Usually we wouldn't release two shows so close together, but our last episode on federal issues and this one regarding Alberta topics are too timely to wait.

A listener asked for some analysis on the recent changes to the Alberta Legislature Standing Orders as of February 24th. We take a look into what we see as the main changes and what those potentially mean. This could be a more dry section for some listeners. If you are looking to skip to referenda and budget talk, skip ahead to about 20:26 in the episode.

Premier Smith announced her intention hold a provincial referendum on two main topics later this year in October - public services for immigrants and provincial input on judicial appointments to the Court of King's Bench. John and I discuss the merits (or lack of) these topic, including if public services for immigrants even costs the province significant amounts.

Do you know what the difference in operational spending is in Alberta between 2019 and the proposed budget? The number is shocking. We also take a look at the recently revealed provincial budget for 2026-27 and go through some high level analysis of its operational spending, particularly in health care and education. Are you seeing that much of a benefit for the massive increase in expenditure? Take a listen and find out how much our budget has increased. Hope your sitting down!

John and I discuss and overview of the political spectrum and what you find on each side as well as how parties in Canada fall onto that. John also describes a better way other than spectrums to describe political ideology!

We also talk about Matt Jeneroux's floor crossing and a but about how that fits into the recent conservative leadership review.

Wrapping up the show we look at how Prime Minister Carney has moved the federal Liberal Party further to the center ending with a look at the recent announcement of the new procurement strategy for defence in Canada.

As conservative leader Pierre Poilievre prepares to face a leadership review the last week of January, we John and I talk a bit about what percentage of confidence is required to maintain effective leadership within a political party and how the conventions work.

We also digest the recent announcement by Carney to allow former levels of Chinese EVs back into Canada, and the potential impact on Alberta's oil industry as the US gains control of Venezuela.