COVID-19 communication in Alberta is not working

Over the last two decades, communication practices during a crisis have evolved and adapted to changing technologies. One thing that has not changed in the last 20 years, however, is the need for simple, succinct messaging. There is a large body of knowledge out there on how to explain risks to people. There is also a highly researched best practice approach and a knowledgeable cohort of professional communicators across the globe who can help with communications in a crisis. There is no excuse for this kind of mixed messaging

Keepin’ it irrational: The Sequel

This is exhausting and the list of irrational decisions just keeps growing.

Keepin’ it irrational: The first six months

Let's start with the inaccurate assumption that Jason Kenney and the UCP government are making rational decisions - evidence suggests otherwise. 

UPDATE: We ALMOST gave a conspiracy theorist a platform

It’s a cautionary tale for any volunteer-run, non-profit organization. The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) is a respected association of professional communicators that has been around since 1970. Which is why I was shocked to learn that an upcoming professional development conference in Banff on October 27th featured Vivian Krause as the opening day …

How about we not give conspiracy theorists a platform?

In early September, I was going through my email inbox reading and deleting the crazy amount of newsletters I’ve subscribed to (note to self: stop subscribing to so many) when a familiar name popped out from my screen.   Vivian Krause, lobbyist, writer and researcher in Canada (and Alberta) is known for her association with …

Kent is a voice against intolerance

Ever since I can remember, my sister has broken every mould. The youngest child, with five years between her and my younger brother, she was always surprising.Before she even started school, my father had an offer he couldn’t refuse—at the end of the world, or so it seemed—in Fort McMurray. We were uprooted and transplanted. …

Redux: Inspiring a disillusioned electorate

This is a repost of another blog entry written in the context of the provincial election. I'm revising it slightly in light of the Municipal Election happening now in Alberta. See the original post here. If there's one thing that unites most, if not all politicians, it's the ongoing bafflement about how to motivate an …

Sleepless in Calgary: Startling move by Alberta Liberal board leaves a bad taste

Alberta Liberal Party board meetings have always been a scramble to organize. During my time on the board as VP, Communications (and briefly as President), there were never enough hours to organize agendas and packages. Board members were usually rushed to find transportation and make it to the meetings with busy personal lives and family …

The bizarre end of an era for Okotoks sustainability

Early indications were that the council vote today in Okotoks was not going to go well. Councillors Laurie Hodson and Stephen Clark were strong in their commitment to Okotoks' sustainability model--a globally recognized, award-winning approach to community development based on the concept of "living within your means." But both were worried and as we know …

Miss Cranky Pants: Woke up with a PC tattoo

“Oh my god! It’s the Tuesday morning after and baby, who the hell did I vote for?” (with apologies to Amanda Marshall - http://youtu.be/oxUxIDOOPg0) Albertans woke up this morning to the same thing they’ve been waking up to for the last 40 years--another Progressive Conservative majority government. How is that possible, you say? FEAR. PC campaign …