It has been quite the summer for revelations about political expense accounts and the pay and perks of politicians. Beyond the criminal behaviour (former federal Liberal cabinet minister Joe Fontana’s conviction for fraud, forgery, and breach of trust) and alleged malfeasance (the 31 charges laid against Conservative Senator Mike Duffy), there was the more “routine” and non-criminal but eye-popping revelations: Think of Kwikwetlem First Nation Chief Ron Giesbrecht and his $914,219 in compensation in that band’s most recent fiscal year.

Ever since Berkshire Hathaway Energy announced it would buy Calgary-based AltaLink Ltd. (an electricity transmission company with 12,000 kilometers of power lines), the predictable protectionist sentiment has ramped up.

For some present-day Canadians, it is often assumed that our identity rests upon a higher tax burden vis-à-vis the United States. Actually, the historical record is that Canada’s identity was originally found in an attachment to limited government, moderate taxes, and more robust desire for British liberty in contrast to the Americans.

Crony capitalism is problematic all on its own.