[RoyalHighlander]

I live in Alberta and recently our Premier The Rt Hon Mr Klein sent his mesasage of support from Albertans to the US. , showing his support for them where our PM did not. HAs any one been following that in the news at all? I think he was right myself. Does any one here have an opinion on a provincial premier doing what our PM should have done???

[Rev_Blair]

He shouldn't have done it. He is not a private citizen because of his position as Premier. He does not speak for the Canadian people because most of them didn't vote for him or his party, nor would most of them if given a chance.

Even as premier of Alberta he has no mandate to speak out on federal issues to anybody but the feds and other provinces.

What Ralph did undermines Ottawa's authority and their mandate to represent the Canadian people. By supporting a state engaging in an illegal war Ralph has done us all a dis-service. If he wants to be an American so badly he should pack up his bags and move south.

[electricbuford]

I don't know if this is a good analogy to your question RH . If a U.S. congressman publicly stated U.S. support for views contrary to those stated publicly by the president to a foreign government it would be strongly rebuked by the whitehouse . Some would probably consider it treasonous since it's understood that the president ( right or wrong ) speaks for the country's foreign policy .

[electricbuford]

Oh , and if Ralph Klein is so disturbed by Canada's policies , he could do what several British politicians have done because of their disagreement with Blair over Iraq --- resign in protest .

[Rev_Blair]

I do, Clunk. He scares the crap out of me.

[Malice]

Only thing I care about is the fact that he said he won't support an act of treason, unlike about 6 of his party members.

And yes, I also think the bloc is a treasonous party. I make no favouries.

[mike_van_raay]

I don't know about any one else but i think Ralph Klein was right he is the premeire of Albertia after all and if he has an opinion even if it goes aganst ottawa's position on the war he should have the right to say it.

[Regina]

If he's not allowed to comment, then the rest of JC's peons should sut their mouths too......even when the camera and mike are on.

[RoyalHighlander]

Clunk Clunk:

Was he sober when he said it,and does he remember. I dont think anyone outside of Alberta gives a rats ass about Klein.

Ya he was sobor, he quit drinking a while back...And you would be surprised how many other CAnadians DO follow what he has to say...

[RoyalHighlander]

Clunk Clunk:

I disagree. When it concerns international policies and politics, the federal government is the only that represents and speaks for the people. klein is entitled to his opinions but he shouldnt speak on behalf of the country. Its not his domain. As a private cityzen yes,as a premier no. thats the weay a see it.

He was commenting as the Premie of Alberta, not for all Canadians

[HollywoodHitman]

Ralph Klein at least has a pair........He's saying what many more Canadians believe........

[Rev_Blair]

"JC's peons" are elected federal politicians, Regina. For that matter so are Alliance MPs. I don't question their right to comment, just why they hate Canada so much.

Klein was clearly sending a political message to both Ottawa and Washington, as well as the whole international community. In doing that instead of just addressing Ottawa, he over-stepped his bounds as premier.