In the 1980s in Alberta, the welfare debate was quite vibrant. These days, you hardly hear about it.

Alberta has gone further to the right wing (because 15% of the population has learned how to wag the dog). Yet this government seems to adding to social safety nets rather than dismantling them. But we are heading for an election.

Even Donald Trump could not dismantle the arcane "Food Stamps" program.

Compassion, you surmise? I would say the former welfare deniers can see that it is better to keep people on welfare than letting them become a political or criminal force. Welfare payments are cheaper than prisons. Not exactly altruism, is it?

We need to build a new democracy to better address our social safety nets.