How stupid does the premier think we are?
By Lethbridge Herald on July 4, 2025.
GUEST OPINION
David B. Carpenter
Have you stopped beating your wife?
It’s a simple question, just answer yes or no.
This is the classic example of a loaded question, either requested answer to which makes one guilty of an unproven assumption.
Most people smile because they know where the question ends up. I don’t imagine that the answer would be of much value in any criminal proceeding.
Frankly, I doubt that the answer to a loaded question would be of much value to anyone, save and except the UCP government of Alberta, who are prepared to bet the future of Alberta on a series of loaded questions disguised as surveys. I got the “Alberta Next” promotional material on my computer and reviewed the survey questions which put the wife beating classic in danger of being replaced as the leading example of loaded questions. Any conclusions drawn from surveys using these questions are valueless.
Professor Tombe from the University of Calgary is a member of the “Alberta Next” panel. I have heard him speak and was impressed with his research and thoroughness.
If permitted, I am going to ask him if one of his students used the UCP survey in defence of their PHD thesis would he sign the document? How about a Master’s thesis? An undergrad degree? Elementary school?
But more important than the outright lies and half-truths peddled in the promo material are the factual items which are not disclosed.
Firstly, CPP operates at arms-length from governments and the Federal minister of Finance along with the Ministers of Finance of all participating provinces are stewards jointly responsible for its governance and oversight and have exercised this responsibility since 1966.
Alberta’s current representative is Nate Horner but we have also had qualified representatives in the past, people like Dick Johnston, Joe Ceci, Stockwell Day and Jim Dinning.
After a substantial review of the history, until the current premier of Alberta was appointed I have been unable to find any substantive unresolved disagreement amongst the stewards on any significant recommendation to Parliament.
I have been assured in writing by our current Finance minister, Nate Horner, that he is confident in the LifeWorks document which indicates that Alberta is entitled to $334 billion or 53 per cent of the total CPP fund balance.
However, the promotional material for Alberta Next states the new, recalculated amount to be $140 billion with absolutely no explanation as to the almost $200 billion error. Barring an undisclosed commission payable to some Turkish brother-in-law of a member of the UCP cabinet one can only conclude that Nate Horner is dumber than a sack of hammers without the handles. Not in every aspect of his life,
I don’t know him that well, but he has certainly proven to be inept in finance.
And finally, Nate Horner seems to be absolutely blind to the fact that Alberta does not have the right to withdraw from CPP. To do so, Alberta must qualify as a “province providing a comprehensive pension plan” which requires, amongst other things, that it assume by legislation all of the obligations and liabilities of CPP benefits due to employment or self-employment in Alberta, even for individuals who no longer reside in Alberta.
Present value of all liabilities for pensions of CPP are approximately three times the value of the assets.
The actual calculation of the liability owing to be assumed by Albertans must be computed on an individual basis before any notice to withdraw is given, but a fair estimate is that for Nate Horner to grab $140 billion he must legally assume on our behalf $420 billion or so in debt.
Even a school child could advise that you do not know if something is a good deal until you know the price.
These rookie financial errors speak to gross incompetence on the part of Nate Horner and of the person who appointed him.
This may be a purposeful decision because it will give the premier plausible deniability when confronted by the facts.
“I thought that he knew what he was doing.”
Once again, Danielle Smith has raised the bar when one considers the question “Just how stupid does she think we are?
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‘Just how stupid does Smith think we are? Yes or No?’
Nice to distill our future into simple answers …
Do current Albertans want to separate from Canada? Yes or No.
Do current Albertans want to withdraw from the CPP (with assets and liabilities)? Yes or No.
Do current Albertans want to create their own (politician-controlled) police force? Yes or No.
Do current Albertans want an American-style health care or education system? Yes or No?
Maybe the UCP should call a confidence election with an honest platform? Yes or No?
Smith must have read Albertans minds and not waited for her loaded questionnaire or a referendum. She is forming her own provincial police force.
Mr. Carpenter, aside from your cushy “Provincial Government” position with the Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) you have consistently and continuously bad mouthed, criticized and ridiculed our Premier and the UCP. Understandably we (you) have freedom of expression and speech, but after the plethora of your rants, obviously nothing is and/or will change. Perhaps, attraction to Ontario or even Quebec might be a better fit for your domicile? Once again, in Canada, you do have the freedom to relocate to any and/or all provinces. (Should you choose Quebec, suggest you learn to speak and read French due to their mandatory French language enforcement. You may enjoy the Quebec Pension Plan (QPP) as well as their constant separation ideology.). Just saying, but it is obvious you no longer enjoy Alberta, or progressive government and definitely not our Premier….. is ot because Danielle Smith is a female?
it is rather pathetic that the typical narrow, blind, and ignorant alberta first fool suggests moving away when confronted with perspective more intelligent than such an albertan can process.
Well, as Mr. Carpenter is obviously so disenchanted and with his continued venomously against the UCP and our Premier, why should he sustain residency here? He should be able to enjoy an existence and it appears to be the “square peg in a round hole” scenario of him residing in Alberta…. simple solution that I previously extended, move on!
How absolutely ignorant and stupid. Suggesting someone who accurately questions our dictator’s motives with her loaded and pro separatist questions that he move is beyond ludicrous. The separatists have no chance of winning so for u to suggest us that are pro Canada move out is laughable. Get ur head out of the ur butt.
“Separatists” who even suggested separatists? Albertan’s are truly Canadian and not engaging in separation, we are however not going to be bullied by Ottawa, not anymore, and our Premier is front and centre to ensue that does not happen to the best of her ability.
” You have the right of free speach … Until you criticize dear leader. Then you should leave.”
Do you know the term gleichschalten?
seems they are just bright enough to learn how to flip and toss pancakes.