alberta's royalty review: who's side is ed stelmach on?

I spent a good chunk of my evening at a reception hosted by Spieker Point, an Edmonton-based political consulting firm, where I had a chance to take a look at some of their new online political software (and enjoy the really good cheese and political discussion). Thanks to Allie for the invite.

Because I haven't had a chance to take a close look at the details of Ed Stelmach's resource royalty announcement from this afternoon, I will take a look at recommendations and provide some more detailed comments tomorrow.

But considering the media is reporting that Stelmach's Tories are only adopting certain portions of the fairly moderate and tame "Our Fair Share" report, I'm not sure it's going to be as 'historic' as the Public Affairs Bureau would like Albertans to believe.

A friend offered the following commentary by email tonight:

The reaction in this Post opinion piece is pretty funny:
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/story.html?id=95dc1f42-34bb-4f91-ad6c-dc152d884f51

The premier, a farmer from Northern Alberta, showed little appreciation for the implications of his actions, suggesting the sector will continue to thrive.

Emphasis added. Not a farmer! Silly old Northern Albertan farmer. Clearly incapable of appreciating the high finance world of Toronto investment bankers and Calgary oil execs. :)

This story paints a less doom'n'gloom portrait:
http://www.canada.com/nationalpost/story.html?id=af56606f-3eee-4fb0-bf7c-3cde573e125b

Mr. Stelmach's announcement came on the same day that the price of oil surged to an all-time high, and three of Canada's biggest oil and gas companies reported stellar third quarter profits buoyed by high energy prices.

While the Public Affairs Bureau might not have written a very inspiring speech last night, their timing here was brilliant. And, perhaps, a bit lucky.