This is the week that was

Richard Warnica wondered if the carbon tax farce was a nod to Western alienation. The Washington Post advised American lawmakers to consider a carbon tax as the discussion in the United States continued. California conducted its first auction of carbon credits. Exxon restated its support for a carbon tax. Barack Obama said there was a conversation to be had about climate change, but his press secretary seemed to rule out a carbon tax. We exchanged tweets with Rona Ambrose. And Bob Rae stepped forward to defend carbon pricing.

Jim Flaherty again avoided the House and again adjusted his budget projections. Stephen Gordon reviewed the economic update. And Stephen Harper promised to balance the budget by 2015 anyway.

Justin Trudeau’s campaign looked to Barack Obama and one of his supporters slept over at David Axelrod’s house. Wayne Easter said Justin Trudeau supported supply management, while Mr. Trudeau zinged a high school kid and dissed Sun News.

Stephen Harper and Steven Blaney were questioned about the Last Post Fund. The Prime Minister commended his government’s immigration reforms. After promising he’d have something to say for himself, Peter Penashue claimed surprise. Peter Goldring decried the CBC. Michael Chong explained his opposition to C-290 and his concerns about how the bill passed the House. The Windsor Star called for Senate reform. Jason Kenney’s perception was measured. Brian Masse and Joe Comartin defended Windsor against Stephen Colbert. Stephen Colbert was undaunted. And Thomas Mulcair pitched his approach to resource development.

Calgary Centre seemed like it might be interesting and Naheed Nenshi had his say on the race. The Conservatives pledged support for snow grooming machines. Police chiefs pushed for the return of C-30. The NDP’s attitude toward trade was moderated. In the wake of Stephen Woodworth, attitudes toward abortion seemed to change. And the Harper government tallied 10,980 fewer jobs in the public sector.

Andrew Potter considered truth in politics. And the Agenda considered poverty and a guaranteed annual income.