414374.1734561452!/cpImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/conservatives-conference-20240412.jpg)
Analysis
New leaders often tighten ethics, transparency rules. Danielle Smith and UCP take different approach
The UCP has created a more generous gift policy and limited freedom of information access. On the horizon: relaxed rules for political aides.
Canada -Calgary |
![](https://i.cbc.ca/1.7410949.1734208793!/fileImage/httpImage/image.jpg_gen/derivatives/16x9_780/devin-dreeshen.jpg)
Analysis
A single-slide show: Devin Dreeshen presents his Green Line map
Alberta's transportation minister boasts his plan for more stations and elevated downtown tracks is better than a tunnel. But he didn't release the report to back that up.
Canada -Calgary |