Regular Contributions
featured CONTRIBUTIONS TO MEDIA
Why can't we be friends
" At a time when political polarization is a top concern for those interested in the long-term health of our democracy, IDEAS headed to Edmonton where we met residents working hard to help understand divides and how to bridge them." (CBC Ideas, 21 Apr 2025)
Who are the Canadians who support a 51st state?
"No major policy initiative, let alone some form of annexation, is going to see the light of day unless mainstream political leaders start to advocate in favour of it," said Wesley, from the University of Alberta. (The National, 5 Mar 2025)
Why the UCP is a threat to democracy
I’m going to be blunt in this piece. As a resident of Alberta and someone trained to recognize threats to democracy, I have an obligation to be. The United Conservative Party is an authoritarian force in Alberta. Full stop. (The Tyee, 6 May 2024; CJSR interview, 9 May 2024).
How Danielle Smith turns 'cheap talk' into public policy
Whatever the motivations, the UCP’s approach has real implications for the future of Alberta’s society, economy, and democracy. How do we make sense of the policymaking patterns? The right answer might also be the simplest one. (with Feo Snagovsky, Edmonton Journal, 26 April 2024)
Alberta's distorted view of political culture
Even Albertans think the ‘average Joe’ among their fellow citizens is a cowboy, farmer or oil rig worker with political views well to the right of reality. (Policy Options, 26 April 2024)
Danielle Smith's Big Pierre Poilievre Problem
A Conservative federal government would create political headaches for the UCP.
(The Tyee, 16 April 2024)
Debunking the Alberta Pension Plan
Anticipating a tough family meal this holiday? Get the debate points in order before the dinner plates.
(The Tyee, 4 October 2023)
Albertans have more in common than recent elections suggest
Over the past four years, we’ve been impressed at the level of civility and moderation displayed by everyday Albertans. At the same time, we have seen worrying signs of factionalism.
(The Conversation, 17 July 2023)
Information leaks can be critical to preserving democracy
Sharing secrets can be an act of defiance, or a last resort. Public servants must take steps to ensure they have exhausted all other options.
(with Dan Lett and Brooks DeCillia, Policy Options, 19 May 2023)
Danielle Smith is not a conservative
Her politics amount to libertarian-laced populism, directly opposed to the sort of principled, incrementalist politics Albertans have had before.
(with Ken Boesseknkool, The Line, 28 Apr 2023)
Democracy itself is on the ballot in Alberta’s upcoming election
During typical election campaigns, reasonable people can disagree about whether a government is competent, its policies are effective or its priorities are in step with society.
(The Conversation, 18 Apr 2023)
Danielle Smith's populist playbook: make the dominant feel marginalized
Smith's rhetoric reveals an attempt by the premier to define a small and influential subset of the population — anti-vaxxers — as both more common and more aggrieved than evidence suggests. In that way, it draws from the right-wing populist playbook being used in other parts of the world.
(CBC News, 16 Oct 2022)