- "A federal Liberal caucus meeting in Regina, a cabinet meeting in Winnipeg, and a concerned prime minister appearing in Edmonton to assure reporters that "the whole question of discontent in Western Canada is a very important issue." Can there by any more certain indication that the Paul Martin government is gearing up for an election? Sadly, it's not too cynical to suggest that the only time western discontent becomes "a very important issue" is in the run-up to a federal election. It's not accidental that this is the second time this PM has come West to reassure voters that their issues are very much on the Liberal agenda. But what has he done since his previous high-profile display of concern, just before the last vote?" Details ->

- "Qualifying the latest surge in gas prices as a robbery, a Montreal accounting professor called on the federal government yesterday to nationalize the oil industry." Leo-Paul Lauzon says "Oil companies are making immoral profits on the back of this society." Details ->

- Federal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale believes the Liberal caucus retreat in Regina is a "helpful step" in defeating Western alienation. The caucus meets at the Delta Hotel in Regina from August 22 to 25, 2005. "It's an important opportunity for the caucus to learn more about Saskatchewan and to connect better with Saskatchewan people" said Goodale. Details ->

- Elder Advocates of Alberta Society filed a lawsuit last month in Court of Queen's Bench on behalf of more than 13,000 seniors across Alberta. The lawuit alleges rent hikes of more than 40 per cent were imposed by the province's nine health authorities in 2003 were "unjustified and arbitrary" and claims that, in announcing the rate hikes, the government made "untrue or inaccurate" statements when it said the $58 million generated by by fee increase would allow continuing care facilities to "improve the living environment of its class members." The lawsuit "also alleges the higher accommodation fees helped subsidize health-care costs in nursing homes." Details ->

- Paul Stanway of the Edmonton Sun explores the opinion survey of Canadian business leaders from July 2005. Canadian CEOs and company presidents predict the future of Alberta. Predictions include increases in money and the political power of separation. "A Future of Wealth and Separatism" Details ->

- "Alberta is somewhat of a puzzle for most Canadians. How can a province be so chronically unhappy with its place in Confederation when it is so prosperous, so blessed with natural resource wealth and has just posted a $5-billion surplus for 2004/05?" Details ->

- "Senators have been ordered back to Ottawa next week in a bid to pass into law the controversial bill legalizing same-sex marriage and a $4.6 billion amendment to the budget." Details ->

- "A University of Alberta professor I know sent me a lengthy article he's trying to get published, entitled: "Let's get while the getting's good." In it, Leon Craig, professor emeritus of political science, lays out a case for Alberta to declare unilateral independence. And he lays it out well." Details ->