What now?

Alberta politics is about to get even wilder.

Politics in Alberta has never been boring. We’ve had lively characters like Ralph Klein, weird events like mass floor crossings in the legislature and so many caucus revolts they’re starting to look normal.

But even by Alberta standards, the next eight months are going to be wild. A new Premier who may not be able to pass their signature legislation. A governing party that has to execute a speedy pivot. The provincial election the opposition has been waiting for.

I’m starting this newsletter as a place to offer some interpretations of what’s going on, for Albertans who are riveted to the soap opera that is our provincial politics, but also for folks in the rest of Canada who are watching at a baffled distance.

Much as it’s entertaining to follow the soap opera, and speculate on what happens next, the coming months of Alberta politics are likely to be a stress test for democracy and rule of law in this province, and for Canadian federalism.

So sign up to subscribe, or watch my Twitter feed for posts. I’m thinking I’ll post once or twice a week, depending on events. My first post will come later this week, with some thoughts about the challenges Premier Smith might face in forming a Cabinet.