When I was a young adult, I had a dad who reminded me that “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” His scare tactic wasn’t particularly motivating – a little removed from my reality actually. I was young, just starting out, with a bright future. I just wanted to begin the journey and have fun. My 20-year-old mind knew what he was saying, but thought it was an overreaction.

The meaning of the phrase is obvious. While we don’t intend for things to go awry, many times the end result is bizarrely different than what we anticipate. We are surprised that things might possibly go badly. After all, in the beloved words of Jiminy Cricket, “When you wish upon a star, your dream comes true!” Or does it?

New year’s resolutions are being drafted by the millions right now, many of which are being recorded by highly motivated people. But while putting resolutions down on paper increases the rate of success, it is not the initial motive that sees those resolutions through. In fact, we can easily sabotage ourselves when setting goals, despite our genuine desire to make them happen. As the weeks progress we can even ensure they don’t take place. How is this possible? Why would a sane person find ways to fail? Continue reading →

I remember a news clip decades ago announcing a new retailer was moving into Canada. I hadn’t heard of it until then, but I remember a sound bite of a woman exclaiming that “this is excellent news for Canada, and will change the way we shop.” She was right.

The Walmart business model is astoundingly successful. After 50 years, it has become a global Wal-Street. It is the third largest employer in the world, with a staff count of 2.1 million (topped only by the People’s Liberation Army of China and the U.S. Department of Defense.) Last year, it clocked in at $447B in sales, with an astounding net income of $15.7B. The six members of the Walton family own almost 50 per cent of the company and are worth more than $102B. If Walmart were a country, it would be the 25th largest economy in the world. But, unfortunately, its success is generated by the mistreatment of its human resources and it’s all fuelled by blind consumerism.

Walmart employees consistently speak about unjust labour practices. Black Friday protests were held yesterday in an attempt to raise awareness to difficult working conditions. Workers continually describe ruthless managers, abuse, short hours and threats of retaliation should they complain. A class action lawsuit by 1.6 million female workers, dismissed last year because it was too large, is currently regrouping in multiple regions. It claims constant, calculated discrimination against women employees. Continue reading →

I think St. Albert’s aggressive tree removal campaign is excessive and disproportionate to the problem. Removing entire streets of trees creates scenes reminiscent of a clear-cut forest. However, I understand the arguments for replacing the unpopular poplars, so I’ve chosen to grit my teeth and turn the other way when I hear chainsaws screaming in my neighbourhood. Continue reading →

Building a new social blueprint for St. Albert plan requires citizen participation.

Since late 2011, the City of St. Albert has been developing a Social Master Plan, a strategic guiding document that will frame and determine decisions about social matters in the city. Continue reading →

(Note: This is the extended version of the column written for St. Albert Gazette for Saturday, July 21. Read the published article here.)

Earlier this week I had an engaging discussion with the owner of a local business. He spoke about his previous employment as a tax auditor for the provincial government. Part of the reason why he left the job in 1993 to purchase his own business, was the ongoing limitations of being a visible minority. After 18 years of service, he had watched white people move up in seniority, while he remained in his position without recognition or advancement, Continue reading →