How the West Was Lost: The Saga Begins

Try not to laugh at the opening of an article in The Globe & Mail this morning outlining Dion’s plans to sell the “Green Shift” to “the West” with a curious mix of long-term promises and threats of being shamed and/or bullied into action by world opinion otherwise:

Liberal Leader Stéphane Dion says 40 per cent of Canada’s carbon emissions come from Alberta and Saskatchewan and the two western provinces will have to do the most to change their habits under his new green plan. But he said it will be good for them — and he’s taking that message to the Calgary Stampede next weekend.

Now there’s a pitch that’s really going to resonate in Alberta and Saskatchewan! Not. As well, I don’t imagine suggesting that oil-rich provinces of “the West” will be largely responsible for Canada being a “free rider of climate change” if the Liberal’s plan isn’t implemented is going to play especially well either. Oh, the editorials are going to be just vicious.

Update: Oh, this was a terribly brilliant idea. A reception at the Calgary Zoo. The Zoo? WTF were they thinking? Good grief. Like the “Cons” need any help… Team Dion has to throw lazy softballs over the plate at them? Oy. The Zoo... for chrissake.

Update2: Well, that didn’t take long, did it? Bristling… that’s such a great word.