GCA Insights
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GCA Insights: MLA Recall in Alberta – A Strategic Communications Perspective
The United Conservative Party is facing a communications challenge. Premier Danielle Smith has long framed recall legislation as a hallmark of democratic empowerment, yet she now warns that the same tool is being “weaponized” when constituents target her caucus. For a government that has leaned heavily on grassroots language, this tension is not just political.…
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GCA Insights: When narratives collide – Smith’s pivot to “Canada can work” rejected at UCP AGM
Pipeline mandate rejected by separatists members. Grievance politics, pandering to continue for now. Premier Danielle Smith’s weekend began with a grand bargain in the bag and ended with a familiar balancing act. Fresh off signing a memorandum of understanding with Ottawa hailed as a breakthrough for Alberta’s energy sector, she walked into the United Conservative…
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Bill 13: Free speech vs reputational risk – Why Alberta employers should pay attention
Please review the disclaimer at the bottom of this article.* Summary If passed, Alberta’s proposed Bill 13, the Regulated Professions Neutrality Act would narrow the authority of professional regulatory bodies over the off‑duty expressive conduct of their members.The UCP government has informally dubbed this legislation the “Peterson law,” referencing the 2023 case of Jordan Peterson, who…
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GCA Insights: Turning Setbacks into Strategic Wins – Communications Lessons from Calgary’s Flag Debate
Why This Matters In moments of civic tension, leaders do not just need the right policy. They need the right process. Trust is built through preparation, collaboration, and a clear explanation of intent. Calgary’s recent flag debate offers a useful case study in how sequencing, optics, and stakeholder engagement can impact how the public interprets…
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Strategic Communications: The Competitive Edge in Politicized Business Environments
Last week I attended FGS Longview’s Calgary Leaders Breakfast at the Petroleum Club in downtown Calgary. The event offered a fascinating look at the current climate Canadian businesses face when investing in the United States under the Trump administration. FGS partners Martin Cej, Maeghan Dewar, Phil Harwood, and Michael Considine shared a candid, insider’s view…