Alberta’s Premier Hancock fooled me

by Jack Locke

I think Dave Hancock is a lousy choice for interim premier of Alberta.

It was 1999. I had written the Alberta Government on behalf of the Alberta Human Rights Coalition, asking that the government under Premier Ralph Klein conduct an independent inquiry into:

1. The death of Karman Willis;

2. The actions of the RCMP in northern Alberta; and

3. The impact of oil and gas development on the health of Albertans.

When Hancock, then Minister of Justice, wrote me back he said nothing about his department intercepting my private communications, which they were doing at the time of his writing me. However, he did say that no inquiry would be held. That “matters that involve allegations of criminal conduct or inappropriate behaviour are best settled within the criminal justice system in place in Canada.” Even though nothing has transpired in the case of Karman Willis.

Moreover, he said: “The impact of the oil and gas industry on human health is also best handled in the context of the existing Alberta framework.” Once again, I beg to differ, significant health issues continue.

It is a testament to the strength of the oil and gas influence on government that would see Dave Hancock become premier of Alberta. Not much has changed.

 

 

Onto The Hard Wooden Floor She Lays Her Head

(written for Swimmer Mar 19, 2014)

Onto the hard wooden floor she lays her head /
I remember past days I did the same /
There can be happiness on death’s long tread. /

As a young pup she roamed free and sped
to spaces and places like living flame
Onto the hard wooden floor she lays her head.

There was much warmth when she slept on our bed
Her ability to leap gained much acclaim
There can be happiness on death’s long tread.

Time is fleeting when you’re floating I’ve said
For all my failures I have shed my shame
Onto the hard wooden floor she lays her head.

She cannot eat without help being fed
Despite infirmity she is a grand dame
There can be happiness on death’s long tread.

The end of life is an idea I dread
Although, loving life is a stake I claim
Onto the hard wooden floor she lays her head
There can be happiness on death’s long tread.

Earl Jones, Former Investment Adviser

This is a story ’bout a man named Jones
Who took his friends and family to lunch
Without regret he picked clean their bones.

In the world of finance and telephones
He was able to cozen after brunch
This is a story ’bout a man named Jones.

Earl a mystery a man of unknowns
Who told a story without leaving a hunch
Without regret he picked clean their bones.

With Ponzi his partner the detail drones
For fraud is often followed by a crunch
This is a story ’bout a man named Jones.

After his conviction he offered up stones
With bankers benign they made a wicked wunch
Without regret he picked clean their bones.

Now he is free of all mortgages and loans
But how will avoid his victims’ punch?
This is a story ’bout a man named Jones
Without regret he picked clean their bones.

A Villanelle For Our Precious Time

When Quebec separates they might not divorce/

They would like to negotiate distinct terms/

But would they keep the loonie? Of course!

 

A dollar is a dollar at the bourse

Divorce would be lucrative for law firms

When Quebec separates they might not divorce.

 

It’s best not to have too much discourse

Too much talk might deep six the worms

But would they keep the loonie? Of course!

 

Independence is great except for the remorse

Division ensures each party squirms

When Quebec separates they might not divorce.

 

When you separate the cart from the horse

Conflict is the only truth that reaffirms

But would they keep the loonie? Of course!

 

Having Peladeau aboard is a tour de force

But even the healthiest man has germs

When Quebec separates they might not divorce

But would they keep the loonie? Of course!