I comment on issues directly related to my research.

 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)

 In October, members of Alberta’s governing United Conservative Party (UCP) will elect a new leader who will then become Alberta’s next premier.  A defining issue in this leadership race is Alberta’s place in Canadian Confederation, with several contenders openly discussing “sovereignty,” “autonomy” and even “independence.” Are Albertans really so keen to sever ties with the rest of Canada? Should Canadians pay much attention to the separatist movement in Alberta? To answer these questions, we looked at data from the recent Viewpoint Alberta survey. 

(with Lisa Young, The Conversation, 14 Jul 2022)

 Ottawa’s streets are quiet again, but Canada is still coping with the aftermath of an occupation that paralyzed the capital for more than three weeks. Jared Wesley, an associate professor of political science at the University of Alberta, talks to us about the government’s work that’s ahead post-protest; and Bruce Anderson, chairman of Abacus Data and Canadian political veteran, highlights how politicians can address the divide. (CBC's The Current, 22 Feb 2022)

 As he has neither the mandate nor the intent to convene a constitutional conference, the rest of Canada should reject Premier Kenney's invitation.  (The Conversation, 28 Oct 2021) 

 The province appears poised for a major political shift, says political scientist Jared Wesley

 (CBC Opinion, 25 Oct 2021) 

There are ways to secure a fairer deal for Alberta in Confederation. This referendum is not one of those ways (CBC Opinion, 8 Oct 2021)