Jason Kenney on saving conservatism and Alberta’s place in Canada

Jason Kenny the Oakville Federalist. Is the reason Alberta wants out of this Dumpster Fire of a Country.

Separation is definitely a crackpot idea.

Is Jason Kenney a wild rose, reform, maga in sheeps clothing?
The federal and provincial PC parties need to scour the stink of preston manning separatists out of caucus, and rejoin Canadians.
Where is Peter MacKay when Canada needs him?
Likely dissaffected by the stink of the current state of a once dignified part of the Canadian political.

Kenny should never be allowed near Alberta—or Canadian—politics again, and I say this as a committed conservative. I once worked for a non-profit where one of the top executives, who was clearly on the take, was suspected of diverting funds from an education grant into a political campaign—likely to buy influence. I don’t believe Kenny knew about it at the outset, but when he did find out, he went to disturbing lengths to cover it up—actions that bordered on criminal. That was pre-covid and my first real eye-opening to the corruption in politics.

Absolutely, Canada has no time for the old rhetoric, especially as we see the country and it's premiers coming together, what's the point of the Conservatives, Missing the Point! The budget seems the only tag line they can get on, while Canadians accept there are steps in play that must be achieved prior to setting any kind of budget - these are predicated on meetings still ahead of us - Meanwhile Canada is looking for new partners, and what are the Conservatives doing? Again, Stuck on a point - relentlessly not moving on with the times!

Lol😂 it looked like a clan meeting

Mr. Kenney is right that world world has not yet reached "peak oil", and he is right that the world will continue to seek a better, more energy-intensive standard of living, and that it will seek a dense form of energy. In that regard, first coal and then petroleum have the great virtue of storing an enormous amount of energy in a relatively small, not-that-difficult-to transport package. Vaclav Smil has written a pile of pretty insightful books on this issue.

But Mr. Kenny is wrong when he refers to them as "affordable". Coal and nuclear power are now roughly 4 times the cost of wind and solar. Oil is double the cost of wind and solar. Wind and solar are roughly 70% the cost of natural gas. In the long run coal is not affordable, and in terms of generating cheap, community-scale electricity in non-industrialized developing economies, nothing comes close to solar because it doesn't require a grid.

He is (mostly) right when he argues for the replacement of coal in developing countries by natural gas. That would mirror the almost total replacement of coal by natural gas and wind power in the United States, for example. The Economist has campaigned for use of natural gas as a transition fuel for more than 20 years.

There are a number of points on that issue, though. First, the people who are most insistent on building pipelines never, ever, refer to natural gas as a transition they they want to be superseded by renewables. Nor do they ever also state the obvious corollary of the replace-coal-with-natural-gas policy, namely that if it is a transition, then while the transition is taking place the construction of wind and solar should be pressing ahead with all speed. Second, they never, ever, admit in public that Alberta has enormous untapped potential in renewables, or that, even now, Alberta is a leader in renewables in Canada. Alberta stands to do very well in a world that emits fewer GHGs, too.

Third, when the Economist wrote its very long articles on natural gas transition, it was at least 20 years ago. The world doesn't have that time anymore. The scientific consensus on Climate Change is essentially 100%, and the problem is becoming more urgent by the day. Climate Change is now killing something likely in excess of 100,000 people/year in the rich democracies (47,000 in the EU, alone), and probably far more than that in the developing world and the dictatorships. The fully capitalized incremental attributed costs of Climate Change are approaching US$ 1 Trillion/year in North America. The losses are most visible in the insurance industry - the rapidly rising premiums, and areas where insurance companies have withdrawn and refuse to write new policies. We simply have to stop burning fossil fuels. There is no credible alternative based on evidence.

That isn't a left wing or right wing thing. Science isn't left wing or right wing. It is simply evidence-based. It is dedicated to the concept that policies should be based on facts. Nobody gets to ignore facts. Yet there are people on the right wing have live in a truth-free world, and a fact-free world - and not only in respect of Climate Change.

All of which means that the use of natural gas as a transition fuel is not as good a choice as it was.
The clock is ticking on this problem.

Jason Kenney is right about steadfast support for Ukraine and for NATO, and supporting the institutions that make democracy work, and by making democracy work, that make our economy work. He is right that Progressive-Conservatives were the strongest supporters of the institutional stability represented by the monarchy.

But that isn't what right-wing populism in North America is about now. It's about the psychological descendants of Barry Goldwater, George Wallace and Bill Aberhart who spend far too much time on the internet, and for whom the litmus test on all issues is support for Donald Trump. These are people for whom, in the end, Canada means nothing. Jason Kenney is right about the danger that this trend represents for democracy, and for the survival of Canada. But the Premier of Alberta may already have let that gini out of the bottle. That ship may already have sailed.

The need to support democratic friends and allies is, at least for now, the major reason why Canada should make an exception to the "no more fossil fuel developments" necessity. At least temporarily, the negative externalities of fossil fuel combustion are outweighed by the importance of supporting Canada's allies.

That is the basis upon which a compromise can be found. Yes, let's export more natural gas to Canada's allies. But in the meantime, let's get on with building renewables, as fast as possible. That is a logical and rationally defensible policy position - if the argument is that natural gas is a transition fuel. That is a policy genuinely based on advancing Canada's national interest.

What is not rationally defensible, is to demand the building of pipelines, while also opposing the building of renewables, opposing the construction of public transit, and opposing electrification of transportation, and opposing improvements in walking and cycling infrastructure in cities. That is a policy based on doing whatever foreign-owned oil companies demand, contrary to Canada's national interests.

It is important to keep in mind that Canada's largest exports by value are knowledge-based goods and services. That has been true for almost 10 years. That sector of the Canadian economy is highly concentrated in the largest urban centers, and it needs policies that make our cities more efficient. It means more low cost public day care, and any number of policies directed toward making life in the cities easier and healthier. It means a lot more higher density housing, and vastly more public transit. It doesn't necessarily mean high speed rail, but it does mean at least normal speed rail, servicing more places, far more frequently.

Nearly 100% of Canada's new net full time jobs are generated in the 10 largest urban centers in Canada. Knowledge-based jobs are the booming sector that drives Canada's economy. Congestion is a 2 hour/day tax on everybody who lives in that economy. There is no more room to build roads. Commuter rail, regional rail, and higher density housing, are essential to solving that problem. Those are the mega projects where Canada needs to make progress.

It was a great interview with Jason Kenney.

How much $ is Kenney getting from the Tar Sands companies? He is constantly peddling oil as the cure-all for the economy. "DRILL BABY DRILL" He ought to back to the hole he crawled out of. Canada doesn't need his bigoted POV

Jason has always been the voice of reason within the Conservative Party, and a true Progressive Conservative. To bad the Wing-Nuts on the Far Right where allowed to take him out. BTW, Martian Kenney, Jason's Father was a Fighter Pilot and Teacher, and would always ask me, "What have You done for your Country Today?"

You got fired for being a goof go away and stay away

I find Kenney and other conservatives like David Frum as a breath of fresh air. We need just as many moderate and rational conservatives on the right as we need on the left. Ignore the mean spirited and ignorant comments here. 

They are just fulfilling Kenney’s point out how so much bad media has enraged people to engage them… because why else are they so angry with a mild mannered man who speaks rationally. If you get triggered every time someone with a difference of opinion talks on TV that just shows you drink the cool aid or whatever tribe you belong to.

What does this guy even want to conserve? Its funny how he ends up on CBC as the most right wing voice even though he supports nothing our centre right counterparts across the Anglo sphere support

You don't speak for Albertans. You did your damage.
How much money did you take to shut Alberta down. Who did you meet with in Europe before shutting Alberta down. How much money

Did he say he was pro choice? Read his views on abortion in his profile on wikpedia. I live near Bow trail and 31st street in Calgary. The other day there were 2 groyps of young people standing on the corner with huge graphic anti-abortion pictures. I figure they got them from evangelical Republicans in the US. Kenney voted against restrictions to keep protesters away from abortion clinics which other provinces have in place. These young people have never had children, have no idea what it's like to give birth or make an 18 year commitment to raising a child, especially if you are single. There has always been abortion, and there always will be. The availability of the abortion pill means abortions can happen very very early. I always said I would never have an abortion myself (unless I was raped), but never would I judge another woman's need for one. Never. Premier Smith is trying to stop high school students from receiving sex education in school, making them 'opt in' to have acess to it. That's irresponsible.

A beautiful loser, indeed.

The historical grievance of the Anglo is contemporary. I expect my set asides, from the sweat and toil of other ethnic groups. Its only fair.

IDU

Jason Kenny will never again speak for Albertans. He lost the respect of the masses when he promised that COVID would be treated like any other flu season then proceeded to lock Albertans down with the strictest mandates in the country. Albertans will never forgive this 2 faced buffoon because while locking us down and keeping us separated he was hanging out, drinking with his lockdown buddies in the sky palace made famous by the other conservative failure Allison Redford. No Mr Kenney do not pretend that you know what is best for us. He will never be forgiven for his brutal takedown of our religious leaders who dared provide comfort to the hurt and confused people trying to make sense of the insanity. While suicides were way up, Kenney stomped hard down on the people who put their trust in him. So “F” the hell off you globalist hypocrite who stands for nothing other than himself.

Ya thats right Alberta hide your Maga hats bunch of phonies lol

Kenny or "Do nothing Kenny" as we call him in Alberta does not represent Albertans. He is not respected in Alberta and we kicked him out in favor of Daniel Smith because we didn't want a coward for a leader. Now we have a leader with a backbone! The latest leger poll shows support for independence in Alberta rising up to 41% now. Meanwhile, opposition has dropped from 56% to 44%. Thats a big shift without a party or a leader. Thats just grassroots support from the general population in Alberta!

Jason Kenney - you betrayed Alberta. We will not forget!!!!! You put innocent people in jail.

It’s not because I have anything against the crown. We are in ridiculous debt and spending our tax dollars on this nonsense is irresponsible

Everyone I talk to wants to separate, every single person.

Kenney is a rational, intelligent, articulate, and experienced leader; he's also respected by folks on both sides of the aisle -- the opposite of Smith and PP.

I actually agree with Mr Kenney on this! He’s one of the few conservatives I do like…he’s smart, unlike the new UCP trash, which mirror Trump way too much! Alberta separatism is so detrimental to Alberta, especially economically. Just talking about it is already making businesses nervous..not good at all! Just look at Quebec…the bank of Montreal literally moved their head office to Ontario!

No no no…..the MAID program is the ultimate freedom you can have! Don’t tell me what I can do with my body, when I have a terminal disease , and am a burden on my family, and have no quality of life left. Pro choice is also a freedom, that only a woman and her doctor can decide upon…you do you, and let others make their own decisions on these issues!

Fat Stalen… the idiot who forced all those god forsaken mandates on us for months on end. Destroyed businesses permanently and wrecked our economy for decades.

Very interesting. I learned a lot. I don’t agree with everything he said. I still don’t like Kenney.

kenney is a traitor to Canada and a loser. No one ever needs his advice . Just fade off into the sunset.

Have always been a fan of Jason even if I haven't folowed his career too closely not being Albertan. We need sane voices like this to push back on the populist nonsense from the right and left. If he runs for CPC leader I'll buy a membership to vote for him.

Alberta independence 100 percent

Thank you for this and for having Jason Kenney. I don't have to agree with every single word of every single person you have on, but I do appreciate being exposed to something outside of the Grievance Industrial Complex. David Frum, Andrew Coyne and others get us out of our algorithm silos a bit. Cheers!

Conservatives should avoid being ridiculous puppets of the U.S of israel. Especially a Calgary Conservative like Poilievre, supporting a foreign political party that was founded by the terrorists responsible for the parcel bombing and murder of long time Calgary, Alberta Conservative MLA and WW2 Vet of the SAS Roy Farran's brother Francis (Rex)
Palestinian's are Semites, and zionism hasn't meant what Turdeau and PP think it means since the mid 1800's.

As a centrist, I would welcome a Conservative leadership race including Doug Ford and Jason Kenny. Our next federal election would be quite interesting with one of those guys leading the Conservatives.

It would also spell the end of Maga North and their PP leader. I can't or won't vote Conservative again until PP is long in the rear view mirror.

The longer PP is the leader of the C's the more damage is being done. He needs to stop with the "Canada is broke" BS and get down to the business of 'constructive' criticism and offer real solutions.

Kenny has been the worst for Canada 
and Alberta. Here is why, demonized healthcare 
workers during a. Pandemic, the barbaric practices act… utterly racist, taking cultural issues out of context

design to keep immigrants out of Canada, using out of context cultural u issues, he is irrelevant. Direct democracy underminds governments exaggerates divisive politics, we have elections this crap is just that….. don’t like government ……door knock, get involved ….. vote

China as a market for oil and gas is gone in 4-5 years Guess what price of oil drops significantly making oil sands oil too expensive to produce. LNG will never replace coal ever. China doesn’t want it they want energy independence period. Under Paris accord 6.2, 6.4 these countries won’t just give up carbon credits to Alberta/Canada. Guess what ethical oil isn’t a thing refineries don’t give a shit period. Renewables are cheaper by far ……. No hassles. Look at Texas already way ahead on energy storage …… look at the fire season it JUNE

The left captured legacy media ….. give me a break. Like all the newspapers and post media all owned by MAGA hedge funds and Rupert Merdouch

Youth in Asia …. Such a loonie ,…. These are patient choices, regulated under health Canada. Pfo

So your people took you down lol

The Hub at its worst, super right right wing bias. Steven Guilbeault may be dispised in Alta. but he is a very high profile minister from Quebec, and as such merits a place at the table if you eally want a pipeline to the East Coast, Jason Kenny is trying very hard to sound open to Carney's approach, but just can't swallow his bitterness.

The gap between the intelligence of past Conservatives versus today’s leaders of the conservative movement is staggering. I don’t agree with Kenney’s political stances, but he’s an intelligent person.

Your not no one cares what you think

Nuclear!

I like how he appeals to physics but conveniently ignores the impact of emissions on climate.

You go Jason!! Tell it the way it is! Keeping Canada united is the best thing for Alberta, economically and financially!

The difference today, compared to Kessler's time, is that when I talk to people, way more people that never would have considered independence then, are considering it today, including myself, and including young people. On the one hand, Kenney says to take it seriously, but on the other hand, he is not taking it seriously, perhaps like he didn't consider the possibility of 51% approval for his own previous leadership.

Jason Kenney is the only "sound" thinker in regards to oil & gas, staying in confederation, tarrifs etc. Smart thinker!

Go on Jason tell us what kind of anger we should have??????

This was a great podcast! I always appreciate how The Hub sticks to rational, calm analysis as opposed to constant rage bait.