There's no shortage of skepticism in St. Albert, Alta., about the city's latest garbage collection scheme, especially since residents are still getting used to the last round of changes to the way they get rid of their refuse.

St. Albertans are shaking their heads wondering how an automated process apparently designed for California's climate is going to work in a place where snow banks are still higher than a car in mid-March, and roads are barely the width of a country lane for half the year. Will we all have to stay home on garbage day?

Last night I attended the "live on radio" debate at St. Mikes because I live around the corner. I am continually amazed at the things that Ford (and Smitherman) get away with on the hustings. For the third time, I walked out very frustrated because the issues are dealt with in such a shallow fashion.

Contracting out