Jason Markusoff

Producer and writer

Jason Markusoff analyzes what's happening — and what isn't happening, but probably should be — in Calgary, Alberta and sometimes farther afield. He's written in Alberta for more than two decades, previously reporting for Maclean's magazine, Calgary Herald and Edmonton Journal. He appears regularly on Power and Politics' Power Panel and various other CBC current affairs shows. Reach him at jason.markusoff@cbc.ca

Latest from Jason Markusoff

Analysis

NDP still waiting for Nenshi wave: poll shows party farther behind UCP with new leader

The former Calgary mayor took the party by storm last year, but the rest of Alberta remains wary of him — including Calgary and Edmonton.
Analysis

Want to boost Albertans' support for leaving CPP? Ask the question differently

Here's another question: Is Danielle Smith fishing for winning proposals to put on 2026 referendum ballot, alongside separation?

Separatists release potential Alberta referendum question, expect Danielle Smith to join cause

An Alberta separatist group released a referendum question on independence from Canada that it will petition to get in front of provincial voters later in 2025.
Analysis

Will Danielle Smith steer Alberta away from separation, or will this train keep gathering steam?

Premier says she wants to lower separatist sentiment. But her political base's anti-Ottawa mood is becoming an anti-Canada mood.

Alberta Speaker picked as Washington envoy

Nathan Cooper has no cabinet or international affairs experience, but says he's been legislature's 'chief diplomat' since 2019.
Analysis

Danielle Smith's reform is nudging Alberta separation vote from 'if' toward 'when'

Activists would need signatures from a reduced fraction of Albertans to force a referendum, thanks to a new UCP bill. But to actually win separation, they must climb a much higher wall (and most oppose the idea).
Analysis

Mark Carney offered some change. Albertans wanted more. Now what will they demand from him?

New prime minister offered more oil-and-gas-friendly policies than Trudeau. Danielle Smith and Alberta clearly favoured what Poilievre offered, and will keep pursuing that.

Big voter turnout needed for Conservative victory, Poilievre tells hometown Calgary crowd

In a rare trip to the Conservative-dominated city, the party leader made his pitch for change and cutting regulations to boost Alberta's oil and gas sector.
Analysis

Red ripple in blue Calgary? Liberals eye record gains in Conservative stronghold

Calgary has never elected more than two Liberals at once. With Trudeau gone, party hoping for record-breaking success in Conservative heartland.
Analysis

Alberta separatists getting organized — a unity challenge for Canada and Danielle Smith's party

Prominent conservative grassroots campaigners will ramp up push for provincial independence if Liberals win federally.