Alberta Edge - UCPs Get Degrees

Alberta Edge

News and insights from The Tyee

UCPs Get Degrees If Jordan Peterson’s online university doesn’t meet the legal requirements for accreditation, then clearly it’s the law that should change. That seems to be the thinking from the premier as uncovered in this week’s cover story. A Tyee investigation by Charles Rusnell found that Smith, and her chief of staff, Rob Anderson, directly intervened with Alberta’s Advanced Education Ministry in an attempt to help get accreditation for the controversial psychologist’s online-only anti-‘woke’ business venture. Rusnell’s bombshell was later confirmed by the premier after NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi grilled her about it in the Legislature. “We think that Jordan Peterson is putting forward an incredible platform trying to bring down the cost of a university education, and you bet we are more than happy to talk with him to see if there is a way he can get accredited in Alberta,” Smith said. It’s not just laws that could use some revamping. The premier believes the courts themselves could use an overhaul. “Most of the judges are appointed by Ottawa and not by us. An unelected judge is not synonymous with democracy,” says Smith. Did the premier of Alberta attack the constitutional role of the courts in Canada’s democracy? Yes, she did, writes Jared Wesley. Elsewhere this week, Ximena González ponders why so many men are on Calgary’s city council, Stewart Prest explains how Carney’s pipeline deal risks Canada’s future, and Andrew MacLeod looks at an alternative plan for pumping Alberta oil to the coast. If you find value in any of the stories above or this weekly newsletter now’s a great time to show it. It’s December and that means we’ve launched our year-end drive to fund the next year of Tyee journalism. As you may have heard we’re finally able to offer tax receipts for contributions, and we have some fun new Tyee swag that donors will receive for supporting our work. But most importantly, your donations will directly help our efforts to fight back against online misinformation. You can read more about our Reality Check project and goals for 2026 in this story. Our goal is to sign up 750 new recurring (monthly or annual supporters) by Dec. 31. So far, in just five days, over 150 people have joined. I know many of you reading this are already Builders and others have given in the past. Thank you, sincerely. If you haven’t given before and would like to join the generous readers who make The Tyee possible, just click here.