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The article reports that the governments of the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan are at odds with elements in the Canadian federal government and with the United States. Alberta and Saskatchewan do not wish to share large budget surpluses, earned as a result of high global prices for natural resources, with the rest of the country. The U.S. is considering a ban on the petroleum produced from the oil sands found in the region.

Reports on an independent tribunal's suggestion in summer of 1998 that Alberta's Provincial Court judges get a pay raise. Rejection of the suggestion by Justice Minister Jon Havelock and the Alberta cabinet; Reason the Provincial Court judges mocked the rejection; Calgary Judge John James' reaction; Comment of Mark Milke, Alberta director for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

The article offers news briefs as of March 10, 2014. Topics include efforts towards a deal between the Canadian federal and provincial governments on the Canada Job Grant program, U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel's announcement of plans to reduce the size of the U.S. Army, and debt from pension liabilities in Alberta, Canada.

Discusses the retirement of Prime Minister Jean Chretien of Canada. Idea of former Alberta premier Peter Lougheed that Chretien will try to expand federal power at the expense of Alberta; Support of Alberta in the controversy over the National Energy Program by all provinces except Ontario; Outlook for a challenge against laws proposed by the government to implement the Kyoto protocol for environmental protection.

Focuses on the debate over the future of factory farms in Alberta, Canada. Demands by landowners and municipalities for clear rules on manure disposal; Creation of a central board by the government to approve and monitor hog barns and beef feedlots; Response to the board, including the view that final approval should lie with communities; Drawbacks of the legislation, including its failure to fully address human and animal health.