Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta

Husband, dad of 5 & pastor. Follow along for more conversations about Alberta, Canada, faith and the country we share. Thoughtful disagreement welcome

[Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta @ChadSFisher]

You dont have to hate Canada to love Alberta. You don't have to hate Alberta to love Canada. BOTH ARE WORTH FIGHTING FOR!

[Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta @ChadSFisher]

I see a lot of opposition to data centres, and I understand some of the concerns... electricity consumption, water use, environmental impact, privacy, security, surveillance and even government or corporate control. These are legitimate issues worth discussing.

But I wonder how many people realize just how much of our everyday lives already depends on data centres.

Our cell phones, YouTube, Netflix, streaming TV, social media, email, online banking, shopping, healthcare, government services, business operations and increasingly AI all rely on this infrastructure.

We call it “the cloud,” but behind it are actual buildings filled with servers and technology making these services possible.

I'm not suggesting we ignore the concerns. We absolutely should discuss them. But we also need to recognize that much of what we use, enjoy and depend on every day wouldn't function as we know it without data centres.

I wonder how many people opposing them have really considered just how much they already rely on them.

[Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta @ChadSFisher]

🇨🇦 10 things I’d like to see in Canadian politics.

I’m typically conservative, but I want these standards applied to every party... including the one I vote for. We should expect more from politicians than good slogans and reasons why everything is someone else’s fault.

1. **Promises with a price tag.** Tell us what it costs, who pays and what we’ll have to give up to fund it.

2. **Results that matter more than announcements.** A press conference is easy. Delivering what was promised is what counts.

3. **Your own party held to the same standard as the others.** Waste doesn’t become acceptable because your team approved it.

4. **Public money treated like someone worked hard for it.** Because someone did. Taxpayers deserve to know what they’re getting for their money.

5. **Housing plans measured by homes built.** Show us completed homes people can actually afford to live in.

6. **Health care measured by access to care.** Spending announcements mean little to someone who still can’t find a doctor or get treatment.

7. **Responsible projects getting timely decisions.** Set clear requirements, assess proposals properly and give people an answer.

8. **Provinces working together instead of fighting.** We don’t have to agree on everything to cooperate on trade, infrastructure and opportunities that benefit Canadians.

9. **Disagreement without calling everyone stupid.** Answer the argument. Insulting people won’t persuade them.

10. **Politicians willing to say, “We got that wrong.”** Admit the mistake, explain the fix and follow through.

These shouldn’t be partisan expectations. Canadians should be able to demand them from anyone asking for our vote.

Which would make the biggest difference... and what would you add?

[Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta @ChadSFisher]

I’ve been thinking about why some on the left are so opposed to AI and data centres. I can understand some of the concerns about the environment, electricity demands, who gains the wealth, job losses, etc. But I suspect there’s something deeper driving the opposition. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I’m not convinced it’s rooted in doing what is good or best. Thoughts?

[Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta @ChadSFisher]

I read an article that suggested Carney might not be in a hurry to get back to the table with Trump because the fight is helping him politically. I really hope that isn’t true.

Trump’s trade representative says Trump is “comfortable where we are on Canada.” He also says it’s “politically popular in Canada” to be at odds with Trump. That’s coming from the U.S. side, so I’m not taking it as proof of what Carney is thinking. But it does make me wonder how hard both sides are working to get talks going again.

Canadian businesses are dealing with tariffs right now. People’s jobs are on the line. I’m not saying Carney should accept a bad deal just to get one done. I am saying that negotiations should never slow down because a fight happens to be good for someone’s poll numbers.

I hope Carney is doing everything he can to get a fair deal. Canadians deserve to know that getting this resolved is the priority.

[Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta @ChadSFisher]

Calling all nine Alberta referendum questions “racist” without explaining which ones or why shuts down a debate we need to have.

Alberta needs to do better on immigration. Growth has to be manageable, and our health care, schools and public services need to keep up. Pretending there’s no pressure on those systems helps no one.

At the same time, questions about limiting services deserve a serious look at who would be affected, including families and children. If you think a proposal goes too far, say which one and make the case.

These are real decisions with real consequences. Albertans deserve an honest debate, not a label thrown over the whole ballot.

[Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta @ChadSFisher]

“When your problem is the only thing you hear, it starts to fill your thoughts and your faith begins to weaken.”

Pay attention to what you’re listening to and what you’re saying. Be honest with God about what you’re facing, but also remind yourself of what He has said. Spend time in His Word, thank Him for the ways He has been faithful, and praise Him while you wait for an answer.

Your problem deserves your attention, but it doesn’t have to dominate your thoughts. Give your faith something to hear.

“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” — Romans 10:17

[Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta @ChadSFisher]

🇨🇦 A simple financial tip for Canadians:

Stop saving whatever is left at the end of the month. Set up an automatic TFSA contribution every payday... even if it’s only $25 or $50.

At $50 a week, you’ll invest $2,600 a year. Just make sure the money is actually invested, not simply sitting as cash, and always stay within your contribution limit.

Small amounts. Consistently invested. Given time to grow.

Pay yourself first.

[Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta @ChadSFisher]

You can be proudly Albertan, demand a better deal from Ottawa and still want Canada to succeed.

Those positions are not contradictory.

Alberta should defend its resources, challenge unfair policies and insist on greater respect within Confederation.

But WE DON'T NEED TO HATE Canada or other Canadian... or even the federal government to stand up for ourselves.

A stronger Alberta should mean a stronger Canada. It’s time both Alberta and Ottawa started acting like it.

[Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta @ChadSFisher]

🇨🇦 10 Things That Make Canada Special

Mountains, prairies, forests, lakes and oceans... all within one country.

Four seasons, sometimes all in the same week.

Small towns where people still wave as you drive by.

Cities filled with people and cultures from around the world.

Hockey rinks where friendships, confidence and community are built.

Summer evenings at the lake that seem to last forever.

The freedom to speak, worship, disagree and choose our own path.

People who quietly help their neighbors without expecting recognition.

A country where our differences can make us stronger instead of dividing us.

The belief that, despite our problems, Canada’s best days can still be ahead.

Canada isn’t perfect, but there is still so much here worth appreciating, protecting and building upon. 🇨🇦

What makes Canada special to you?

#Canada #CanadianThreads #ProudCanadian

[Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta @ChadSFisher]

Too many people have forgotten how to disagree without trying to tear someone down.

Question a government plan and you’re called ignorant. Support one part of it and suddenly you’re loyal to everything that party has ever done. Nobody is talking about the plan at all. They’re busy taking shots at each other.

If you think someone’s wrong, explain why. Bring facts. Ask a question. I can respect a strong argument from someone I disagree with. A pile of insults just tells me you don’t have one.

[Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta @ChadSFisher]

🇨🇦 10 Unofficial Signs You’re Canadian

You have worn shorts while there was still snow on the ground.

You measure distance by how long it takes to drive there.

You know a snowbrush can also be used as an ice scraper, shovel and emergency weapon.

You have apologized to someone who bumped into you.

You consider anything above 10°C to be patio weather.

You know the real danger of winter isn’t the cold... it’s black ice.

You have said, “It wouldn’t be so bad without the wind.”

You understand that a toque, a double-double and a two-four require no explanation.

You complain about winter every year... and then miss it when Christmas doesn’t have snow.

You can criticize Canada all day, but the moment someone else does, you’re ready to defend it.

Canada: a little cold, a little complicated, and still a pretty incredible place to call home. 🇨🇦

What would you add?

#Canada #CanadianThreads #OnlyInCanada

[Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta @ChadSFisher]

Canada spends too much time arguing over which province gets ahead and too little time asking how we can get ahead together.

Alberta’s energy, Saskatchewan’s agriculture, Ontario’s manufacturing, Quebec’s hydro and the strengths of every other province should make this country harder to compete with. Instead, we too often put obstacles in each other’s way and then wonder why investment goes elsewhere.

We don’t need every province to agree on everything. We need to stop treating another province’s success like our loss.

A stronger Alberta should mean a stronger Canada. The same should be true for every province.

[Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta @ChadSFisher]

Alberta is ending the twice-a-year clock change. Starting this November, we’ll stay on our current summertime year-round. I can see the appeal, but there are real pros and cons.

The biggest plus is simple: no more changing the clocks. Families, schools and workplaces won’t have to adjust their routines every spring and fall. And in winter, we’ll have an extra hour of daylight in the evening by the clock.

The trade-off is darker winter mornings. The sun won’t rise an hour later in reality, but our clocks will say it does. That matters if you’re getting kids to school, commuting or starting work early.

There’s a health question, too. Sleep experts support ending the seasonal clock changes, but the American Academy of Sleep Medicine says permanent standard time is better aligned with our body clocks than permanent daylight time. So, agreeing that we should stop changing clocks doesn’t necessarily mean this was the best time to keep.

Albertans were closely divided the last time they voted on this. In 2021, 50.2% voted against adopting year-round daylight time. That’s a good reason to take the concerns seriously, even if many people are happy to see the clock changes end.

My take: I’m glad we’re getting rid of the twice-a-year switch. I’m less certain about choosing summertime for the whole year. I think we’ll get a much better sense of the trade-off after living through a winter of darker mornings.

What matters more to you: daylight before school and work, or daylight later in the afternoon?

[Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta @ChadSFisher]

Good news for Albertans: the province is suspending its 13-cent-per-litre fuel tax on gas and diesel from October 1 through the end of the year.

That’s $6.50 in tax savings on a 50-litre fill-up. Pump prices can still change, but this will help people who rely on their vehicles for work, family and everyday life.

Good on the UCP for making this move.

[Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta @ChadSFisher]

Here’s what I see coming with the referendum, and it concerns me: many Albertans will likely vote “no” across the board because they’re angry with Danielle Smith and the UCP and want to stick it to them. Others will probably vote “yes” across the board because they’re angry with Ottawa, Carney, and everything that’s going on.

Either way, that isn’t wise or intelligent voting. It gives the government, and everyone watching, a distorted picture of what Albertans actually want. That picture could shape what happens next.

There are 10 separate questions on the ballot. 9 ask for a yes or no vote. The question about remaining in Canada gives voters 2options, including whether to begin the legal process toward a later referendum on separation.

There may be good reasons to support looking further at separation, and good reasons to oppose it. The same goes for the other questions. The point is to understand what each choice means and have a reason for making it... Not simply vote with one political side or the other.

Anyone pushing Albertans to vote one way across the board on ten different questions is being manipulative and irresponsible. Too often, they’re playing on people’s anger/emotions to demand loyalty instead of making the case for each answer.

A protest vote can send a message. It can also leave Alberta living with an answer nobody took the time to examine.

[Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta @ChadSFisher]

EQUALIZATION WITHOUT THE POLITICAL SPIN

Alberta’s government does not write an equalization cheque to Quebec or any other province. But saying Albertans contribute nothing toward equalization is also misleading.

The way it works... Ottawa collects taxes from Canadians and businesses across the country. That money goes into federal general revenue, which funds equalization along with many other programs. Taxpayers in every province, including Albertans, help fund that revenue.

Equalization is based on a province’s ability to raise revenue, not whether its government balances its budget or spends responsibly. Provinces with below-average revenue capacity may receive payments. Provinces above the average do not.

In 2026–27, Ottawa will distribute about $27.2 billion through equalization. Quebec will receive the largest total, approximately $13.9 billion, partly because of its large population. However, it does not receive the highest amount per person.

It is true that Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia will receive no equalization payments.

Equalization is also only one part of the larger financial relationship. Historically, Ottawa has collected more in federal revenue from Albertans and Alberta businesses than it has spent or transferred back to Alberta. That is why Alberta is considered a major net contributor.

It is fair to question whether the system is working properly but the debate needs to be based upon the facts.

Do you believe Canada’s equalization system is still fair?

[Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta @ChadSFisher]

CANADA’S BEST DAYS DO NOT HAVE TO BE BEHIND US.

We are a country filled with hardworking people, strong communities, abundant resources and possibilities we have not yet imagined.

If we choose courage over cynicism, cooperation over division and hope over fear, there is no limit to what we can build together.

Canada’s story is not finished.

OUR FUTURE IS STILL WORTH BELIEVING IN. 🇨🇦

[Chad Fisher | Canada & Alberta @ChadSFisher]

YOU HAVE MORE IN YOU THAN YOU REALIZE.

There are gifts you have not fully used, opportunities you have not yet discovered and lives you will touch simply by becoming who God created you to be.

With God working in you, your potential is greater than your present circumstances.

Keep learning. Keep growing. Keep trusting Him. Keep showing up.

Your best contribution may still be ahead of you.

DO NOT UNDERESTIMATE WHAT GOD CAN DO THROUGH YOUR LIFE.