In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we’ll focus on the major development that occurred this week in Alberta: the announcemengt from Premier Danielle Smith of an October referendum on Alberta’s future.The question itself is controversial though: it's not one where the outcome means Alberta separates from Canada, but it’s not a meaningless question, either. It’s muddled enough that neither sides seems to happy.We’ll hear from Thomas Lukaszuk, founder of the group Forever Canadian. The first part of the premier’s question does mirror the Forever Canadian petition question, although Lukaszuk maintains their efforts were to head off a separatist referendum. We’ll get his thoughts on how we got to this point, the remarkable scenes this week at the committee tasked with reviewing his petition, and the campaign pivot for Forever Canadian now that this referendum campaign is underway.We’ll also find out how this is being received on the independence side of this debate and what now for the separation movement, as we’re joined by Derek Fildebrandt, president, publisher, and CEO of the Western Standard. We’ll get his reaction to Smith’s announcement and framing of the question and how this ensuing campaign is shaping up. Plus, we’ll look at the influence of the separatist movement within the UCP and how much of a threat now exists to Smith’s leadership. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a closer look at two major stories from this week: the new pipeline agreement between Alberta and Ottawa as the court decision that, for now, has quashed the separatist campaign to force a referendum.We’re joined in this episode by Andrew Leach, who’s an energy and environmental economist at the University of Alberta, and holds join appointments in both the Faculties of Arts and Law.We delve into the agreement reaches between Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Prime Minister Mark Carney on carbon pricing and emissions reduction that sets the stage for a pipeline proposal to be fast tracked through the Major Projects Office. Progress on this front could go a long way in calming the political mood in Alberta.The duty to consult with First Nations, though, looms large over this project as well as the debate in Alberta around separation. We’ll also focus on the court decision that blocked the separatist petition on the basis that it potentially interferes with treaty rights. Alberta intends on appealing that decision, but what impact could that court fight have on the effort to advance the pipeline project? Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we hear from Martha Hall Findlay, director of the School of Public Policy at the University of CalgaryAmid shifting global circumstances and economic pressures here at home, Hall Findlay is calling for a strategic rethink of Canada’s energy priorities - specifically as it applies to the Alberta-Ottawa memorandum of understanding (MOU).One of the pillars of that agreement is the multi-billion-dollar Pathways carbon capture project - a project that Hall Findlay has long championed. But now, in her words, it’s time for a “better pathway,” which means postponing the carbon capture project and prioritizing major projects such as a pipeline to the west coast.While carbon capture is an expensive endeavour with negligible impacts on global climate, Hall Findlay argues that energy infrastructure and resource development can have a hugely beneficial impact when it comes to both the Canadian economy and the global supply. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a closer look at the movement and debate that is dominating Alberta politics at the moment: Alberta separatism.Our guest this week is Tyler Dawson, he’s a journalist at the Globe & Mail and author of the new book “The Republic of Alberta: An Idea That Won’t Go Away.” The book dives into the historical roots of the Alberta’s separatist movement and seeks to understand why so many Albertans feel so alienated and frustrated.As the province barrels toward what is almost certainty a vote on separation, it’s crucial to understand the deep-rooted grievances that have motivated this independence movement and why the idea holds such appeal for - at least according to polls - close to one-third of Albertans. And even assuming Alberta votes to remain in Canada, Dawson argues that it’s unlikely we’ll see this movement and this debate simply fade away.Plus, we’ll have an update on the story that’s broken over the last couple of days: an investigation into what Elections Alberta believes was the unauthorized use by a separatist group of the province’s official list of electors. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a closer look at some key debates raging in Alberta as we speak with Peter Guthrie, former UCP MLA and cabinet minister who is now leader of the upstart Alberta Progressive Tory Party.We’ll delve into the debate around Alberta’s electoral boundaries and whether the government’s rejection of the report from the Electoral Boundaries Commission is part of an effort to draw a more favourable electoral map.We’ll also discuss the latest developments around October’s Referendum Day: How the government is using public resources to campaign for a ‘yes’ vote on their nine chosen questions - and the ongoing shenanigans and uncertainty around a possible vote on separation.Plus, we’ll find out more about Guthrie’s efforts to bring oversight to government decisions around spending and the awarding of contracts - and how procedural changes have stymied those efforts Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we’re joined by Heather Exner-Pirot, Senior Fellow and Director of Energy, Natural Resources and Environment at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute.Now that Mark Carney and the Liberals now have their majority government, we’ll look at the important decisions they now must make at what has become a pivotal moment for Canada in being able to move forward on major projects and strengthening our economic position.We’ll talk about the wake-up call contained in a new report from RBC, which looks at how Canada missed out on a trillion dollars worth of investment over the last decade - and how we win that back in the decade ahead and become a destination for major investment.We’ll also look at the status of the MOU between Alberta and Ottawa and why there’s growing concern around the attached conditions, including higher carbon pricing and an expensive carbon capture system. Has the difficulty in building a pipeline to the west coast made the idea of building a new pipeline to the U.S. more attractive? Is it now just about the path of least resistance, as opposed to the most significant impact? Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, we’ll break down the latest floor crossing in Canadian politics: the shocking defection of Marilyn Gladu from the Conservatives to the Liberals. How does an ardent social conservative and harsh critic of the Liberal government - not to mention, a critic of previous floor-crossers - suddenly find herself standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Prime Minister Mark Carney?We’ll hear from political writer and commentator Spencer Fernando and get his analysis of what this means for the Liberals’ quest for a majority government ahead of three key by-elections on Monday. Plus, what is the potential fallout now for embattled Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre?Plus, we’re joined in this episode by writer, journalist, and academic John Fraser to discuss his new book, “The Governors General: An Intimate History of Canada’s Highest Office.” We’ll get Fraser’s thoughts on why the role remains so crucial to Canada’s system of government and why it’s so often misunderstood and underappreciated by Canadians. We’ll also delve into the many fascinating personalities who have held this office - and who Fraser sees as having elevated the position (such as Massey, Vanier, and even Clarkson) to those who have tarnished the office (Julie Payette’s “catastrophic” tenure stands out). Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Rob Breakenridge Show, we’re joined by Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi. We’ll get his reaction to the victory of Avi Lewis in the Federal NDP Leadership race, and what the hard-left turn of the federal New Democrats means for the Alberta version of the party. Is it time to sever ties (I argue ‘yes’ in my latest column)? Plus, a closer look at how the NDP is trying to hold the UCP’s feet to the fire on several major issues here at home.Plus, a major new report from the Business Council of Alberta urging government action to speed up approval times for major projects and boost Canada’s ability to attract investment and grow the economy in a meaningful way. We’ll be joined by BCA president Adam Legge to discuss “From Barriers to Breakthroughs” Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a closer look at the link between oil & pipelines and our trading relationship with the United States. Recent headlines would suggest that a new pipeline to the U.S. may be back on the table and that this could play a key role in CUSMA re-negotiations.We’re joined in this episode by Adam Waterous, CEO of Waterous Energy Fund and Executive Chairman at Strathcona Resources. He’s urging government, industry, and Canadians to pay close attention to what’s happening here and to understand the tremendous leverage Canada has right now with regard to American energy needs and energy security. Reviving Keystone XL - or a similar project - could be a win-win for Canada and the U.S. and could help us secure a beneficial trade deal with our most important trading partner. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Rob Breakenridge Show, a closer look at two major challenges affecting Canada right now: the political challenges around national unity and the potential return of high inflation, driven by surging oil prices,.We’ll hear from Mark Milke, founder and president of the Aristotle Foundation for Public Policy - they’ve released new polling and a new analysis of how Canadians perceive unfair and unbalanced representation in this country and what steps need to be taken to reduce tensions around national unity. Mark makes the case that it’s western alienation that deserves the most attention right now.Plus, the Bank of Canada has decided to hold the line on interest rates amid an expectation that the sharp increase in oil prices could once again unleash higher inflation rates. But is there much that monetary policy can do in the face of that sort of supply side shock? We’ll hear from Steve Ambler, he’s David Dodge Chair in Monetary Policy at the CD Howe Institute.Plus, some thoughts on Pierre Poilievre’s appearance on the Joe Rogan podcast. Get full access to Rob Breakenridge at robbreakenridge.substack.com/subscribe