Giving us back our money

How stupid is the $100 fuel rebate Danielle Smith has announced because of high gas prices?!  Very.

My question always is, with oil right underneath our feet, why are gas prices so high?  It's partly because we can't refine it here.  It has to be shipped to Texas, which is dumb.  Estimates are that the rebate will cost the treasury $350 million.  Why not put that towards a refinery?  Why not put that into education?  Why not put that into doctors and hospitals?

We need these in Alberta.

She must think Albertans are pretty dumb, but listening to a phone-in radio show the other day, I realize they're pretty smart.  Not one caller thought it was a good idea to hand out money.  Everyone saw right through it to what it was:  A naked political stunt to buy votes.  With our own money!  Every, single caller said they were going to donate it to a good cause -- like giving it to handicapped Albertans who have just been stripped of half their allowance.

The kicker is that you have to apply for it, which those in most need will never be able to figure out, which, of course, is what Smith is counting on.  With everyone's tax information in government hands, there should be no need to have to apply.  So cynical.

So folks, it's Bread and Circuses all 'round with this premier.  Not fooling anyone.

And speaking of health care, the provincial auditor is going ahead with a forensic audit of contracting procedures at Alberta Health because a lot of funny business has been going on since Smith took over.  Athana Mentzelopoulos, former head of Alberta Health, was fired after she accused the Health minister and the Premier's office of fiddling and interfering in contracting procedures.  Gee, what a shocker! 

Frankly, I'm with Athana, who is now suing the minister for wrongful dismissal.  That'll be a fun audit to follow!