Author: Ciaran Thompson

Column: Stop. Think. Then Tweet

For provincial Wildrose candidate Danielle Smith, it was a cheap shot. For incumbent Premier Alison Redford, it was an embarrassing moment in her push to get re-elected. And for executive assistant Amanda Wilkie, it was her last act on behalf of Alberta’s Progressive Conservative Party.

I’m talking about what has been dubbed ‘the tweet heard round the province’ a week and a half ago when Wilkie openly questioned Smith’s commitment to families because she has no children of her own. The Wildrose leader explained she had tried and failed to have children with her husband. Redford had to apologize and Wilkie resigned. Read the full column at the St. Paul Journal.

Alberta candidates address rising power bills and new transmission lines

One of the hot topics for the upcoming provincial election is the recent spike in power bills, which has affected both St. Paul residents and business owners alike.

From large car dealerships to small independent shops on Main Street, the increase in the amount business owners are paying for power is substantial and with the passing of a very mild winter, people are scratching their heads to determine why that is. Read the full story at the St. Paul Journal.

Forward Mark Letestu looks back on season with Pens, Blue Jackets

photo by Jason Mowry/Columbus Wired

Despite sitting last in the National Hockey League with only 25 wins, Elk Point product and Columbus Blue Jackets forward Mark Letestu can see some light at the end of the tunnel.

Playing in the central division among heavyweights St. Louis, Detroit, Nashville and Chicago, the Jackets struggled throughout the year, but have managed a few wins here and there, like last week against the Red Wings. Read the full story at the St. Paul Journal.

Wildrose, NDP and Liberal candidates weigh in on MLA Transition Allowances

A review committee fronted by Justice John Major is currently collecting data to determine whether the severance package, or transition allowance, given to MLAs when they leave office is justifiable, which has prompted local opposition candidates and incumbent PC candidate Ray Danyluk to speak out on the issue. Read the full story at The St. Paul Journal.

Column: Something Leafs and Oilers fans have in common

When I first arrived in Alberta before the new year began, one of the things I noticed on the way back to my sister’s place from the Edmonton airport was a bumper sticker on the car ahead of me. It said ‘You’re in oil country’ and had the Edmonton Oilers hockey team logo. I certainly wasn’t surprised since in any major Canadian city, the residents wholeheartedly support their local hockey team. The same can be said of the smaller cities and towns across the country that diligently cheer on and wear the colours of their hockey team, whichever level it plays at. Read the full column at The St. Paul Journal.

Column: Have fun, stay single

Like many people, I grew up with the idea of someday getting married, starting a family and then gradually getting old alongside work and a couple family vacations to Cape Cod or Disney World. Maybe even taking a few more trips to some exotic places with the misses when we eventually sold the farm, metaphorically speaking (I’m not a farmer). I can recall having visions of these future events or places for as long as I can remember. However, it is only now that I have another vision: being on my own. Read the full column at The St. Paul Journal.

$25 billion in pension liabilities on the books, according to MP

A report released by the Canadian Taxpayers Federation (CTF) a few weeks ago has asked Members of Parliament to shut down the current pension scheme that has been creating hoopla in Ottawa. Last week, local MP Brian Storseth said the pensions are only part of a much bigger issue. Read the full story at The St. Paul Journal.