Don Braid (@donbraid.bsky.social)

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

Proud MSM columnist with the Calgary Herald and Postmedia. Covering politics for 50 years and never imagined it could get this crazy.

968 followers 1 following287 posts

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

Alberta separatist leaders have bumbled in the U.S. for months. They've done their cause no good but raised scary interest among U.S. foes. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #canpoly #yyc #yeg #abseparatism

calgaryherald.comBraid: Separatist leaders' bumbling in U.S. at least warned us of American threatThe Alberta separatist leaders bumbled in the United States, with their sole achievement being to warn us of the American threat.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

10 July

Why the Cord Lund coal fiasco spells trouble for Oct. 19 referendum vote. If Elections Alberta can screw this up, how will they handle about a million people voting on 10 questions each? Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #canpoli #abgov #yyc #yeg

calgaryherald.comBraid: Corb Lund fiasco signals trouble for Oct. 19 referendum blitzElections Alberta appears to be in big trouble and may fail when Oct. 19 referendums votes are being cast and counted.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

29 June

UCP conflict and insults to First Nations mar one of Stampede's greatest traditions. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... @calgarystampede #yyc #yeg #abpoli #cdnpoli

calgaryherald.comBraid: UCP hostility with First Nations mars old Stampede traditionThe UCP government is locked in bitter dispute with Alberta First Nations on the eve of Calgary Stampede, which honours harmony.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

16 June

UCP upheaval in AISH system leads to a suicide. It's one tragic story that unveils a world of fear and pain. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg #canpoli

calgaryherald.comBraid: Life on AISH is hard. Now the UCP government makes it worseThe UCP government's handling of AISH changes make life worse for people already suffering. Maybe it even ends life.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

6 June

Separatism founders on the rocky shores of reality. New poll shows support down 10 per cent since January. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #bpoli #cdnpoli #canpoli #yeg #yyc

calgaryherald.comBraid: Poll shows separatist support is falling fast as reality sets in and vote approachesPolls show Alberta separatist waning, while Smith's government starts to lose steam as well

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

4 June

Dead man's bluff. Thousands of Albertans are eligible for Alberta health care beyond the grave. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg #canpoli

calgaryherald.comBraid: The latest health card news: How to fill a prescription when deadAlberta has 500,000 active health-care numbers for people dead and or gone, writes columnist Don Braid.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

28 May

Smith's struggle to wrest the UCP away from separatists has finally begun. Ministers, MLAs, firing off messages urging people to join up and oust the intruders. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #canpoli #yyc #yeg

calgaryherald.comBraid: Smith finally begins the struggle to win UCP back from the separatistsPremier Danielle Smith finally makes her call. She won't bow to the separatists claiming control of her party.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

25 May

The Prime Minister waves the Clarity Act over Smith's 'dangerous bluff', Could yet another question be ruled out of order? Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg

calgaryherald.comBraid: Prime Minister Carney waves the Clarity Act over Smith's 'dangerous bluff'Prime Minister Mark Carney unloaded on Alberta Premier Danielle Smith's "dangerous bluff" and threatens Clarity Act review.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

22 May

Strong pro-Canada speech from Smith - but she drops a weird, unworkable referendum question. This drama may never end. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg #canpoli

calgaryherald.comBraid: Amid strong pro-Canada speech, Smith drops a goofy, unworkable referendum questionPremier Danielle Smith has come up with an Alberta separation referendum that is long, confusing, contradictory and probably unworkable.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

20 May

UPDATED: Still catching this column up to one of the craziest recent days in Alberta politics, and that's saying a lot. Everything from cabinet resignations to a comms blooper that's now a national joke. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg #canpoli

calgaryherald.comBraid: Two ministers quit, Smith will talk referendum on TV, legislature committee eruptsTwo Smith minister quit as Smith prepares to go on TV and talk referendum question. Legislature committee erupts when UCP issues release

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

19 May

Lukaszuk's pro-Canada question may get the referendum nod Wednesday. But he and UCP are brawling over what it means. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg #canpoli

calgaryherald.comBraid: UCP may OK Lukaszuk's referendum question, amid dispute over what it meansPrremier Danielle Smith and the UCP will almost certainly approve Thomas Lukaszuk's pro-Canada referendum question.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

12 May

As separatist leaders bumble, Smith hopes deal with Ottawa will make them irrelevant. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #canpoli #yyc #yeg #carney

calgaryherald.comBraid: As separatist leaders bumble, Smith hopes Ottawa deal will make them irrelevantAlberta Premier Danielle Smith's Ottawa deal is about meet the crucial tests of public approval, writes columnist Don Braid.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

7 May

As data scandal escalates, separatists plan to flood UCP with new members. Column. calgaryherald.com/news/braid-s... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg

calgaryherald.comBraid: Smith deflects as separatists plan to take over the UCP governmentPremier Danielle Smith is deflecting from the increasingly tight ties between separatist and her party and government.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

6 May

Ottawa finally wakes up to separatist daydream. They wouldn't make it easy. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #canpoli #carney #yyc #yeg

calgaryherald.comBraid: Ottawa finally wakes up to separatist dream of easy exit from CanadaPrime Minister Mark Carney finally throws some cold water on separatist dream. There will be more to come.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

4 May

Put extremist separatism and UCP disregard for regulators together and what do you get? A massive data breach that affects millions. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #bleg #abpoli #cdnoli #yyc #yeg

calgaryherald.comBraid: Extremism and UCP laxity collide in a massive data threat to millionsThe separatist extremists committed a huge data leak and lax government rules allowed it to stay public.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

1 May

The biggest data leak ever? Personal data of millions of Albertan voters allegedly leaked for separatist campaign. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #yyc #yeg #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli

calgaryherald.comBraid: Private data of millions of Albertans allegedly leaked for separatist campaignElections Albertas comes down hard of a data breach involving millions of Albertan, apparently by a separatist campaign

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

27 Apr

Calgary has needed a major downtown police station for nearly a decade. Farkas vows to get one up and running, starting by year-end. Previous councils couldn't care less. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #yyc #yeg #yyccc #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli

calgaryherald.comBraid: Farkas says downtown crime keeps business away; new police station is vitalBraid: Mayor Jeromy Farkas pitched a new downtown police station to stem crime that's keeping business away.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

24 Apr

How did the drawing of riding maps fall into the hands of UCP politicians? It's a strange story. Column. calgaryherald.com/news/braid-h... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg

calgaryherald.comBraid: How drawing the maps of Alberta ridings fell into the hands of the UCP majorityA judges words were hand-picked to give Alberta UCP control over riding boundaries in Alberta.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

23 Apr

With separatists tied up in court, Smith now favors Lukaszuk's pro-Canada question for the Oct. 19 referendum on independence. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg

calgaryherald.comBraid: Pro-Canada question could get the nod in upcoming referendum on Alberta's futurePremier Danielle Smith says the Foreever Canadian pro-Canada question may be the one accepted for the Oct. 19 referendum on Alberta's future

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

22 Apr

Mayor Farkas is getting results for Calgary. He does it by focussing on problems, not scoring political points. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #yyc #yyccc #abpoli #cdnpoli

calgaryherald.comBraid: Mayor Farkas gets the goods for Calgary by focusing on problems, not politicsMayor Jeromy Farkas gets along well with other leaders, provincial and federal, because he focuses on the city's problems, not politics.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

17 Apr

Is the UCP rigging the voting system? Their actions say no - they didn't endorse hybrid ridings - but suspicion is the only sensible response.. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abgov #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg

calgaryherald.comBraid: UCP gives itself suspicious power on riding boundaries, but may avoid the worst resultThe UCP wants to redraw riding boundaries but may avoid the worst result, a flood of hybrid rural-urban seats.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

15 Apr

Justin Trudeau's dazzling life and the wreckage he left behind - i.e. $1 trillion in lost investment. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg

calgaryherald.comBraid: Justin Trudeau's dazzling life and the wreckage he left behindThe delusions of the Justin Trudeau era cost Canada $1 trillion in investment. And he parties on.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

14 Apr

Three byelection losses, four defections, a majority across the aisle, built by his own former MPs. How long can Pierre Poilievre last? Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg #Poilievre

calgaryherald.comBraid: Three byelection losses and a majority across the aisle; more hits to Poilievre's leadershipConservative Leader Pierre Poilievre faces more leadership questions after three byelection losses, floor-crossings, Liberal majority

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

13 Apr

Need a blood test or CT scan? The UCP has a new pay- as-you-go scheme. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #abhealth #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg

calgaryherald.comBraid: The UCP unveils a new private-pay scheme for blood work, ultrasound and other testsThe Alberta UCP has a new plan to create private clinics where Albertans would pay for lab tests, X-ray and ultrasound, without a doc's RX.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

9 Apr

The rezoning bylaw is a goner, although by law it's still in effect until August. Mayor Farkas has kept big promises (except ditching senior city staff). Interview with the mayor. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #yyc #yyccc #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli

calgaryherald.comBraid: The blanket rezoning bylaw is finally gone. Few will mourn its passingBraid: Mayor Jeromy Farkas keeps another campaign promise with the zoning bylaw repeal — probably the strongest start of a mayor in decades.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

8 Apr

Another Conservative MP bolts to Liberals. Majority is assured by Monday night. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg

calgaryherald.comBraid: Another Conservative MP crosses; Liberals will have their majority MondayBraid: Sarnia Conservative MP Marilyn Gladu's floor-crossing places the Liberals on the verge of a majority. More expected are soon.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

8 Apr

Riding boundary changes are usually boring - but not this plan. It would tilt political advantage to the UCP for many years. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg #yyccc

calgaryherald.comBraid: Startling riding boundary plan could tip Alberta politics to the UCPA riding boundary plan, if adopted by UCP, could tip an election in their direction.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

31 Mar

Separatists vow they've got the signatures. Firebrand Rath says Smith has to get with the program, and fast, or look like a drunk lighting cigars with $100 bills. (yah, he said that.) Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #yyc #yeg #cdnpoli #yyccc

calgaryherald.comBraid: Separatists claim they've got the signatures and a vote on independence is coming onJeffrey Rath, Alberta Prosperity Project leader, says the separatists now have enough signatures to force a referendum on independence.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

30 Mar

Lots of funny stuff out of NDP Leadership meeting, but there's nothing amusing about Avi Lewis. His social democracy verges on communism. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abndp #ndp #ableg #yyc #yeg #abpoli #cdnpoli

calgaryherald.comBraid: Under new leader Avi Lewis, federal NDP looks more communist than social democraticAvi Lewis takes the federal NDP far to the left — so far that it looks communist rather than social democratic, writes columnist Don Braid.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

27 Mar

Good news - UCP isn't trying to rig Auditor General report into health procurement scandal. They name hard-nosed A-G insider as new boss. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg #yyccc

calgaryherald.comBraid: With crucial scandal report coming, UCP makes the right choice for auditor generalThe UCP was expected to rig the choice for new Auditor General in order to spike report on health spending scandal. Instead, they did the right thing.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

24 Mar

· The golden cat Smith accepted goes public with an actual photo. She's a leopard, not just any cat - and not gold either. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #bpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg

calgaryherald.comBraid: The cat sculpture gift from Saudi Arabia is beautiful. It just isn't goldBraid: Premier Smith has been taking heat for accepting a cat sculpture from Saudi Arabia, with claims it's pure gold. But it's copper.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

23 Mar

Smith and UCP government are all in for artificial intelligence. Do they see the creepy, deceptive side? Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #yyc #yeg #cdnpoli

calgaryherald.comBraid: Smith is all in with artificial intelligence. Does she see the creepy side?Premier Danielle Smith's government is rapidly adopting artificial intelligence. Does she see its flaws and deceptions?

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

20 Mar

As health contract mess heats up with Mountie searches, the UCP is set to pick a new auditor general to write report. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg #yyc

calgaryherald.comBraid: UCP will pick a new auditor general to write explosive health spending reportDoug Wylie is done as Alberta auditor general before he can write explosive health report. UCP will name a replacement for that tricky job.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

17 Mar

Work Cup of hockey is coming to Calgary's (unfinished) rink. It's a sign of trust from the NHL and a huge win for the city. Look out, Edmonton. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #yyc #yeg #cdnpoli #nhl

calgaryherald.comBraid: World Cup of Hockey is a huge win for Calgary's unfinished rink. Look out, EdmontonNHL boss Gary Bettman is putting faith in Calgary's unfinished hockey rink — a big win for the city.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

16 Mar

Muni Minister Williams says officials could be named and even punished if found at fault in city's water pipe fiasco. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abed #yyc #yyccc #abgov #abpoli @cdnpoli

calgaryherald.comBraid: Minister says those at fault in Bearspaw water fiasco could be named, punishedBraid: Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Dan Williams says his probe into Bearspaw water main eruptions could name and punish officials.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

12 Mar

Furious First Nations chiefs cross the sea to meet a friendly king. They've had it with UCP ducking and weaving over separatism. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yeg #yyc

calgaryherald.comBraid: First Nations fury over separatism sends leaders to Buckingham PalaceThe visit of First Nations chiefs to King Charles III show how fearful they are of Alberta's separatist climate, writes columnist Don Braid.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

11 Mar

The murky world of referendum questions. How does a pro-separatist question get on the government ballot, while a pro-Canada question doesn't? Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg #independence

calgaryherald.comBraid: How separatism gets on the referendum while pro-Canada question misses outPremier Danielle Smith has a murky but shrewd referendum strategy, writes columnist Don Braid.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

10 Mar

EXCLUSIVE: Farkas wants Enmax to take over water utility from city hall officials. Also, he urges Enmax to sell its ridiculous misadventure in Maine. He'd use proceeds to pay for water projects. Column. calgaryherald.com/news/mayor-j... #ableg #yyc #yeg #yyccc #cdnpoli

calgaryherald.comBraid: Farkas wants Enmax to run city hall's blundering water utilityMayor Jeromy Farkas says Enmax electric utility should take over city hall's blundering water utility.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

9 Mar

Calgary ratepayers could be on the hook for the huge cost of water pipe projects - $609 million and counting. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #yyc #yyccc #cdnpoli #yeg

calgaryherald.comBraid: Huge cost of water pipe projects is heading straight for Calgary ratepayersCalgary city hall screwed up and ratepayers will be hit with the $609 million bill for water projects, writes columnist Don Braid.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

26 Feb

This one bleak budget that tops even the NDP deficits of the mid-teens. Spending is maintained but cuts are inevitable. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #apoli #cdnpoli #abgov #yyc #yeg

calgaryherald.comBraid: A bleak budget signals deep trouble for years, cuts to comeFinance Minister Nate Horner brings in the bleakest budget Albertans have seen since the teens, writes columnist Don Braid.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

25 Feb

What happened to the star power? Many Nenshi backers expected a big splash, but now wonder why he hasn't caught on. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #abndp #cdnpoli #yyc #yyccc #yeg

calgaryherald.comBraid: As legislature opens, many Nenshi backers wonder where the star power wentNDP Leader Naheed Nenshi is facing a restless party who wonder where the old magic went and feel he lacks drive and impact, writes Don Braid

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

23 Feb

Fear of U.S. takeover boosts national hostility to separatism, says Canada-wide poll. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #independence #yyc #yeg

calgaryherald.comBraid: Fear of U.S. takeover boosts national opposition to separatism: pollNew polls show fierce opposition to separatism and fear of U.S. takeover if any province moves to separate, writes columnist Don Braid.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

20 Feb

Smith unveils major referendum on immigration and conflicts with Ottawa, to happen Oct. 19. In part it's an effort to spike growth of separatism. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yyccc #independence

calgaryherald.comcalgaryherald.com

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

19 Feb

Furious reaction to separatists rounding up referendum signatures in the U.S. Kenny goes ballistic. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #independence #yyc #yeg #cdnpoli

calgaryherald.comBraid: Fury erupts at separatist hunt for referendum signatures in the U.S.Elections Alberta says it's okay to seek separatist signatures outside Alberta — even in the U.S. — but federalists are furious.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

18 Feb

Angry blowback at separatist attempts to round up referendum signatures in the U.S. Kenny goes ballistic. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #independence #yyc #yeg #cdnpoli

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

17 Feb

The death of a toddler saddens the city. It's the worst example of a deadly epidemic. Column. calgaryherald.com/news/braid-t... #yyc #yyccc #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli

calgaryherald.comBraid: The dreadful death of a toddler shows how deadly Calgary streets have becomeA horrific death of a two-year-old in his stroller shows that traffic safety is out of control in Calgary.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

15 Feb

Jason Kenney says separtation has been "de-stigmatized" by current UCP. The job now is to show what a horrible idea it is. If he were still premier, we'd have a government standing up to separatist leaders. Column. tinyurl.com/yz55wh3n #ableg #abpoli #cdnpol #yyc #yeg

tinyurl.comBraid: Jason Kenney fiercely battles separatism — unfortunately, not as premierJason Kenney has emerged as a fierce opponent to separatism. If he were still premier this would be a very different government.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

13 Feb

Jason Kenney lost his job because of the pandemic. I find myself nostalgic for a premier who would stand up to separatist leaders and their goofy claims. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #bleg #abpoli #cdnpol #yyc #yeg #Independence

calgaryherald.comBraid: Jason Kenney fiercely battles separatism — unfortunately, not as premierJason Kenney has emerged as a fierce opponent to separatism. If he were still premier this would be a very different government.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

12 Feb

Farkas says Ottawa can't deny housing cash because contract doesn't demand blanket rezoning. He calls apocalyptic administration report a "cover your ass" effort. Column calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #canpoli

calgaryherald.comBraid: Farkas says feds can't deny housing cash, scoffs at 'cover-your-ass' reportCalgary Mayor Jeromy Farkas says feds can't take back housing cash, scoffs at "cover-your-ass" admin report that flagged huge penalties.

Don Braid

@donbraid.bsky.social

10 Feb

Alberta separatists finally face the battle-hardened federalist fighters. Plus, I tell a really old story. Column. calgaryherald.com/opinion/colu... #AlbertaIndependence #ableg #abpoli #cdnpoli #yyc #yeg

calgaryherald.comBraid: Separatists had the stage but now face battle-hardened federalistsSome of the nation's top pro-Canada battlers against separatism are finally joining the fight in Alberta, writes columnist Don Braid.