Jared Wesley

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Jared Wesley

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I comment on issues directly related to my research.

If you are a reporter interested in speaking with me about any of my latest research, please book an appointment below.  Due to the high volume of requests, I am unable to comment on day-to-day political events that fall outside my areas of research.

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featured CONTRIBUTIONS TO MEDIA

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)

There's a bargain politicians and Alberta public servants make. Danielle Smith will blow it up

Alberta conservatives have long had a tense relationship with public servants. Premiers from Don Getty to Jason Kenney have threatened to cull their ranks, roll back wages and benefits, take over their pensions, and otherwise reduce their influence and standing in Alberta politics. When do attacks on the public sector go too far? When they break an age-old unwritten rule of Canadian politics: the public service bargain.

(with Samuel Clark, CBC News, 12 Sep 2022)

The Dramatic Fall of Jason Kenney

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)

Policy-making in turbulent times: Alberta, 2012-2022

  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)

What the spectre of Alberta separatism means for Canada

 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)

Healing national tensions post-Ottawa occupation

 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)

Why Alberta lacks a mandate to reopen Canada's Constitution

 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) 

Financial insecurity and right-wing beliefs drive COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among Albertans

 Even if Alberta was motivated to increase vaccination rates through direct government intervention, the measures may not succeed given conservatives’ lack of faith in the province, the premier and the cabinet (The Conversation, 26 Oct 2021)

Who do Albertans think they are?

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

 (CBC Opinion, 25 Oct 2021) 

Equalization is a good constitutional bargain. Albertans should not vote to scrap it

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)

Can Canadian federalism cope with 21st century threats?

The pandemic and climate change are crises the Constitution's drafters never saw coming (CBC's The House, 3 July 2021)

Who are you calling an Albertan?

 What does it mean to be an Albertan? When you think of a “typical” Albertan, do you imagine a rancher? A rigger? A cowboy? A construction worker? How do we define, and redefine, what it means to be of this place?  (Alberta Unbound, 5 May 2020)

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