I comment on issues directly related to my research.

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).

 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)

 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)

 A Conservative federal government would create political headaches for the UCP.

(The Tyee, 16 April 2024)

 Anticipating a tough family meal this holiday? Get the debate points in order before the dinner plates.

(The Tyee, 4 October 2023)

 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)

 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)

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)

 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)

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)

The failure of Jason Kenney’s brand and style of conservatism to handle urgent, complex problems should be a warning sign to those who continue to laud his leadership of the conservative movement and dismiss his flame-out as the result of circumstances beyond his control. The “prosperity first” dogma and belligerent leadership that have come to define the modern conservative movement in Canada are great for riling up people who feel alienated from the political mainstream. If Kenney’s tenure is any indication, however, these ideas are incapable of uniting communities behind a common cause and only end up further dividing a society in crisis. That is the legacy Kenney’s champions must live with, and the challenge his successors inherit.

(Alberta Views, 1 Sep 2022)

  Once known for its stability, Alberta has become Canada’s most turbulent political environment in recent years. This instability includes a revolving door of premiers, caused by changes in government and governing party leaders, and constant churn around the cabinet table.

The tendency to change in Alberta politics has meant that more power now rests in the premier’s office. But policy direction changes frequently and unpredictably because of instability in this important position. As a result, the ability to create and deliver sound policy is hampered, morale in the provincial public service declines and democratic accountability is compromised.

(with Brendan Boyd, Policy Options, 23 Aug 2022)